Multi-Plate Clutch Actuation With Integrated Ball-Screw Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern aircraft multi-plate clutches are heavy and costly due to complex control systems requiring separate power sources and electrical systems, which increase weight and operational expenses.
Innovation Solution
A multi-plate clutch apparatus with a non-backdrivable ring-shaped linear actuator and three rotary servo motors, utilizing a spur gear or helical gear drive for external actuation, and incorporating a roller bearing and ball-screw drive element for reliable engagement and disengagement, with a hard-over failure safety feature to maintain control in case of motor failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex control system with separate power sources and electrical systems is used to operate the clutch, then the clutch control functionality is improved, but the weight and cost of the transmission and aircraft increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clutch control functionality with the existing transmission control system. The clutch is operated through the same control mechanisms that control the transmission, eliminating the need for separate power sources and electrical systems. This merging of functions directly reduces the weight and cost while maintaining full clutch control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the transmission operations and the clutch engagement/disengagement. This multi-functionality allows a single control system to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated systems, thereby reducing overall system weight and complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional multi-plate clutch designs are used, then reliable engagement is achieved, but the system becomes heavy and costly due to complex controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the unnecessary complex control components from the clutch system. By eliminating separate power sources and electrical systems that were traditionally used for clutch control, the design achieves reliable engagement through simpler mechanical means integrated with the transmission system.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch control is integrated into the existing transmission control architecture, allowing the system to self-manage clutch operations without requiring additional dedicated control components. The transmission control system automatically manages clutch engagement and disengagement as part of its normal operational sequence.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a lightweight, reliable, and cost-effective multi-plate clutch system that reduces aircraft weight and operational costs by enabling efficient transmission control with minimal power requirements, ensuring high reliability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The linear actuator includes a ball-screw drive element
Implementation Method 2
the multi-plate clutch further includes a roller bearing interposed between the input shaft and the movable plate
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a spur gear or helical gear drive for external actuation
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-plate clutch apparatus is provided and includes a multi-plate clutch disposed to occupy clutch and non-clutch positions at which rotation of an input shaft is and is not transmitted to an output shaft, respectively, a drive element disposed about the multi-plate clutch and configured to generate rotational energy and a linear actuator disposed to convert the rotational energy of the drive element to linear movement by which the multi-plate clutch is controllable to occupy one of the clutch and non-clutch positions.