Aircraft Camber Control Actuator Linkage for Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailing edge variable camber (TEVC) systems in aircraft experience undesirable gaps and orientation issues between flaps and wings during cruise flight, leading to increased drag coefficients and reduced fuel efficiency due to large lateral movements of fowler flaps.
Innovation Solution
A camber control system comprising a flap support actuator and a camber control actuator, which rotates a drive arm linkage and adjusts the flap angle to maintain a seal with the wing, preventing rotational movement and ensuring accurate camber control without deploying the flap, thereby reducing drag and maintaining aerodynamic properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fowler flaps are displaced during cruise flight to adjust camber, then trailing edge variable camber control is achieved, but gaps and orientation issues occur between flap and wing
Solution Approach 1:
The flap system is divided into two independent components: the fowler flap for camber adjustment and the spoiler for gap sealing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the fowler flap controls camber while the spoiler maintains the seal, resolving the alignment precision issue during camber adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The spoiler acts as an intermediary element between the fowler flap and the wing. It compensates for the gaps created by fowler flap displacement, maintaining the aerodynamic seal without interfering with the camber adjustment function of the fowler flap
2Adaptability or versatility
If fowler flaps are displaced laterally during TEVC adjustment, then camber control is achieved, but drag coefficient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful effect of gap formation into a beneficial sealing mechanism. The spoiler is designed to automatically fill the gaps created by fowler flap movement, transforming the harmful drag-inducing gaps into a controlled sealing feature that maintains aerodynamic efficiency during camber adjustment
3Adaptability or versatility
If flap is deployed to adjust camber, then trailing edge variable camber is achieved, but relative orientation between flap and wing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flap assembly is segmented into the fowler flap for camber control and the spoiler for orientation maintenance. This allows the fowler flap to be deployed for camber adjustment while the spoiler remains engaged with the wing, preserving the relative orientation stability
Solution Approach 2:
The spoiler automatically adjusts its position to maintain the seal between the flap assembly and the wing. It self-regulates to compensate for any orientation changes, ensuring continuous aerodynamic sealing without external intervention
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to control camber are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a flap support to be coupled to a flap of an aircraft, where the flap is rotatable relative to an aerodynamic surface, a drive arm linkage rotatably coupled to the flap support at a first pivot of the flap support, where the drive arm linkage includes a second pivot at an end opposite the first end, and a flap support actuator operatively coupled to the flap support, where the flap support actuator is to rotate the drive arm linkage. The example apparatus also includes a camber control actuator rotatably coupled to the flap support at a third pivot of the flap support, where the camber control actuator is to be rotatably coupled to the flap at a fourth pivot.