Shared-Redundancy Actuator Control for Lower-Weight Aircraft Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuator systems for aircraft, particularly in turbine engines, are heavier due to the need for independent modulation of multiple elements and redundant control mechanisms, which increases complexity and weight.
Innovation Solution
An actuator system utilizing two hydraulic actuators, three electrohydraulic servo valves (EHSVs) including a shared redundant actuator control device, and a transfer valve system that allows for switching between different control modes to provide primary and redundant control, reducing the number of control components and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each actuator has two redundant control mechanism pairs for independent control, then reliability is improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the redundant control resources of multiple actuators into a shared pool. Instead of each actuator having dedicated redundant controls, the control mechanisms are combined and dynamically allocated among actuators needing redundancy, reducing total component count while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanisms are designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of controlling any actuator in the system rather than being dedicated to specific actuators. This allows a single control mechanism to serve multiple purposes and multiple actuators, reducing the overall number of control components needed
2Reliability
If each actuator has two redundant control mechanism pairs for independent control, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging redundant control resources across multiple actuators into shared mechanisms, the total weight of control components is reduced while maintaining the required redundancy level for each actuator through dynamic allocation
Solution Approach 2:
Universal control mechanisms that can serve multiple actuators replace dedicated redundant controls for each actuator, significantly reducing the total weight of the control system while maintaining reliability through shared redundancy
3Measurement precision
If independent control of each actuator is implemented, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically allocates control resources based on real-time needs. The transfer device enables dynamic switching between dedicated control and shared redundant control modes, allowing the system to maintain precision while reducing complexity through adaptive resource management
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 solution results in lighter, less complex actuator systems with reduced weight, volume, and cost, while maintaining reliability and thermal efficiency by sharing redundant control components across two actuators.
Implementation Method 1
The first actuator control device, the second actuator control device, and the shared redundant actuator control device can be electrohydraulic servo valves (EHSVs) configured to control a position of the first actuator and/or second actuator as a function of a respective actuator valve control pressures and electrical inputs when connected to a respective actuator
Implementation Method 2
Each actuator control device can be configured to output a first control pressure on a first control line and a second control pressure on a second control line to a respective actuator when connected to the respective actuator
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator system can include a first actuator, a second actuator, a first actuator control device configured to control the first actuator, a second actuator control device configured to control the second actuator, a shared redundant actuator control device, and at least one transfer device operatively connected to the first, second, and shared redundant actuator control devices. The at least one transfer device can be configured to be operated to select between a first control mode where the first actuator control device is operatively connected to the first actuator to control the first actuator and the second actuator control device is operatively connected to the second actuator to control the second actuator, a second control mode where the shared redundant actuator control device is operatively connected to the first actuator to control the first actuator and the second actuator control device is operatively connected to the second actuator to control the second actuator, and a third control mode where the first actuator control device is operatively connected to the first actuator to control the first actuator and the shared redundant actuator control device is operatively connected to the second actuator to control the second actuator.