Variable Area Fan Nozzle Actuation System Electrical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable area fan nozzle (VAFN) actuation systems are heavy and complex due to supporting plumbing and wiring, which are prone to wear and fatigue, contributing to system weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An electrical coupling system featuring a jointed arm and guide system supports an electro-hydrostatic actuator and wire harness, maintaining electrical connectivity between a fixed structure and a translating sleeve, reducing weight and complexity by eliminating the need for complex wiring and hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional actuators with supporting plumbing and wiring are used to actuate the VAFN, then the actuation function is achieved, but the system weight and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex supporting plumbing and wiring systems from the actuator assembly. By eliminating these auxiliary components and integrating their functions directly into the actuator housing, the system achieves the required actuation function while significantly reducing overall system complexity and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions (actuation, electrical connection, structural support) into a single integrated actuator assembly. The actuator housing serves multiple purposes: it houses the actuation mechanism, provides structural support, and integrates mounting points for electrical connections, thereby reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system.
2Reliability
If traditional actuators with complex wiring arrangements are used, then the actuation function is achieved, but system weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy supporting plumbing and extensive wiring arrangements from the system. By extracting these weight-contributing components and replacing them with integrated, lightweight alternatives, the system maintains its actuation function while achieving significant weight reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wiring and plumbing systems with integrated electrical and control systems that are lighter in weight. The actuator assembly incorporates lightweight electrical connections and control electronics directly into the housing, substituting heavy mechanical support structures with lighter, more efficient systems.
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 electrical coupling system reduces system weight and complexity, enhances reliability by minimizing wear and fatigue, and maintains electrical connectivity during the translation of the VAFN panel, thereby improving the efficiency and stability of the VAFN actuation system.
Implementation Method 1
a first electro-hydrostatic actuator ('EHA') configured to extend between a translating sleeve and a VAFN panel
Implementation Method 2
a jointed arm having a first portion and a second portion pivotably joined together by a pivotable joint
Implementation Method 3
a guide system disposed in slidable mechanical contact with at least one of the first portion or the second portion and configured to support the jointed arm
Data Source
AI summary
A variable area fan nozzle actuation (“VAFN”) system is disclosed. The VAFN system may include an electrohydrostatic actuator (“EHA”) arranged to translate a VAFN panel relative to a translating sleeve. An electrical coupling may extend between a translating sleeve associated with the VAFN system and the fixed structure. The electrical coupling may be movable so that as the translating sleeve and fixed structure move relative to each other, power may be provided to the EHA by a wiring harness extending across the space between the translating sleeve and the fixed structure and connecting the EHA to an EHA power source.