LVDT-based actuator output load limited

An actuator assembly comprising:

• a primary load path for tightly coupling an actuated surface to a reference structure;
• a secondary load path having a backlash portion for coupling the actuated surface to the reference structure with backlash, wherein the secondary load path is unloaded during an operative state of the primary load path and loaded during a failure state of the primary load path;
• an actuator system operatively coupled to the primary load path and the secondary load path, the actuator system including an actuator being operative to effect motion along at least the primary load path;
• a first sensor configured to sense relative displacement between a portion of the primary load path and a portion of the secondary load path;
• and
• a controller operatively coupled to the first sensor, the controller being configured to:
• convert relative displacement data sensed by the first sensor in combination with primary load path structural stiffness to load data representing a load on the primary load path;
• and
• command the actuator to halt motion along the primary load path upon the load on the primary load path as determined from the load data exceeding a prescribed threshold less than an excessive load at which structural damage along the primary load path occurs.