Aircraft Jack Piston Locking via Magnetic Attraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jack systems for aircraft flaps lack a reliable mechanism to prevent involuntary retraction of the piston, which can occur due to accidental pressure, potentially leading to unintended closure of the flap.
Innovation Solution
A jack system with a hinged body and electromagnetic attraction/repulsion device that automatically locks the piston in the extracted position using stop means, ensuring safe blocking and allowing controlled retraction, utilizing magnetic attraction and repulsion to transition between locking and unlocking positions without power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a jack system is used to extract a piston, then the piston can be positioned in the extracted position, but the piston may accidentally retract due to involuntary pressure without reliable blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The body is automatically positioned in the second angular position when the piston reaches the extracted position, preemptively establishing the blocking configuration before any involuntary pressure can occur. This automatic positioning through electromagnetic attraction/repulsion ensures the stop means are ready to engage, preventing accidental retraction without requiring continuous monitoring or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the piston's own extracted position to trigger the body's automatic positioning. When the piston is extracted, it enables the electromagnetic device to automatically move the body to the locking position, creating a self-activating safety mechanism that does not require external power supply intervention or additional control systems.
2Reliability
If stop means are placed in contact to block the piston, then reliable blocking is achieved, but the mechanism for automatic positioning becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with an electromagnetic attraction/repulsion device. This electromagnetic mechanism automatically positions the body in the second angular position when the piston is extracted, providing reliable blocking through stop means contact while maintaining simplicity through the use of magnetic fields instead of complex mechanical linkages.
3Extent of automation
If electromagnetic attraction/repulsion device is used for automatic positioning, then automatic locking is achieved, but power supply is required which may reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic device operates autonomously based on the piston's position. When the piston is extracted, the electromagnetic attraction/repulsion automatically positions the body in the locking configuration without requiring external power supply commands or control systems, making the automation self-activating and reducing dependency on external power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power supply dependency from the automatic locking function. The electromagnetic device provides automatic positioning and locking based purely on the piston's extracted position, eliminating the need for continuous power supply intervention or complex control systems, thereby maintaining automation while improving reliability.
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 provides a safe and reliable blocking of the piston in the extracted position, preventing accidental retraction and ensuring secure operation of aircraft flaps, with a simple and cost-effective design that includes mechanical backup for power failures.
Implementation Method 1
one of the two aforementioned displacements is carried out only by a magnetic attraction force between a permanent magnet and a magnetic body
Implementation Method 2
the other displacement is carried out by implication by electromagnetic repulsion of the permanent magnet and of the magnetic body powered electrically
Data Source
AI summary
A jack system provided with a cylinder provided with a first stopper. The jack system also includes: a body hinged about an end of the piston, the body including a second stopper and being able to occupy a first angular position authorizing the extraction of the piston, as well as a second angular position uniquely allowed when the piston occupies a position such that the second stopper is located beyond the first stopper in an extraction position, the body occupying the second position providing the facing of the first and second stoppers; and an electromagnetic attraction/repulsion device designed to provide the displacement of the body from the first position to the second position, and inversely.