Aircraft Undercarriage Actuator Power Supply Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft landing gear actuators face inefficiencies in energy distribution, as existing systems rely heavily on main power supplies, leading to larger, heavier components and safety concerns with high-voltage cables, and lack a robust local power solution for emergency operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual power supply system where a local power supply, driven by undercarriage wheel rotation, powers actuators in nominal conditions, with the main power supply activating only when local energy is insufficient, and incorporating energy storage for efficient energy management, reducing the need for high-voltage cables and enabling smaller, lighter main power systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the main power supply is used to power all actuators, then reliable energy supply is ensured, but the main power supply size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into two independent segments: a local power supply associated with each undercarriage that can operate autonomously, and a main power supply that provides supplemental power only when needed. This segmentation allows the main power supply to be smaller while maintaining overall system reliability through the distributed local power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
Each undercarriage is equipped with its own local power supply with energy storage means, creating localized power independence. This local quality ensures that each undercarriage can function independently if needed, while reducing the burden on the central main power supply and thereby reducing its required capacity and weight.
2Power
If high voltage power supply cables are used to deliver energy from the main power supply to actuators, then sufficient power delivery is achieved, but safety risks and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The high voltage power delivery function is extracted from the main power supply system and relocated to local power supplies associated with each undercarriage. This eliminates the need for high voltage cables running along undercarriages, removing the associated safety hazards while maintaining adequate power delivery through localized low voltage sources.
Solution Approach 2:
Energy storage means serve as intermediaries between the local power supply and the actuators, buffering and regulating power delivery. This intermediary approach allows efficient power transfer at low voltage, eliminating the need for high voltage cables while ensuring sufficient power reaches the actuators.
3Reliability
If the main power supply operates at full capacity, then all actuator energy needs are met, but energy waste occurs when full power is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system dynamically adapts its configuration based on operational needs. Local power supplies with energy storage means handle normal operations at low power levels, while the main power supply remains in standby or provides supplemental power only when energy demands exceed local capacity. This dynamic operation eliminates energy waste by matching power supply activation to actual system needs.
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 approach reduces energy demand on the main power supply, allowing for smaller, lighter systems, eliminates the need for high-voltage cables, and ensures reliable actuator operation by providing additional energy when needed, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a local power supply comprising one or more local generators each driven by rotation of a wheel carried by an undercarriage
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of feeding energy to actuators associated with the undercarriages forming the landing gear of an aircraft, the aircraft comprising:a main power supply that operates independently of rotation of wheels carried by the landing gear; anda local power supply comprising one or more local generators, each driven by rotation of a wheel carried by an undercarriage;the method of the invention comprising the following steps:in a nominal mode of operation, powering said actuators by the local power supply; andin an additional mode of operation, when the delivery of energy by the local power supply is not sufficient, providing additional energy or all of the energy required by said actuators by means of the main power supply.