Flight lock actuator with dual energy sources
AssigneeSmith Aerospace, Inc.
InventorValentin Barba
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Abstract
A flight lock actuator that can be powered by two sources of stored energy when aircraft power has been switched off. A mechanical energy storage means and an electrical energy storage means provide a fully redundant energy storage system that stores sufficient energy to complete the actuator's extension stroke when aircraft power is removed. The actuator has a motor control system that limits the stroke velocity for both the extension and retraction strokes, including a damper feature capable of effectively braking the actuator during the back-driven extension stroke.
Claims1
A method for providing improved reliability in an aircraft door flight lock actuator comprising:
- storing energy in a mechanical energy storage means and an electrical energy storage means;
- powering the actuator using the energy stored in the mechanical energy storage means and the electrical energy storage means to complete an unlocking stroke in the absence of aircraft power;
- and
- controlling a linear velocity of the actuator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.