Aircraft Wheel Drive Actuator Hold Control in Disengaged Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft wheel rotation drive actuators face safety issues due to the potential failure of locking members that prevent interference with the wheel during critical phases like take-off and landing, where the actuator must remain disengaged.
Innovation Solution
A method that ensures the displacement actuator continues to power the drive actuator to maintain it in the disengaged position, even if the locking member fails, by modifying the power supply circuit to keep the actuator locked and prevent movement towards the wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking member is used to secure the drive actuator in the disengaged position, then the reliability of preventing wheel interference is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement actuator is commanded to move the drive actuator towards the disengaged position before the locking member engages, ensuring the actuator is preliminarily positioned correctly. This preliminary action enhances reliability by ensuring proper positioning before locking, while avoiding complex interlocking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The displacement actuator serves a dual function: it both positions the drive actuator during normal operation and acts as a backup safety mechanism to prevent wheel interference if the locking member fails. This self-service approach improves reliability without adding separate safety components, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
2Reliability
If the displacement actuator is continuously powered to hold the drive actuator in the disengaged position, then the reliability of preventing wheel interference is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement actuator is powered periodically or intermittently rather than continuously. The actuator is commanded to move the drive actuator towards the disengaged position during critical phases (take-off, landing) and can be de-energized when not needed, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliability during critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The displacement actuator is commanded in advance to position the drive actuator in the disengaged position before critical phases begin. This preliminary positioning action ensures reliability is maintained during critical operations without requiring continuous power throughout the entire flight cycle, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for securing an aircraft landing gear wheel drive actuator (1) (2) in a position disengaged from the wheel, the drive actuator being movably mounted on the landing gear between said disengaged position, in which it is away from the wheel, and an engaged position in which it cooperates with the wheel to ensure its rotational drive, a displacement actuator (6) being coupled to the drive actuator to move it between the two positions, and a locking member (7) being arranged to lock the drive actuator in the disengaged position. According to the invention, the method comprises the step, while the drive actuator is locked in the disengaged position, of holding the controlled displacement actuator to move the drive actuator to the disengaged position.