Rotolinear Actuator Capillary Lubrication Satellite Rollers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rotolinear actuators with satellite rollers face challenges in achieving long-term, homogeneous lubrication, especially in applications like aircraft flight controls where maintenance-free operation is required for several decades, and traditional lubrication methods are impractical due to high contact pressures and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a capillary-based lubricant distribution system within the rotolinear actuator, where a low-volume lubricant store is strategically positioned to provide precise and economical lubrication to contact areas, allowing for adaptation to varying operating conditions and eliminating the need for external lubricant reservoirs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external lubricant application or solid lubricant coating is used, then lubrication is improved, but regular replacement is required which reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant store is nested within the satellite roller structure, with the roller serving as both a mechanical component and a lubricant delivery system. The store is positioned inside the roller's cylindrical structure, allowing lubricant to be delivered directly to the contact interface between the roller and the rod or outer ring through capillary channels in the roller's surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator performs self-lubrication through capillary action. The lubricant store automatically delivers lubricant to the contact areas via capillary channels in the satellite rollers without requiring external intervention, pumps, or pressure systems. The lubricant is drawn from the store through capillary forces generated by the contact pressure and motion between the rollers and threaded surfaces.
2Duration of action of moving object
If lubricant store volume is increased to ensure long-term lubrication, then lubrication duration is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant store is merged with the satellite roller structure, eliminating the need for separate external reservoirs, pumps, and distribution systems. The roller serves dual functions as both a mechanical element and a lubricant delivery mechanism, with the store integrated into the roller's internal volume and capillary channels formed as part of the roller structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant store is nested within the satellite roller, utilizing the roller's internal volume for lubricant storage. This nested arrangement allows the lubricant store to occupy space that would otherwise be structural, minimizing the overall increase in device size while providing sufficient lubricant volume for long-term operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If lubricant is applied to all contact areas, then homogeneous lubrication is improved, but quantity of lubricant required increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each satellite roller is equipped with its own lubricant delivery system, providing localized lubrication at each contact interface. The capillary channels in each roller deliver lubricant precisely where needed at the contact area between that roller and the threaded surfaces, ensuring homogeneous lubrication across all contact points without requiring a centralized large-volume reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication system is segmented into multiple independent lubricant stores, one in each satellite roller. This segmentation allows each roller to independently lubricate its own contact interface, distributing the total lubricant requirement across multiple small local stores rather than requiring one large central reservoir, thereby reducing the total quantity of lubricant needed while maintaining homogeneous lubrication.
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 ensures long-term lubrication of rotolinear actuators, capable of lasting several decades, by efficiently distributing a targeted amount of lubricant to contact areas, adapting to different operational modes, and maintaining low friction, even under high contact pressures, thus meeting the stringent requirements of aircraft flight control actuators.
Implementation Method 1
provision means for distribution by capillarity of a liquid lubricant from a store... the lubricant is distributed economically by capillarity from a store
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a rotolinear actuator that comprises: a central rod having an outer thread and surrounded by a ring with an inner thread, and threaded satellite rollers distributed between the central rod and the outer ring engaged with the threaded faces thereof. The actuator includes means for dispensing by capillarity a liquid lubricant at least one contact area of at least one satellite roller with the central rod and with the outer ring, wherein the lubricant is economically dispensed by capillarity in an amount that is just sufficient and precisely at the contact locations of the interacting members, from a tank that may be sufficient for the lifetime of the actuator.