Aircraft Flap Auxiliary Support System Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft flaps are susceptible to bending or deflection during flight, causing them to deviate from their intended path, which complicates maintaining the wing's loft profile and affects flight performance and control.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary support system with a base fixed to the wing, featuring a track engagement assembly and a track arm with non-linear rails, allows the flap to move along a defined extension path while staying within the wing's loft profile, using spherical bearings and rollers to maintain alignment and reduce deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional flap support structures are used, then flap bending and deflection occur, but adding support structures obstructs the loft profile of the wing
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary support system is nested within the existing wing structure, utilizing the wing's internal space and mounting surfaces. The base is fixed to the wing structure, and the track engagement assemblies are integrated into the wing's internal geometry, allowing the support function to be embedded without external protrusions that would obstruct the loft profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-plane support approach to a multi-dimensional solution by using three-dimensional track engagement assemblies with rollers that engage with the rail in multiple directions. This allows the support structure to operate within the wing's internal volume rather than requiring external space, maintaining the aerodynamic profile while providing stable flap guidance.
2Reliability
If auxiliary support structures are added to prevent flap deflection, then flight performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary support system is divided into discrete, modular components: a base, track engagement assemblies with rollers, and a rail. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable flap motion control through the coordinated function of these modular elements.
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 system effectively limits flap deflection and maintains consistent motion along the intended path, enhancing flight performance by preventing disruptions to the wing's aerodynamic profile and reducing the need for fairings or additional structural elements.
Implementation Method 1
The fixed end portion of the track arm comprises a spherical bearing. The track arm is attachable to the flap via the spherical bearing.
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first track engagement assembly and the second track engagement assembly comprises a first roller and a second roller. The first rail of the track arm is interposed between the first roller and the second roller of the first track engagement assembly. The first roller and the second roller of the first track engagement assembly are rollable along the first rail.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is an auxiliary support system for a flap coupled to a wing of an aircraft. The auxiliary support system comprises a base fixable relative to the wing. The auxiliary support system also comprises a first track engagement assembly fixed to the base. The auxiliary support system further comprises a second track engagement assembly fixed to the base. The auxiliary support system additionally comprises a track arm attachable to the flap and comprising a first rail, movably engaged with the first track engagement assembly, and a second rail, movably engaged with the second track engagement assembly. The first rail is spaced apart from and non-parallel to the second rail.