Electrical Rotary Motion Actuator

Abstract: Future land and amphibian combat vehicles will eschew hydraulically-powered subsystems in favor of direct electric analogues where available to take advantage of the higher inherent efficiencies, reliabilities and safety possible from eliminating a power conversion process using hydraulics. A relatively high-torque, partial turn actuator has been identified as a subsystem needing development. Specifically, an actuator with the following general specifications has been identified as appropriate for the AAAV: * 270 VDC operation * 12,000 inch-pound rotational torque capacity * 180 degrees of rotation * 50 pound weight * 8-inch body diameter * Positive locking capability to full torque with less than 5 degrees slippage * Suitable for operation submerged in seawater * Rotation rate of 3 RPM equivalent under full torque * Combat level reliability In conjunction with a program to develop a high-reliability, long-lived ROV (remotely operated vehicle) for application in the offshore oil industry, Eastport International, Inc.(EII), has been working with a similar group of requirements for an underwater valve adjusting tool. Our proposal is to adapt the elements of this ROV subsystem now undergoing design evaluation to the specific requirements of this SBIR, enhancing the SBIR concept by incorporating ideas already apparent from the ongoing torque tool study.