Crocodile Flight Control Surface Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
State-of-the-art aircraft crocodile-type flight control surfaces require heavy foil flaps for rigidity, which is inefficient and potentially heavy, limiting structural flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A crocodile-type flight control surface with a locking mechanism that connects the upper and lower foil flaps, allowing them to be fixed or free relative to each other, using an actuating mechanism with connecting rods and a plunger cylinder to control their movement and stiffness, enabling reduced structural weight while maintaining rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heavy foil flaps are used to guarantee rigidity, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flight control surface is divided into two separate foil flaps (upper and lower) that can be independently controlled, replacing the need for a single heavy rigid structure. Each flap can be lighter individually while the system as a whole maintains control effectiveness through coordinated movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic locking mechanism that can switch between locked and unlocked states based on operational requirements. When locked, the flaps act as a unified rigid structure for maximum strength; when unlocked, they can move independently for weight reduction and flexibility.
Solution Approach 3:
The upper and lower foil flaps are merged through the locking mechanism to function as a single rigid unit when needed, combining their structural capabilities to achieve the rigidity of a heavier single-piece design without actually using more material.
2Strength
If a locking mechanism is added to stiffen the structure, then rigidity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A connecting rod mechanism serves as an intermediary element between the upper and lower foil flaps, providing the locking function without requiring complex direct coupling. The connecting rod with locking protrusions and recesses offers a simple geometric solution that achieves rigidity through basic mechanical interlocking rather than complex assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage and disengage automatically based on the relative positions of the upper and lower flaps. The protrusions and recesses on the connecting rods self-align and lock when the flaps are in the correct configuration, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control systems.
3Weight of moving object
If foil flaps are made lighter, then weight is reduced, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction for the foil flaps, combining materials with different properties to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratio. The use of composite materials allows the flaps to be lighter than traditional solid structures while maintaining sufficient structural strength for flight control applications.
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 mechanism enhances the rigidity of the flight control surface, allowing for lighter construction while maintaining the necessary structural integrity and control functionality, enabling efficient angular positioning and air brake functions.
Implementation Method 1
a locking mechanism alternatively adopting a locking position in which the upper foil flap and the lower foil flap are fixed one in respect of the other
Implementation Method 2
an energy source connected to the chamber and adapted to adopt, alternatively, a pressurized position in which it puts the chamber under pressure and tends to push back the piston from the bottom of the chamber
Implementation Method 3
part of the inner surface of the cylinder takes the shape of a first frustum and part of the outer surface of the piston takes the shape of a second frustum, the two frustums being arranged such that in an unpressurized position corresponding to the locking position, their lateral surfaces are in contact, preventing any movement of one in respect of the other
Data Source
AI summary
A crocodile-type flight control surface comprising an upper foil flap, a lower foil flap, an actuating mechanism which guarantees the rotational displacement of each foil flap about a joint axis, either in the same direction or in different directions, and a locking mechanism alternatively adopting a locking position in which the upper foil flap and the lower foil flap are fixed with respect to each other and an unlocking position in which the upper foil flap and the lower foil flap are free with respect to the other. A crocodile-type flight control surface of this kind is therefore stiffened by the locking mechanism that joins the two foil flaps.