Axial Locking Ring for Fail-Safe Retractable Driveshaft Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft with elongated wings face challenges in minimizing their footprint for storage and accessing maintenance facilities due to their large size, and current technologies rely on actuators to maintain the engagement of retractable driveshafts, which are not fail-safe.
Innovation Solution
An axially actuated locking system is introduced to securely lock the retractable driveshaft in the engaged position, utilizing a locking ring mechanism with an elastic member and complementary projections to ensure engagement without additional input, allowing for compact storage and access to restricted spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an actuator is used to maintain the engagement of the retractable driveshaft, then the driveshaft can be engaged and disengaged, but the system is not fail-safe as the actuator may fail to maintain engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is pre-configured with locking surfaces and elastic members that automatically engage with the driveshaft splines when the driveshaft is inserted. The elastic members are pre-compressed to store energy for the locking action, so no additional power source or complex control system is needed during operation. This preliminary preparation ensures reliable engagement maintenance without adding complex active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is self-actuating through the elastic members that automatically engage and disengage based on the axial position of the driveshaft. When the driveshaft is inserted to the correct position, the elastic members are compressed and then release to lock the driveshaft in place. When the driveshaft is removed, the elastic members automatically reset. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external actuators or power sources, improving reliability while keeping the device simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the aircraft has elongated wings for flight operations, then it can perform required flight functions, but it occupies excessive space for storage and cannot access restricted maintenance facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The wing assembly is divided into separable components that can be detached from the fuselage. The retractable driveshaft with locking mechanism enables the wing to be disconnected at the pylon interface, allowing the wing to be stored separately or reconfigured. This segmentation allows the aircraft to maintain full flight capability when assembled while occupying minimal space when disassembled for storage or to access restricted facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing-pylon connection system incorporates dynamic elements including the retractable driveshaft that can extend and retract, and the locking mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic connectivity allows the wing assembly to adapt between a connected flight configuration and a disconnected storage configuration, enabling the aircraft to switch between occupying large space during flight and minimal space during storage.
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 locking system effectively maintains the engagement of the driveshaft, enabling compact storage and access to hangars, while ensuring the aircraft's structural integrity and operational readiness.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member positioned within the locking system and configured to bias the locking ring toward the band
Data Source
AI summary
A locking system for use with a retractable driveshaft includes a housing, a rotating locking ring located at least partially to the housing, and a band configured to cooperatively engage the rotatable locking ring. Applying an axial force to the locking ring with the driveshaft causes rotation of the locking ring, thereby locking the driveshaft with the housing. Applying a second axial force to the locking ring with the driveshaft causes further rotation of the locking ring, which allows withdrawal of the driveshaft from the housing.