Vehicle Control Surface Drive Arrangement With Dual-Drive Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive arrangements for vehicle control surfaces lack redundancy in case of malfunction or failure, relying on a single drive that can lead to loss of control if it fails.
Innovation Solution
A drive arrangement with two independent drives that can be selectively engaged and disengaged with the output member, utilizing mechanisms such as Hirth joints, friction clutches, epicyclic gearboxes, or strain wave-type gearboxes, allowing one drive to take over if the other fails, ensuring continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single drive is used to manipulate the vehicle control surface, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to lack of redundancy in case of drive failure
Solution Approach 1:
The drive arrangement is segmented into multiple independent drive units (first drive and second drive), each capable of independently actuating the control surface. This segmentation provides redundancy while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design with separate engaging means for each drive.
Solution Approach 2:
Each drive unit is equipped with its own dedicated engaging means (first engaging means and second engaging means), allowing selective engagement or disengagement of individual drives. This local quality enables independent control and redundancy without requiring complete system redesign.
2Reliability
If multiple drives with selective engaging means are used, then the reliability is improved through redundancy, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging means are designed to dynamically switch between the first drive and second drive, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs or failure conditions. This dynamic capability ensures continuous operation while managing complexity through flexible rather than rigid design.
Solution Approach 2:
Both the first drive and second drive are designed with similar engaging means that can selectively connect to the output member, creating a universal interface. This multi-functionality allows either drive to take over the control function, providing redundancy without requiring entirely separate control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If drives are mounted on bearings for rotational movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mounting components
Solution Approach 1:
The bearings mounted on the vehicle structure provide self-contained rotational support for the drive units. This self-service approach enables smooth operation and easy rotation of the drives without requiring complex external mounting mechanisms, as the bearing itself handles the rotational support function.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive arrangement for manipulating a vehicle control surface, comprises: a first drive; a second drive; an output member for connecting to the vehicle control surface; first engaging means for selectively engaging and disengaging the first drive and the output member; and second engaging means for selectively engaging and disengaging the second drive and the output member, wherein the first drive and the second drive are mounted on bearings.