Rotary Solenoid Actuator Release Mechanism for Low-Force Unlocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional toggle mechanisms for ram air turbine (RAT) actuators are prone to failure and require significant force for operation, with complex linkages that are susceptible to wear and damage, and are not compact or efficient.

Innovation Solution

A rotary solenoid-driven release mechanism with a toggle member and helical guide rails allows axial movement of a longitudinal sleeve to unlock the lock bolt, using a spring bias and reduced force for reliable operation, providing a simple and compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional toggle mechanism with linkages is used to release the lock bolt, then the actuator can be unlocked, but the mechanism requires significant force and is prone to wear and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of release mechanismVSAvoidforce required for operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical linkage toggle mechanism with a solenoid-driven direct release mechanism. The solenoid actuates a plunger that directly pushes the lock bolt axially to unlock it, eliminating the complex linkages and joints that are prone to wear and damage. This substitution of mechanical system with an electromechanical actuator reduces the force required for operation and improves reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a conventional toggle mechanism with linkages is used, then the actuator can be unlocked, but the mechanism is complex and susceptible to wear and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidcomplexity of linkage arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the complex linkage arrangement from the release mechanism. Instead of using multiple links, joints, and connecting elements, the invention employs a simplified solenoid-driven plunger that directly actuates the lock bolt. This extraction of unnecessary mechanical components reduces device complexity and eliminates the susceptibility to wear and damage associated with multiple moving joints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If a spring loaded lock bolt is used to prevent inadvertent movement, then the actuator is secured, but significant force is required to move the lock bolt axially to unlock

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking strengthVSAvoidforce required to move lock bolt
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical advantage system of the toggle linkage with a direct electromechanical actuation system. The solenoid generates sufficient electromagnetic force to directly overcome the spring load on the lock bolt and move it axially for unlocking. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical leverage systems, providing a more efficient and reliable force application that maintains strong locking while requiring less operational force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 mechanism reduces the force required for actuator unlocking, enhances reliability, and is more resistant to wear, offering a safer and more efficient deployment and stowage process for RAT actuators.

Implementation Method 1

bias means to bias the longitudinal sleeve to the lock position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

drive means for causing the longitudinal sleeve to move along the axis; wherein the drive means comprises: a rotary solenoid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentUS12191075B2Actuator release mechanism
Publication Date: 2025.01.07 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP
  • US12191075B2 patent drawing
  • US12191075B2 patent drawing
  • US12191075B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An actuator release mechanism includes: a longitudinal sleeve movable along an axis between a lock and release positions; drive means for causing the longitudinal sleeve to move along the axis; and bias means to bias the longitudinal sleeve to the lock position. The drive means includes: a rotary solenoid having a first direction of rotation and a second direction of rotation; a toggle member having a toggle shaft connected to and rotatable with the rotary solenoid, and a toggle head in engagement with the longitudinal sleeve by pins extending radially inwards from the longitudinal sleeve and a helical guide rail provided on a radially outer surface of the toggle head. The longitudinal sleeve is mounted around the toggle head, such that rotation of the solenoid causes rotation of the toggle member and the guide rails which causes the pin(s) to ride along the guide rail to rotate the sleeve.