Aircraft Control Link With Sacrificial Redundant Load Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft control systems have a single point of failure in their control links, which can lead to catastrophic consequences if damaged or failed during flight operations, as they lack redundancy and impact resistance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a redundant impact-resistant control link structure comprising an inner and outer structure, where the outer structure is sacrificial and designed to absorb impact damage, while the inner structure maintains flight control system functionality even if the outer structure fails, with the option of filling the space between them with materials like closed-cell foam for enhanced impact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single control link structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability is poor due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The control link is divided into an outer structure and an inner structure, creating separate functional components. The outer structure serves as a sacrificial element for impact absorption, while the inner structure provides redundant load-bearing capability, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity through structural segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer structure is designed as a sacrificial component that absorbs impact damage before it reaches the inner structure. This beforehand cushioning approach protects the critical inner structure from damage, improving reliability while maintaining relatively simple overall device complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the control link is designed to be impact-resistant, then the object-affected harmful factors are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to redundant structures
Solution Approach 1:
The outer structure is designed as a sacrificial, disposable component that absorbs impact damage and can be replaced if needed. This approach reduces the impact of harmful factors on the critical inner structure while keeping the overall device complexity manageable by using a simple replaceable outer shell.
Solution Approach 2:
The control link employs a composite structure combining an outer sacrificial structure with an inner load-bearing structure. This composite approach provides impact resistance by distributing forces across different structural elements, reducing harmful effects while maintaining reasonable device complexity through integrated design.
3Reliability
If the outer structure is designed to carry full load independently, then the reliability is improved through redundancy, but the weight of the moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner and outer structures are designed with different local qualities optimized for their specific functions. The outer structure is optimized for impact absorption with appropriate material properties and geometry, while the inner structure is optimized for load-bearing efficiency. This local quality differentiation allows each component to be lightweight yet effective, improving reliability without excessive weight increase.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to systems and methods for providing a control link for an aircraft in which the control link comprises an impact-resistant structure with a redundant load path. The control link has an inner structure that is sized to carry the anticipated load of the flight control system and to meet all safety factors. The control link also has an outer structure that is sacrificial and configured to absorb impact damage during operation, thereby protecting the inner structure. The outer structure is also designed to carry the anticipated load of the flight control system on its own, independent of the inner structure, and to meet all safety factors. If the outer structure fails, the inner structure allows for continued safe operation of the flight control system. The space or cavity between the inner and outer structures may be filled with a material, such as a closed-cell foam, to improve the impact resistance of the outer structure.