Aircraft Spoiler Power-Connector Interlock for Safe Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft spoiler systems lack effective safety mechanisms to prevent unintentional deployment and ensure safe maintenance operations, particularly in the event of actuation system failures.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft spoiler system with a mechanical actuator that obstructs the power supply connector when in the second position, ensuring the spoiler can only be moved to the retracted position and preventing movement to the deployed position, linked to the disconnection of the external power supply for maintenance safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a movement limiting portion is provided to prevent spoiler deployment, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movement limiting portion is merged with the actuator assembly, where the limiter shares the actuator's mechanical structure and mounting points. The limiter's blocking element is integrated into the actuator's rod mechanism, allowing one component to serve both actuation and limitation functions, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
A blocking element serves as an intermediary mechanical component that physically prevents the actuator rod from moving beyond the retracted position. This blocking element acts as a passive mechanical mediator that interrupts the actuation path without requiring active control systems, sensors, or additional power sources, thus improving safety without significantly increasing complexity
2Ease of repair
If the movement limiting portion is disengaged for maintenance, then ease of maintenance is improved, but risk of unintentional deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires preliminary engagement of the blocking element in the blocked position before maintenance can begin. This preliminary action ensures the spoiler is mechanically constrained to the retracted position, preventing unintentional deployment during maintenance activities. The blocking element must be properly positioned and secured before any maintenance work is permitted
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly includes self-indicating features such as visual indicators or mechanical interlocks that show whether the blocking element is properly engaged. The system provides self-verification mechanisms that allow maintenance personnel to confirm the safety state without requiring additional tools or complex procedures, making the safety function self-servicing
3Ease of operation
If the power supply connector is made accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but safety during maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply connector is nested within the actuator assembly housing, positioned inside the same structural envelope as the movement limiting portion. The connector is accessible only after the blocking element has been engaged in its blocked position, creating a nested access hierarchy where safety engagement precedes electrical access, thereby protecting maintenance personnel while allowing operational access
Data Source
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AI summary
An aircraft spoiler system includes a spoiler, a motor (4) arranged to drive movement of the spoiler between a retracted and a deployed position, a power supply connector (12) for connection to an external power supply, and a movement limiting portion (14). The movement limiting portion (14) is selectively engageable. It is arranged, when engaged, to enable movement of the spoiler towards the retracted position and to prevent movement towards the deployed position. The movement limiting portion (14) comprises a mechanical actuator (32) actuatable to move between a first position and a second position. Actuation of the mechanical actuator (32) to the second position disengages the movement limiting portion (14). In the second position, the mechanical actuator (32) obstructs the power supply connector (12) such that the mechanical actuator (32) cannot be actuated to the second position if the power supply connector (12) is connected to the external power supply and such that the power supply connector (12) cannot be connected to the external power supply if the mechanical actuator (32) is in the second position.