Ventless Actuator Lock via Gas Capsule Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking hydraulic actuators used in thrust reversers on aircraft rely on vents to regulate pressure, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential leaks, compromising the locking mechanism's reliability and durability.
Innovation Solution
A ventless, regenerative hydraulic actuator design featuring a cylinder with a piston and a gas-filled capsule that expands or collapses based on fluid pressure, engaging a collapsible locking member to lock or unlock the actuator, eliminating the need for vents and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vents are used to regulate pressure in locking hydraulic actuators, then pressure control is achieved, but reliability and durability deteriorate due to potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the venting system entirely from the hydraulic actuator design. By extracting the problematic vent component, the invention eliminates the source of leaks and reliability issues while maintaining pressure control through the regenerative braking mechanism and hydraulic fluid compression alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system performs its own pressure regulation function without external venting. The regenerative braking mechanism and compressed hydraulic fluid self-regulate pressure during locking and unlocking operations, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on vulnerable vent components.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If vents are used for pressure regulation, then pressure control is achieved, but durability worsens due to potential leaks compromising the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of pressure buildup into a beneficial regenerative braking mechanism. Excess pressure during locking operations is converted into useful work to assist unlocking, eliminating the need for venting and preventing leaks while improving overall system efficiency and durability.
3Reliability
If a ventless design is implemented, then reliability improves by eliminating leaks, but pressure control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic fluid and regenerative braking mechanism serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide both the locking force and the pressure regulation function that would traditionally require separate venting components. This multi-functionality maintains reliability while avoiding additional complexity.
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 ventless design improves locking hydraulic actuators' reliability and durability by maintaining gas pressure without leaks, ensuring secure locking and unlocking operations without venting, thus enhancing the performance and longevity of thrust reverser systems.
Implementation Method 1
A ventless, gas-filled capsule is disposed in the first chamber of the cylinder. The ventless, gas-filled capsule has a first position, in which fluid in the first and second chamber is below a threshold pressure, thereby allowing the ventless, gas-filled capsule to expand. The ventless, gas-filled capsule also has a second position, in which fluid in the first and second chamber is above the threshold pressure, thereby collapsing the ventless, gas-filled capsule.
Implementation Method 2
The lock piston is operably connected to the ventless, gas-filled capsule, such that when the ventless, gas-filled capsule is in the first position, the lock piston engages the collapsible locking member and biases the collapsible locking member radially outward.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator includes a cylinder and a piston disposed in the cylinder. The piston has a head and a rod. The actuator further includes a collapsible locking member disposed in the head of the piston, and a gas-filled capsule disposed in the cylinder. The gas-filled capsule is in an expanded position when fluid in the cylinder is below a threshold pressure, and the gas-filled capsule is in a collapsed position when fluid in the cylinder is above the threshold pressure. The actuator also includes a lock piston operably connected to the gas-filled capsule. The lock piston engages the collapsible locking member and biases the collapsible locking member radially outward to a locked position when the gas-filled capsule is in the expanded position.