Redundant Speed Summing Actuators for Turbine Engine Vanes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuation systems for variable geometry components in turbine engines, particularly in flight critical applications, face challenges due to the presence of bearings and gears in electrical actuators, which prevent the use of redundant electrical actuators and limit control efficiency and redundancy.
Innovation Solution
A multiple redundant actuation system utilizing electrical motors with a differential gearbox that provides speed summing functionality, allowing for independent operation of motors and load sensing, with a redundant arrangement that can maintain vane actuation even in the event of motor failure, using a brake to prevent non-functional motor rotation and a control system for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical actuators with bearings and gears are used to control variable geometry components, then control precision is improved, but redundancy is prevented due to potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is divided into multiple independent motor units (first motor unit and second motor unit), each capable of independently actuating the vane. This segmentation allows redundancy while maintaining precision control, as each motor unit functions as an independent control module with its own bearing and gear mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple motor units are merged into a single integrated actuation system that controls the same vane through a common linkage mechanism. The motors are combined such that either motor can independently achieve the desired vane position, providing redundancy while maintaining precise control through the unified control system.
2Reliability
If redundant actuators are implemented to improve reliability, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both motor units are designed with identical structures and functions, each capable of independently performing the complete actuation task. This universality reduces complexity by using standardized components rather than designing different backup mechanisms, while still achieving redundancy through the multi-functional capability of having two identical motor units.
Solution Approach 2:
The second motor unit is essentially a copy of the first motor unit, with identical bearing and gear mechanisms. This copying approach provides reliability through redundancy while minimizing complexity by reusing the same design and components rather than creating a more complex hybrid system.
3Reliability
If multiple motors are used to provide redundancy, then reliability is improved, but control coordination becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control system receives feedback from both motor units regarding their operational status and position. This feedback mechanism enables the controller to automatically coordinate between motors, determine which motor is functional, and adjust control signals accordingly, simplifying the coordination of redundant motors through intelligent control rather than complex mechanical linkages.
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 system enables enhanced control and redundancy of vanes within a turbine engine, ensuring continued operation and efficiency even in the event of motor failure, with load sensing and precise positioning capabilities, thereby improving the reliability and performance of the engine.
Implementation Method 1
an output speed of the output is a sum of a plurality of input speeds of the plurality of inputs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A method and system for use with actuation system (10) to control a plurality of vanes (39) disposed within a turbine engine, wherein a vane position sensor (38) provides a vane position signal corresponding to a vane position of the plurality of vanes (39), the actuation system (10) includes a plurality of motors (26) engaged in response to the vane position signal, and a differential gearbox (22) having a plurality of inputs (23) operatively coupled to the plurality of motors (26) and an output (25) operatively coupled to the plurality of vanes (39), wherein an output (25) speed of the output is a sum of a plurality of input speeds of the plurality of inputs (23).