Adjustable Spring Link for Aircraft Elevator Force Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator spring systems in aircraft lack effective adjustment mechanisms to account for spring force tolerances, requiring complex setups and additional weight, and maintaining diverse spring inventories is impractical.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable spring link with multiple attachment points and varying attachment hole spacings allows for easy adjustment of spring force without adding weight, providing multiple spring expansion lengths and attachment options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed spring systems are used in aircraft elevator linkages, then the spring force is stable, but the system lacks adaptability to account for spring force tolerances and requires complex setup procedures and additional weight for adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of spring forceVSAvoidcomplexity of spring system setup

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring link is divided into multiple segments with different attachment hole spacings, allowing selection of appropriate segments to accommodate spring force tolerances without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring link component serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical coupling, offers multiple attachment options for adjusting spring expansion length, and compensates for spring force tolerances, eliminating the need for separate adjustment devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple spring inventory items are maintained to account for tolerances, then the spring force can be matched to aerodynamic forces, but the inventory complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematching spring force to aerodynamic forcesVSAvoidnumber of spring inventory items

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of maintaining multiple spring inventory items with different force characteristics, the invention changes the geometric parameter (attachment hole spacing) of the spring link to adjust the effective spring expansion length and match spring force to aerodynamic requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed spring expansion lengths are used, then the spring system is simple, but it cannot provide adjustment for different aerodynamic forces and spring tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment of spring expansion lengthVSAvoidweight of spring link system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment functionality is merged into the spring link itself through multiple attachment holes, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall system weight while providing adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates simple, lightweight, and cost-effective adjustment of spring force to match aerodynamic forces, reducing complexity and inventory needs while maintaining aircraft stability and control.

Implementation Method 1

one or more elevator downforce springs are incorporated in the elevator linkage system to assist in providing elevator downforce. The elevator downforce spring(s) helps to counterbalance the aerodynamic loads on the elevator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the adjustable spring link is configured to provide a mechanical coupling interposed between an elevator spring of an aircraft and either a structural frame member or an elevator control member of the aircraft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical coupling: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS20250304241A1Adjustable spring link

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC

AI summary

An adjustable spring link can include a main attachment flange portion with a main attachment hole therein, a first spring attachment flange portion with a first spring attachment hole therein, and a second spring attachment flange portion with a second spring attachment hole therein. The first spring attachment hole can be separated from the main attachment hole by a first spaced distance. The second spring attachment hole can be separated from the main attachment hole by a second spaced distance less than the first spaced distance. The adjustable spring link can provide a mechanical coupling interposed between an elevator spring of an aircraft and either a structural frame member or an elevator control member of the aircraft. The adjustable spring link can provide multiple spring expansion lengths by providing multiple spring attachment options for the elevator spring via the first spring attachment hole and the second spring attachment hole.