Aerodynamic Surface Drive Mechanism for Streamwise Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerodynamic surface drive mechanisms for aircraft wing flaps, such as 'roller track' and 'swing-link' systems, suffer from lack of robustness, high part count, and inability to perform Streamwise movement efficiently, which is preferred for reduced drag but challenging at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
A drive mechanism comprising parallel drive combinations with a fixed element, articulation axis, linear actuator, and T-shaped mobile components with primary and secondary swivel joints, enabling Streamwise movement without 'swing-link' rods, reducing weight and part count while maintaining structural robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If 'roller track' mechanism is used to drive aerodynamic surfaces, then Streamwise movement is enabled, but the mechanism suffers from lack of robustness, localized wear and tear, and high number of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic 'roller track' elements from the system and replaces them with a swing-link mechanism. This extraction eliminates the localized wear and tear issues associated with rollers while maintaining the Streamwise movement capability through the swing-link's pivoting action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the complex roller track mechanical system with a simpler swing-link mechanism. This replacement reduces the number of parts and eliminates the wear-prone roller elements while achieving the same Streamwise movement function through pure mechanical pivoting.
2Device complexity
If 'simple hinge' mechanism is used to drive aerodynamic surfaces, then the mechanism is simple, but it cannot drive surfaces in Streamwise direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the movement function into two distinct components: a primary hinge providing rotational movement and a secondary swing-link providing Streamwise translation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while combining to achieve the overall Streamwise movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional element by introducing the swing-link that operates in a different plane than the simple hinge. This additional dimensional freedom enables the mechanism to achieve Streamwise movement while maintaining the simplicity of the hinge mechanism for rotational control.
3Ease of operation
If 'swing-link' mechanism is used to enable Fowler movement, then Streamwise movement is achieved, but loads increase in the mechanism combination and flap panel when slanted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic swing-link mechanism that can adapt its orientation and load distribution during operation. The swing-link's ability to pivot and change its mechanical advantage ratio dynamically allows it to optimize load paths during the Fowler movement sequence, reducing peak loads on the flap panel and mechanism components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If 'swing-link' mechanism is used with greater degree of freedom, then Fowler movement is enabled, but robustness of the combination is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different degrees of freedom to different parts of the mechanism. The swing-link has a pivot joint that provides rotational freedom for Fowler movement, while the connection points to the flap and mechanism body are designed with constrained interfaces. This localized differentiation of freedom degrees enables versatile movement while maintaining overall structural robustness.
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
The solution allows for robust, lightweight, and efficient Streamwise movement of aerodynamic surfaces, enhancing aircraft aerodynamics and reducing industrial costs by eliminating the need for complex mechanisms, thereby improving flight performance.
Implementation Method 1
a linear actuator (30) connected to the first mobile component (22) at an opposite end (222)
Implementation Method 2
The mobile component (23) is swivelled, by primary swivel joints (24, 24'), around a vertical axis (Y) and, by secondary swivel joints (25, 25'), around a horizontal axis (Z)
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described an aerodynamic surface drive mechanism (20) containing at least a drive combination (50, 50'), each drive combination (50, 50') comprising a fixed element (21) associated to a fixed aircraft structure and a first mobile component (22) connected pivotably by a first end to the fixed element (21) by way of an articulation axis (E) and associated to an actuator (30) by an opposite end, the aerodynamic surface drive mechanism (20) further comprises a second mobile component (23) rotationally associated to the first mobile component (22) by way of primary swivel joints (24, 24') linearly disposed along a vertical axis (Y) and rotationally connected to the aerodynamic surface (40) by way of secondary swivel joints (25, 25') linearly disposed along a horizontal axis (Z); the first mobile component (22) and the second mobile component (23) simultaneously moving the aerodynamic surface (40) linearly and rotatively by means of the actuator (30) and of the primary swivel joints (24, 24') and secondary swivel joints (25, 25').