Small, powerful electric motor for aircraft seat actuation

[YateHaugan1]

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to find a suitable solution for the actuation of an airline seat prototype.

The seat will be moved by a rack and pinion set up and a single stage of gearing.

I need between 60 and 80 rpm at the motor/drive output and at least 70 Nm of torque.

The motor/drive needs to fit into the smallest volume possible, with the lowest weight. Cost is less of a problem.

So far the only motors I've discovered that come close to doing the job are Maxon's 4-pole items, but they would all require additional gearing stages (even with the planetary gearboxes they offer) to get the rpm down suitably and provide suitable torque.

If anyone knows of a suitable product or manufacturer it would be great to know. It's just a prototype at present, so I won't be able to buy in bulk.

thanks

TJ

 

[waross]

Don't re-invent the wheel.
Power seats were perfected decades ago in the automotive industry. Consider using one of the motors used for automotive power seats seats.
I would start with Magna International.
They probably have a few million successful units in service.
In addition to motors, they may be willing to supply complete assemblies.
Motor size and weight tends to more a function of torque than maximum power. You may save weight and cost by using a faster motor and a worm gear reducer system.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[israelkk]

Aerospace standards are far more strict than car standards. Therefore, you need to take much more considerations than just use a car seat motor or gear set. You should look for aerospace standards for motors. They have many requirements from the motor due to the special environment, low weight, small space, vibration, reliability, temperatures, high altitude, risk for life in case of failure, electromagnetic interference, etc. Than inquire what need to be done to the car motor to qualify it (if possible) for aerospace use.

 

[YateHaugan1]

thanks for the replies.

I can't use a car seat motor because they are not powerful enough, and are too heavy. They usually rely on a jackscrew or similar, which is not an option for my design.

Maxon motor's products are often used by airlines but it looks like I'm going to have to design a custom reduction gearbox, mainly due to the need to keep lubrication away from the aircraft atmosphere but also because Maxon's planetary reduction drives don't have the torque ratings I require.

 

[mikekilroy]

try kollmorgen.com they build aerospace motors, as well as industrial types (so can be cost effect I think) & will custom make the motor/gearing in one unit if you want. even include the pinion if you want. 60-80rpm & 70nm is right in their products. they can make you the lowest weight unit to if you need. down the rd from them, moog, willl do the same.

http://www.KilroyWasHere<dot>com