Series Actuator System for UAV Redundancy and Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Actuator systems in aircraft and unmanned air vehicles face challenges in maintaining position and redundancy, particularly when one actuator fails, leading to increased wear and tear on sensors due to constant positioning.
Innovation Solution
An actuator system comprising an actuator apparatus and an actuator device coupled in series, with a controller that automatically actuates both to maintain the position of structures and periodically reposition components to reduce wear, ensuring redundancy and fault tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If actuators are coupled in parallel to provide redundancy and increased force, then reliability and force capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is divided into multiple independent actuator units (first actuator and second actuator) that can operate independently or together. Each actuator can be controlled separately to provide redundancy while managing complexity through modular segmentation of the overall system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If actuators are coupled in series to perform different functions or provide larger range of motion, then functionality and range of motion are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is designed so that the same actuator units can perform multiple functions depending on their configuration and control. The actuators can provide both positioning functions and range of motion functions, eliminating the need for completely separate actuator systems for different functions.
3Reliability
If a failed actuator is bypassed to maintain operation, then reliability is improved, but sensor wear increases due to constant positioning adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic repositioning of the actuator apparatus rather than continuous adjustment. The controller is configured to periodically move the actuator apparatus to different positions within its range of motion, which periodically redistributes wear across different sensor regions rather than concentrating wear at a single constant position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively repositions the actuator apparatus during operational periods when failures are not occurring, preparing the system for potential future failures by distributing wear before critical sensor wear occurs. This preliminary wear distribution extends sensor lifespan before actual failure scenarios arise.
Data Source
AI summary
Actuator systems and associated methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the disclosure is directed toward an actuator system that includes a first structure and a second structure movable relative to the first structure. The system further includes an actuator apparatus and an actuator device coupled in series between the first structure and the second structure. The system can still further include a controller operably coupled to the actuator apparatus and the actuator device. The controller can be programmed with instructions to automatically actuate the actuator apparatus and the actuator device so that a position of the first structure relative to the second structure after the actuator apparatus and the actuator device have been actuated is at least approximately the same as a position of the first structure relative to the second structure before the actuator apparatus and the actuator device have been actuated.