Swash Plate Pump Actuator for Aircraft Steering Weight Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid pressure actuators for aircraft steering systems are bulky and heavy due to the need for additional power sources to control the swash plate, which hinders downsizing and weight-saving efforts.
Innovation Solution
A fluid pressure actuator design that eliminates the need for an additional power source by using the fluid pressure pump's generated pressure to drive the swash plate, incorporating a swash plate control cylinder, servo valve, and sensors to control the electric motor and swash plate displacement, allowing for adjustable displacement and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an additional power source is used to control the swash plate, then the swash plate can be controlled to reduce power consumption, but the system becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the swash plate control function with the existing hydraulic system by using the fluid pressure pump's generated pressure to drive the swash plate control cylinder, eliminating the need for a separate power source. This integration allows the system to control swash plate displacement while reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own generated hydraulic pressure to control the swash plate, creating a self-service mechanism where the fluid pressure pump provides both the working fluid and the control pressure needed for swash plate adjustment, removing dependency on external power sources.
2Ease of operation
If an additional power source is used to control the swash plate, then the swash plate control can be achieved, but the system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is merged with the hydraulic circuit by using the same fluid pressure source for both work output and control functions. The swash plate control cylinder is integrated into the existing hydraulic network, eliminating the need for separate control systems and reducing overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid pressure pump serves multiple functions: it provides the working fluid for the main actuator and simultaneously generates the control pressure for the swash plate control cylinder. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and system volume.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the swash plate angle is reduced to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the displacement control capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the swash plate angle based on operational requirements through hydraulic control. The swash plate control cylinder can vary the swash plate displacement dynamically, allowing the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining full displacement control capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the swash plate displacement parameter hydraulically to control power consumption. By using fluid pressure to adjust the swash plate angle, the system can vary displacement parameters dynamically, balancing energy efficiency with operational versatility.
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 design achieves downsizing and weight-saving of the aircraft steering system by eliminating the need for an additional power source, enabling efficient and adjustable displacement of the fluid pressure pump, suitable for aircraft and spacecraft applications.
Implementation Method 1
The swash plate control cylinder is supplied with working fluid from one passage of the first output cylinder passage and the second output cylinder passage having higher pressure than another passage, drives the swash plate
Implementation Method 2
The return passage is connected to an accumulator for accumulating working fluid leaked from the fluid pressure pump
Implementation Method 3
an electric motor which drives the fluid pressure pump
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid pressure actuator includes an output cylinder, a fluid pressure pump, an electric motor, a first output cylinder passage, a second output cylinder passage, a return passage and a swash plate control cylinder. The output cylinder includes a first output cylinder chamber, a second output cylinder chamber and an output piston arranged between the first output cylinder chamber and the second output cylinder chamber. The fluid pressure pump includes a first supply and discharge port, a second supply and discharge port and a swash plate for changing displacement of the fluid pressure pump. The electric motor drives the fluid pressure pump. The first output cylinder passage connects the first output cylinder chamber and the first supply and discharge port. The second output cylinder passage connects the second output cylinder chamber and the second supply and discharge port.