Alternative Drive System For Deck Edge Elevator

The deck edge aircraft elevator (ACE), now in use on all active CVs and CVNs, is based on the system design principles established over 40 years ago. This system, while remaining one of the most reliable in the fleet, can be improved upon by employing newtechnology in the areas of drive mechanism, automated control, and self-diagnostic maintenance assessments. In addition to the improvements available through technology application, the development of an electro-magnetic drive mechanism would allow forthe replacement of the current hydraulic engine, thus removing yet another maintenance intensive hydraulic system from the ship, while dovetailing with the Navy's current efforts to maximize electrical system application.The baseline approach, proposed under this SBIR, will be to utilize the existing roller design and implementation of the elevator, but incorporate the linear motors into the structure to provide the needed lifting forces. The major components of thissystem will be linear motors, power electronic motor controllers, and a supervisory control system that features intelligent controls and a graphical user interface (GUI) for operation and diagnostic entries to the system. The development of an electro-magnetic drive system for heavy lift elevators can be highly valuable to the US Navy and any commercial entities tasked with moving heavy loads through a vertical lift. Currently, the common method of moving heavy lifts isby the use of large hydraulic engines, which require large amounts of hydraulic fluid and require high-pressure pumps. These systems are used in moving cargo onto and out of cargo ships, within port authorities for storing and transferring, in industrialwarehouses for loading/unloading flatbed trucks, in shipyards for the movement of structural modules, and for drawbridge applications.An electromagnetic drive mechanism would allow for greater control of these lifts, thus impacting personnel safety and equipment wear and tear. Additional benefits would include a reduction in the need for hazardous material (hydraulic fluid), and areduction in the preventive maintenance required to maintain the pumps, reservoirs and cylinders associated with large, high-pressure hydraulic systems. Concurrently, an electromagnetic option could be lighter than the current hydraulic motor and liftingcables, thus assisting in on-going weight reduction efforts for the next generation aircraft carrier. Finally, utilizing the technology being developed under the Electro-Magnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), commonality inmaintenance/operation/training of control systems, linear motors and power electronics will reduce the overall ownership cost.