Electro-Mechanical Thrust Vector Actuator Load Relieving Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electro-mechanical thrust vector actuators in rocket engines face challenges in handling transient forces during engine startup, as they lack the pressure relief capabilities of hydraulic actuators, leading to the need for robust and heavier designs to absorb these forces effectively.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a load relieving mechanism with a first and second load relieving element between plates and a dividing wall, connected to the output rod and ram, which helps absorb transient forces while minimizing the size and weight of the actuator, and operably connecting a drive motor assembly to the ram.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electro-mechanical actuators are designed robustly to handle transient forces, then reliability improves, but weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a spring element in parallel with the electro-mechanical actuator that is pre-configured to engage during transient high-load events. This spring element acts as a beforehand cushioning mechanism that absorbs transient forces before they can damage the actuator, allowing the actuator to be designed for normal operating loads rather than peak transient loads, thereby reducing weight while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element serves as an intermediary component between the transient force source and the electro-mechanical actuator. During transient events, the spring absorbs and mediates the force, preventing direct transmission to the actuator. This intermediary mechanism allows the actuator to be lighter while still protecting the system from transient force damage.
2Loss of energy
If electro-mechanical actuators replace hydraulic actuators, then efficiency and safety improve, but ability to absorb transient forces worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electro-mechanical actuator with a spring element in a parallel configuration. This combination allows the system to benefit from both the efficiency and safety of electro-mechanical actuators during normal operation and the transient force absorption capability of the spring element during high-load events, thereby achieving both improved efficiency and maintained reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is pre-configured in the system to provide cushioning during transient events. This beforehand cushioning capability is built into the system architecture, allowing electro-mechanical actuators to replace hydraulic systems while maintaining the ability to absorb transient forces through the spring's pre-positioned energy storage capacity.
3Weight of moving object
If actuator size is reduced to minimize weight, then weight decreases, but ability to withstand transient forces worsens
Solution Approach 1:
By incorporating a spring element that is beforehand configured to absorb transient forces, the system allows the main actuator to be sized for normal operating conditions rather than peak transient conditions. This beforehand cushioning enables weight reduction while maintaining the ability to withstand transient forces through the spring's protective action.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as an intermediary that protects the reduced-size actuator from transient force overload. This intermediary mechanism allows the actuator to be optimized for weight reduction while the spring absorbs and mitigates transient forces that would otherwise require the actuator to be larger and heavier.
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 enables the electro-mechanical thrust vector control actuator to withstand short, transient forces without increasing size or weight, ensuring efficient and safe operation by using a load relieving mechanism and drive motor assembly to manage these forces effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a spring located within the ram and configured to absorb at least one transient load on the output rod
Data Source
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AI summary
A thrust vector control actuator (200) is provided including a ram (230), a first plate (223a) housed within the ram, a second plate (240) housed within the ram, and a dividing wall (250) housed within the ram. The dividing wall being located between the first plate and the second plate. The dividing wall defines a first chamber (250a) within the ram comprising the first plate and a second chamber (250b) within the ram comprising the second plate. The actuator also includes an output rod (222) housed within the ram. The output rod having a first end (222a) and a second end (222b). The second end is configured to operably connect to an output link (223b). The actuator also includes a load relieving mechanism (260) located within the ram. The load relieving mechanism configured to operatively connect the ram and the output rod. The load relieving mechanism is configured to absorb at least one transient load on the output rod.