Auxiliary Flap Roller Track Layout for Jam-Resistant Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current auxiliary flap assemblies in aircraft are prone to jamming due to debris accumulation, leading to abnormal bending loads and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A failsafe, jam-resistant auxiliary flap assembly with non-linear roller paths, breakable pins, and spherical bearings to distribute and tolerate loads, ensuring redundancy and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional auxiliary flap assemblies are used with linear roller paths, then the structure is simple, but debris accumulates between rollers and track causing jamming and roller breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing linear roller paths with non-linear (curved) roller paths. The track follows a curved trajectory that prevents debris accumulation in the space between rollers and track, eliminating jamming while maintaining structural feasibility through the curved geometry.
2Strength
If single roller support is used, then the device complexity is low, but abnormal bending loads are introduced into flap and wing when rollers jam or break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the roller support system into multiple rollers (at least two rollers per track) instead of using a single roller. This segmentation distributes the load across multiple contact points, preventing abnormal bending loads on the flap and wing even if one roller fails, while keeping the overall structure manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements redundancy by configuring multiple rollers before any failure can occur. This prior cushioning ensures that if one roller jams or breaks, the remaining rollers continue to support the flap, preventing catastrophic load transfers to the wing structure.
3Reliability
If rollers are fixed rigidly to track, then manufacturing is simple, but the assembly cannot tolerate roller failure without affecting aircraft performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from rigid fixed mounting to a dynamic mounting system where rollers can rotate or pivot within the track. This dynamic capability allows rollers to accommodate failure modes gracefully, maintaining aircraft performance even when individual rollers fail, while remaining manufacturable through standard rotational joints.
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 assembly provides reliable operation by preventing jams and distributing loads, maintaining aircraft performance even in the event of roller failure.
Implementation Method 1
The fixed end portion includes a spherical bearing configured to attach to the flap
Implementation Method 2
The track is movable along the first pair of rollers and the second pair of rollers to move the flap between, and inclusive of, a stowed position and a deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary flap assembly includes a base fixable to an aircraft wing, a track, a first pair of rollers, and a second pair of rollers. The base includes a first plate and a second plate. The track is coupled to the base and includes a first half defining a non-linear first roller path and a second half defining a non-linear second roller path in a back-to-back configuration. Both halves extend between a free end portion and a fixed end portion of the track. At least a portion of the first and second roller paths is interposed between the first plate and the second plate of the base. The fixed end portion is attachable to the flap. The track is movable along the first and the second pairs of rollers to move the flap between, and inclusive of, a stowed position and a deployed position.