Thrust Reverser Actuator Synchronization for Jam-Tolerant Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrust reverser actuation systems face challenges with mechanical jamming due to the increased flexibility of thinner transcowl elements and the inability of lighter actuators to provide sufficient force to prevent or overcome flexure and jamming.
Innovation Solution
A thrust reverser actuation system that includes a flexible structure, power inverter, and two electromechanical devices, with a feedback sensor and controller to synchronize and control the movement of the flexible structure, modifying the impedance of the actuators to maintain alignment and prevent jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If thinner transcowl elements are used to reduce weight, then weight is reduced, but mechanical strength and resistance to flexure decrease leading to increased susceptibility to jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust reverser system is divided into multiple independent electromechanical actuators (first and second electromechanical devices) that work in parallel to move different portions of the flexible structure. This segmentation distributes the mechanical load across multiple devices, allowing each actuator to be lighter while collectively providing sufficient force to overcome flexure and prevent jamming of the thinner transcowl elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple electromechanical devices are combined to work together on a single flexible structure. The coordinated action of these devices merges their individual capabilities to provide the total force and control needed to move the lightweight, thin transcowl elements without jamming, effectively combining multiple light actuators to replace what would traditionally require a single heavy actuator.
2Weight of moving object
If lighter electromechanical actuators are used to reduce weight, then weight is reduced, but the brute force power to prevent or overcome flexure and jamming is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into multiple independent electromechanical devices, each capable of providing force to move portions of the flexible structure. By distributing the required force across multiple light actuators rather than relying on a single heavy actuator, the system achieves sufficient total force while maintaining reduced weight.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback sensor monitors the alignment between portions of the flexible structure and provides real-time information to a controller. This feedback mechanism enables the control system to detect misalignment or jamming conditions and adjust the operation of the electromechanical devices accordingly, ensuring that lighter actuators can effectively prevent and overcome flexure-induced jamming through coordinated control.
3Weight of moving object
If multiple electromechanical devices are used to move different portions of the flexible structure, then weight is reduced and control is improved, but synchronization and alignment between devices become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A feedback sensor continuously monitors the alignment between the first and second portions of the flexible structure and provides real-time information to the controller. This feedback enables the controller to synchronize the operation of the multiple electromechanical devices, adjusting their motion to maintain proper alignment and prevent jamming, thereby reducing the practical complexity of controlling multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible structure itself acts as an intermediary that mechanically links the multiple electromechanical devices. By designing the flexible structure with appropriate mechanical characteristics, it naturally coordinates the motion of the attached actuators, reducing the control complexity compared to systems where multiple devices operate independently without mechanical coupling.
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 system ensures synchronization and alignment of multiple actuators, enabling the use of lighter, thinner materials in thrust reverser actuator systems while preventing mechanical jamming.
Implementation Method 1
a first electromechanical device configured to urge movement of a first portion of the flexible structure based on power received from the power inverter, a second electromechanical device configured to urge movement of a second portion of the flexible structure based on power received from the power inverter
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a system that includes a flexible structure, a power inverter, a first electromechanical device configured to urge movement of a first portion of the flexible structure based on power received from the power inverter, a second electromechanical device configured to urge movement of a second portion of the flexible structure based on power received from the power inverter, a feedback sensor configured to provide a feedback signal indicative of alignment between the first portion and the second portion, and a controller configured to control operation of at least one of the first electromechanical device and the second electromechanical device based on the feedback signal.