Vibration-Based Secondary Channel Force Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting the resumption of force by a secondary channel in aircraft flight control actuators, such as THSA actuators, are often complex and rely on displacement or separation detection, which can be unreliable and prone to untimely detection, especially in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A detection assembly that vibrates parts of the secondary track attachment and processes changes in frequency response to detect stress, using sensors on fixing screws or rings, allowing for reliable force detection without modifying existing aircraft or actuator attachment yokes, and can be easily integrated into existing equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If displacement or separation detection methods are used to detect force resumption by secondary channel, then detection capability is provided, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical displacement/separation detection systems with a simplified vibration-based detection system. By exciting the attachment part with vibrations and measuring frequency response changes, the system detects force resumption without requiring complex mechanical sensors or displacement measurement devices, thereby reducing device complexity while improving reliability in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent detects force resumption by monitoring changes in vibration frequency parameters of the attachment part. When the secondary channel bears force, the natural frequency or resonant frequency of the attachment part changes. By measuring these parameter changes through simple vibration excitation and frequency analysis, the system achieves reliable detection without complex mechanical measurement systems.
2Reliability
If displacement or separation detection sensors are used, then force resumption can be detected, but integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical displacement/separation detection sensors with a vibration-based detection system that can be integrated more simply. The vibration excitation can be provided by simple actuators (such as piezoelectric elements or electromagnetic shakers), and the frequency response can be measured with standard vibration sensors, avoiding the need for complex mechanical sensor integration in the attachment structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration-based detection system serves multiple functions: it can detect force resumption, characterize the mechanical state of the attachment, and potentially monitor other structural parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors, simplifying integration while maintaining detection reliability.
3Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used, then force detection is possible, but false alarms increase in severe environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vibration frequency parameters as the detection basis, which are inherently more resistant to environmental interference than displacement or separation measurements. Frequency measurements can be normalized and compared against reference values, making them less sensitive to temperature variations, mechanical stresses, and other harsh environment factors that cause false alarms in conventional detection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the vibration frequency response to continuously monitor the attachment state. By comparing the measured frequency characteristics against expected ranges or reference profiles, the system can distinguish between normal environmental variations and actual force resumption events, reducing false alarms while maintaining detection accuracy.
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 solution provides a simple, reliable, and efficient means to detect force transfer from a primary to a secondary channel, reducing false alarms and maintaining functionality in severe environments with minimal equipment modification.
Implementation Method 1
means for vibrating at least one part of the upper attachment of the secondary track
Implementation Method 2
processing means for detecting a change in the frequency response of the excited part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3b
Figure 4a~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a detection assembly in an aircraft comprising: - a flight control actuator (1) having a primary channel and a secondary channel capable of taking over the force of the primary channel in the event of its failure, the primary channel having a screw (3), the secondary channel having a safety rod (9) for taking over the force passing through the screw, an attachment piece for the primary channel terminating the screw (3) thereof, an attachment piece (8) for the secondary channel having a female form (10) which receives, with clearance when the primary channel carries the force, a male form (7) which terminates the safety rod for taking over the force, the male form (7) which terminates the rod (9) and the female form (10) of the attachment piece (8) of the secondary channel being spherical or of revolution, - a clevis (11) for fixing the aircraft belonging to the structure (S2) of the aircraft,- means for fixing (12) the attachment piece (8) of the secondary channel to said fixing clevis (11), the attachment piece (8) of the secondary channel, the fixing clevis (11) and the fixing means (12) forming the upper attachment of the secondary channel, - means for detecting the energization of the secondary channel of the flight control actuator during a break in the primary channel, said assembly being characterized in that said means for detecting the energization of the secondary channel of the flight control actuator comprise means (17a) for exciting in vibration at least one part (8, 11, 12) of the upper attachment of the secondary channel, means (17b) for recording the vibrations thus generated on this part and processing means for detecting a change in the frequency response of the excited part.