Resettable Frangible Link for Manual Override of Autonomous Actuators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control systems lack a reliable method for operators to override autonomous control actuators and seamlessly transition back to autonomous control after manual intervention, particularly in scenarios requiring redundant control mechanisms for safety and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A resettable frangible link system that mechanically separates the second actuator from the control lever using a force applied by the first actuator, allowing for manual override and subsequent reconnection for autonomous operation, utilizing a magnetic or mechanically frangible control rod link to ensure predictable and consistent breakaway forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a second actuator is permanently coupled to the control lever for autonomous control, then autonomous control reliability is improved, but the ability to override autonomous control manually is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous control reliabilityVSAvoidmanual override capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling between the second actuator and control lever is segmented into separable parts through the frangible link. The frangible link acts as a predetermined weak point that can be cleanly broken to separate the autonomous control actuator from the control lever, allowing the system to transition from autonomous to manual control mode reliably.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frangible link is pre-designed with a predetermined breakaway force threshold before operation. This preliminary preparation ensures that when manual override is needed, the link will reliably break at the designed force level, enabling seamless transition from autonomous to manual control without requiring complex disengagement mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If a frangible link is used to enable manual override, then manual override capability is improved, but the ability to return to autonomous control is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual override capabilityVSAvoidreset to autonomous control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The frangible link is designed to be discarded (broken) during manual override and then recovered (reset) when returning to autonomous control. The reset mechanism allows the frangible link to be re-engaged or replaced, restoring the autonomous control connection without requiring complete system disassembly or complex repair procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The frangible link serves as an intermediary component between the second actuator and control lever. It mediates the transition between autonomous and manual control modes by providing a controlled separation point. The associated reset mechanism acts as an intermediary to restore the connection, enabling smooth transitions between control modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the frangible link requires high breakaway force, then autonomous control stability is improved, but the ease of manual override is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous control stabilityVSAvoidease of manual override

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The frangible link is designed with specific material and geometric parameters that define its breakaway force threshold. By carefully selecting these parameters, the link maintains sufficient strength to prevent accidental breakage during normal autonomous operation, while still breaking reliably when deliberate manual override force is applied. The parameters can be adjusted based on specific operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables safe and efficient separation of failed autonomous actuators, allowing operators to regain control while ensuring reliable return to autonomous operation, with predictable breakaway forces and easy resetting, thus enhancing operational safety and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

a resettable frangible link coupling a second actuator to the control lever via the rod. The resettable frangible link enables separation of coupling of the second actuator from the control lever based on an applied force to the rod by the first actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a magnetic or mechanically frangible control rod link to ensure predictable and consistent breakaway forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic Force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

utilizing a magnetic or mechanically frangible control rod link to ensure predictable and consistent breakaway forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4015366B1Systems and methods for overriding autonomous control of a device

Publication Date: 2024.07.24 THE BOEING CO

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AI summary

Within examples, a system is described that includes a control lever for controlling operation of a device, a first actuator coupled to the control lever via a rod, and a resettable frangible link coupling a second actuator to the control lever via the rod. The resettable frangible link enables separation of coupling of the second actuator from the control lever based on an applied force to the rod by the first actuator.