Variable Speed Hydraulic Bench for Aircraft Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid supply benches for aircraft maintenance consume excessive power, generate increased noise, and become bulkier due to rising operating pressures in aircraft fluidic circuits, as they require constant high torque and speed to maintain pressure levels, leading to inefficiencies and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid supply bench equipped with a variable speed motor and flowmeter to adjust the motor's speed based on fluid flow rate, along with a pressure sensor to control the pump's output pressure, allowing for adaptive power delivery and reduced energy consumption, noise reduction, and optimized design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the operating pressure of aircraft fluidic circuits is increased to meet modern requirements (e.g., from 210 bars to 350 bars), then the power required to supply these circuits increases, but this results in current benches consuming much more power, becoming bulkier, and generating increased noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variable speed motor instead of a constant speed motor, allowing the motor speed to dynamically adjust according to the actual fluid flow requirements. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maintain high operating pressures (350 bars) only when necessary, while reducing power consumption during periods of lower demand, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining high pressure and reducing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the motor from fixed (constant speed) to variable (adjustable speed). By controlling the motor speed as a variable parameter rather than a fixed one, the system can optimize power consumption while maintaining the required operating pressure levels, directly addressing the power consumption issue associated with high pressure operations
2Stress or pressure
If the motor rotates at constant speed to maintain pressure, then the pressure is stable, but this generates constant noise even when maintenance operators only need power when operating systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or intermittent operation by using a variable speed motor that activates only when fluid flow is detected or when systems are being operated. The motor speed varies periodically based on actual demand rather than running continuously at constant speed, thereby reducing constant noise generation while maintaining pressure stability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control mechanisms that monitor system conditions and adjust motor speed accordingly. This feedback system allows the motor to operate at variable speeds based on actual demand, reducing noise during idle periods while maintaining stable pressure when systems are actively being tested or operated
3Stress or pressure
If the motor is dimensioned to supply maximum power for high pressure operations, then the required pressure can be maintained, but this results in bulkier and more expensive benches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a variable speed motor that can dynamically adjust its output characteristics rather than requiring a constantly oversized motor. This dynamic capability allows a smaller, more compact motor to deliver maximum power when needed for high pressure operations (350 bars) while operating at lower power levels during normal conditions, thereby reducing the overall size and cost of the bench
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 reduces power consumption, minimizes noise, and optimizes the bench's design by delivering only the necessary power and flow rate required for aircraft systems, maintaining setpoint pressures efficiently while reducing the risk of motor overload and ensuring nominal operation conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a pump (12) with variable flow rate and constant pressure, the flow being able to vary via the piloting, generally by a fluid-mechanical system internal to the pump, of the variable displacement of the pump
Implementation Method 2
a flowmeter for measuring the flow rate of fluid capable of being transmitted to the circuit to be supplied with fluid
Implementation Method 3
means for controlling the speed of rotation of the motor as a function of this fluid flow
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid supply bench (1), for example for an aircraft undergoing maintenance, said bench including: a fluid circuit (10) comprising a variable-displacement, constant-pressure pump (12), said circuit (10) being intended to be connected to another fluid circuit (20) to be supplied with fluid; and a motor (3) for driving the pump (12). The bench is characterised in that the motor (3) is a variable-speed motor, and the stand includes a flow meter (12) for measuring the flow rate of fluid that can be conveyed to the circuit (20) to be supplied with fluid and means (31, 5) for controlling the rotational speed of the motor (3) according to said fluid flow rate.