Ram Air Turbine Actuator Unlocking with Recessed Follower Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unlocking mechanisms for ram air turbine actuators require large solenoids to overcome the spring force, leading to weight concerns in aircraft applications.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical unlocking member with a recessed surface and a follower element, biased by a spring, is moved between locking and unlocking positions by solenoids, allowing the follower element to engage or disengage from the recess, reducing the force required for unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two link knee type linkage is used to move the lock piston against spring force, then the locking mechanism can be achieved, but a relatively large solenoid is necessary which increases weight
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the follower element against the spring force to achieve unlocking, the invention inverts the approach by allowing the follower element to move into a recess that is already positioned to receive it. The spring force is used to maintain engagement in the locked position, but the actual unlocking motion occurs when the follower naturally moves into the recess without opposing the spring force, thereby eliminating the need for a large solenoid.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess in the unlocking member surface acts as an intermediary mechanism. Rather than directly overcoming spring force with a large solenoid, the recess provides a geometric feature that guides and receives the follower element, mediating the transition from locked to unlocked state with minimal force requirement.
2Ease of operation
If a large solenoid is used to overcome spring force in the unlocking mechanism, then the lock can be released, but the actuator size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional unlocking approach by using the spring force to maintain the locked state rather than requiring a large actuator to overcome it. The unlocking occurs when the follower element moves into the recess, allowing the spring force to naturally drive the transition without requiring a large solenoid, thereby reducing actuator volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dimensional change by creating a recess in the surface of the unlocking member. This geometric feature adds a new dimension to the interaction between the follower element and unlocking member, allowing the follower to move from surface engagement into the recess, which facilitates unlocking with minimal force and reduces overall actuator size.
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
This solution enables a lighter and more efficient unlocking mechanism by minimizing the forces needed to overcome the spring bias, potentially reducing the size and weight of the actuator while maintaining rapid unlocking capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The unlocking member may be spring biased into its first position by one or more springs, for example one or more coil springs
Implementation Method 2
The unlocking actuator or actuators may be a solenoid or solenoids
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for unlocking an actuator comprises a first member mounted in a housing for longitudinal movement along an axis. A recess is formed in a surface of the first member. The apparatus further comprises a second member for operative connection to a lock release element of an actuator for movement in a direction generally transverse to the axis of movement of the first member. The second member has a follower element resiliently biased into contact with the surface of the first member. The apparatus further comprises an unlocking actuator for moving the first member along the axis between a first, locking position in which the follower element engages the surface and a second, unlocking position in which the follower element is at least partially received within the recess.