Split Electric Actuator Drive Unit for Aircraft Volume Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to reduce the spatial volume occupied by electric actuator driving and controlling devices in equipment like aircraft, where space is limited, while maintaining effective control and power application to electric actuators.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves structurally dividing the electric actuator driving and controlling device into a drive unit positioned in a first space and a control unit in a second space, with the drive unit applying power to the electric actuator and the control unit transmitting power command signals, utilizing serial or optical communication, and including features like power shutoff switches and monitor portions to manage communication errors and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the electric actuator driving and controlling device is integrated in a single location, then control and power application are simplified, but the volume occupied in spatially limited areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric actuator driving and controlling device is divided into two separate units: a drive unit positioned in a first space and a control unit positioned in a second space. The drive unit includes a drive element portion and an interface portion, while the control unit includes a control element portion and a communication portion. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function and placed in appropriate spatial locations, reducing the volume occupied in spatially limited areas while maintaining effective control and power application.
2Volume of stationary object
If the control unit and drive unit are separated into different spaces, then the volume in limited areas is reduced, but communication and coordination between units become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A communication portion is provided in the control unit to establish communication with the interface portion of the drive unit. This intermediary communication system transmits control signals and power command signals between the separated control unit and drive unit, enabling coordinated operation despite their spatial separation. The communication portion acts as a mediator that maintains system integration while allowing physical distribution of components.
3Device complexity
If heat-sensitive components are placed in the first space with the drive unit, then device integration is improved, but the thermal environment becomes harsher
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the control unit containing heat-sensitive components from the drive unit generates heat allows thermal management. The control unit can be positioned in a second space with a more favorable thermal environment, while the drive unit handles power generation and transmission. This spatial segmentation protects heat-sensitive components from excessive heat while maintaining functional integration through the communication system.
Data Source
AI summary
One object is to reduce a volume occupied by a device disposed in a first space spatially limited to a large degree. An electric actuator diving and controlling device is provided with a drive unit positioned in a first space in a piece of equipment and configured to apply power to an electric actuator and a control unit positioned in a second space in the piece of equipment and configured to transmit, to the drive unit, a power command signal including information related to power to be applied to the electric actuator. The first space having the drive unit positioned therein is limited compared with the second space having the control unit positioned therein.