Aircraft Articulated Surface Braking Using a Shared De-Icing Load
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Articulated mobile elements in aircraft face challenges in controlled braking due to mechanical torque generated by their mass and speed, leading to uncontrolled movement, which can cause damage if not properly managed, and existing solutions are not space-efficient or lightweight.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses an electric current consumer device to manage electrical energy from the motor, creating a resistant torque for braking while also performing defrosting functions, optimizing size, cost, and mass by inhibiting or establishing electrical connections between the power supply, motor, and consumer device based on braking commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate braking device is added to control the articulated mobile element, then the braking reliability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical current consuming device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a braking device when the articulated mobile element needs to be slowed down, and as a defrosting device when the motor is not braking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated braking and defrosting devices, reducing overall system complexity and weight while maintaining reliable braking capability when needed.
2Reliability
If a dedicated braking device is installed, then the braking effectiveness is improved, but the weight and size of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical current consuming device serves dual purposes: providing braking force when needed and functioning as a defrosting device during normal operation. By integrating these two functions into a single device, the system avoids the additional weight that would result from installing a separate dedicated braking mechanism, thus achieving effective braking without increasing overall system weight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electrical current consuming device is used for both braking and defrosting, then the device versatility is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system monitors the operational state of the articulated mobile element and automatically determines whether the electrical current consuming device should function as a brake or as a defrosting device. When the element requires braking, the control system directs current to the consuming device for braking; when braking is not needed, the same device is activated for defrosting. This feedback-based automatic control manages the complexity by making switching decisions based on real-time operational conditions.
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
Effectively slows down articulated mobile elements, preventing damage and optimizing resources by using the same device for both braking and defrosting, ensuring safe and efficient operation while maintaining a lightweight and space-saving design.
Implementation Method 1
the articulated mobile element, under the effect of its mass and speed, generates a mechanical torque which is transmitted to the articulated mobile element motor. The articulated mobile element motor then starts to operate as a generator.
Implementation Method 2
it is possible to easily brake the movement of the articulated mobile element thanks to the consumption, by the electric current consuming device, of electric energy supplied by the motor and therefore by the limitation of the electric current supplied by the motor, which makes it possible to create a resistive torque.
Implementation Method 3
The electrical current consuming device is further used to perform defrosting when the current consuming device is electrically powered.
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a control system (10) for a moving part (14) of an aircraft driven by an engine (13). The control system (10) is electrically connected to a power supply (11), the engine (13), and a current-consuming device (12) used for de-icing. The system establishes a connection between the engine (13) and the current-consuming device (12), and inhibits a first connection (c1) between the power supply (11) and the engine (13) and a second connection (c2) between the power supply (11) and the current-consuming device (12) when a braking command is received. The system allows the establishment of the first connection (c1) and the second connection (c2) and inhibits the third connection as long as no braking command is received or when a braking release command is received. Thus, the moving part can be easily braked and the system's size is limited.