Aircraft Control Surface Rotary Actuator Detachable Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control surface operating mechanisms in aircrafts, particularly those using linear jacks, face challenges such as high linear operating forces, increased structural dimensions and mass, complexity, maintenance requirements, and aerodynamic inefficiencies due to the need for articulations and scoops to manage airflow, which complicate integration and increase fuel consumption.

Innovation Solution

A device utilizing rotary actuators with detachable means for secure attachment to both the control surface and structural elements, allowing for independent support of the control surface during actuator disassembly, reducing bulk and eliminating the need for mobile articulations, and incorporating aerodynamic design to enhance cooling and reduce overheating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If linear jacks are used to operate control surfaces, then the control surface can be driven in rotation, but the linear operating forces become very high and structural dimensions and mass increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol surface actuation capabilityVSAvoidstructural mass

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the linear jack mechanical system with a rotary actuator system. The rotary actuator converts rotational motion directly into control surface rotation through a drag link mechanism, eliminating the need for linear actuators and their associated high forces and structural requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the actuation parameter from linear displacement to rotational displacement. By using a rotary actuator that rotates about an axis, the system transforms the mode of motion, thereby reducing the linear forces required and allowing for lighter structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If linear jacks with articulations are used, then the control surface can be operated, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol surface actuationVSAvoidarticulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex spherical joint articulations from the system. By using a rotary actuator with a drag link mechanism, the invention removes the need for multiple articulated connections, thereby simplifying the overall device structure and reducing maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the actuation function from the articulation function. The rotary actuator handles rotation while the drag link mechanism provides the necessary geometric transformation, separating these functions to reduce overall complexity compared to integrated linear jack systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If scoops are added to manage airflow over linear jacks, then aerodynamic efficiency improves, but fuel consumption increases due to added bulk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic lossesVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the linear jack system with a rotary actuator system that has a more compact form factor. This substitution reduces the overall bulk requiring aerodynamic management, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for additional scoops and associated drag, ultimately lowering fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If rotary actuators with detachable means are used, then maintenance is simplified and bulk is reduced, but the articulation and securing mechanism must be designed more carefully

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall mechanism bulkVSAvoiddetachable means design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the actuator into detachable components with separate securing means for attachment to both the control surface and structural elements. This segmentation allows for easier maintenance and installation while the careful design of the detachable means ensures proper alignment and secure connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable means are designed to serve multiple functions: securing the actuator to the control surface, aligning the rotation axis, and providing mounting points for the drag link mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, balancing design complexity with overall simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9376203B2Device for mechanical connection of a control surface to a fixed structural element of an aircraft and aircraft wing element equipped with said device

Publication Date: 2016.06.28 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

A device for mechanically connecting a control surface to a fixed structural element of an aircraft, including a rotary actuator for driving an element that is securely connected to the control surface in rotation in relation to an element securely connected to the fixed structural element, around an articulation axis, as well as articulation elements for articulating this control surface around this axis. These articulation elements are able to support the control surface independently of the rotary actuator. This arrangement permits taking benefit from the advantageous properties of rotary actuators while allowing removal of the rotary actuator without having first to remove the control surface.