Flight lock actuator with dual energy sources

• US 20060138281A1
• Filed: 01/20/2006
• Published: 06/29/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/13/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Whippany Actuation Systems LLC (Transdigm Group Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: GE Aviation Systems LLC (GE Aerospace)
• Inventors: Barba, Valentin G.
• Granted Patent: US 7,303,167 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 244/129.500
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 1/1407 Doors; surrounding frames
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/0023 Nuts or nut-like elements moving along a driven threaded axle
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/25 Actuators mounted separately from the lock and controlling the lock functions through mechanical connections
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 7/06 Means for converting reciprocating motion into rotary motion or vice versa

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.

Claims

1. 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.