Jam tolerant electromechanical actuation systems and methods of operation
AssigneeParker-Hannifin Corporation
InventorJames E. Flatt
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In a vehicle, having a fixed supporting structure and a load movable relative thereto, a jam tolerant actuating system, a method for controlling this system including: Locating a physical coupling/decoupling mechanism between the load and an actuator assembly as close a practicable to the load; constructing the coupling/uncoupling mechanism to be reversible, and hence testable; and controlling the connection/disconnection via decision making electronics which will detect any system failure by monitoring, at a minimum: actuator main motor load and speed, and actuator output load. Also set forth are specific embodiments of pivotable rotary geared actuators as well as linear ball screw type actuators embodying the coupling/uncoupling mechanisms of this invention.
Claims29
In an aircraft, having a fixed supporting structure and a control surface movable relative thereto, a jam tolerant actuating system including a computer, control means and at least two electromechanical actuator assemblies, each of said actuator assemblies being fixedly mounted on said aircraft structure and further including a main motor for providing motion force therefore;
- a load sensor and a position sensor on said actuator assembly;
- a coupling/decoupling mechanism, positioned at the output member of said actuator assembly, for severing the load path between said actuator assembly and said movable surface;
- and a disconnect actuator for providing motive force for said coupling/decoupling mechanism, a method for controlling said actuating system, comprising the steps of:
- a. operating said movable control surface by said actuator assembly via said main motor, as directed by said computer via Command and Power inputs through said control means;
- b. relaying, from said control means to said computer, a plurality of the following inputs;
- i. main motor speed from a main motor commutator;
- ii. main motor current;
- iii. actuator assembly output load from said load sensor;
- and
- iv. actuator assembly output position, processed to determine speed, from said position sensor;
- and
- c. completely severing, via decoupling, the load path between said actuator assembly and said movable surface, via driving said coupling/decoupling mechanism in one direction, upon the detection of a malfunction, as determined by said control means, based on at least three of the above i., ii., iii., and iv. inputs.
In a vehicle, having a fixed supporting structure and a load movable relative thereto, a jam tolerant actuating system including the following operatively interconnected components:
- a computer, an electronic decision-making controller and at least two actuator assemblies, each of said actuator assemblies being fixedly mounted on said vehicle structure and further including a main mechanical power source for providing motion force therefore;
- a load sensor and a position sensor on said actuator assembly;
- a coupling/decoupling mechanism, positioned at the output member of said actuator assembly, for completing/severing the load path between said actuator assembly and said load;
- and a disconnect mechanical power source for providing motive force for said coupling/decoupling mechanism, a method of controlling said jam-tolerant actuating system, comprising the steps of:
- a. actuating said load via said actuator assembly as directed by said computer via Command and Power inputs through said controller;
- b. relaying, from said controller to said computer, at least three of the following inputs:
- i. speed of the main mechanical power source;
- ii. main mechanical power source load;
- iii. actuator assembly output load from said load sensor;
- and
- iv. actuator assembly output position, processed to determine speed, from said position sensor;
- and
- c. decoupling, via completely severing, the load path between said actuator assembly and said load, via driving said coupling/decoupling mechanism in one direction, upon the detection of a malfunction, as determined by said controller, based on multiples of the inputs from step b.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.