Fiber Optic Slat-Flap Control Lever with Phase-Shift Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current slat/flap control systems in airplanes deteriorate over time due to airgap changes, leading to a need for a more reliable and long-lasting control system.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing optical fibers to control slat and flap positions by applying an external force to the fiber, determining a phase shift, and adjusting the positions based on this shift, with a cam mechanism to apply the force and a processor to send optical command signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnet position control system with airgap is used to control slat and flap positions, then the control system can function, but the system effectiveness deteriorates over time due to airgap changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical magnet-based control system with an optical fiber-based system. The optical fiber transmits light from a light source to a detector, eliminating the mechanical airgap component that causes reliability deterioration over time. This substitution of mechanical systems with optical systems resolves the contradiction between initial control functionality and long-term reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the airgap in the magnet control system changes, then the system can adapt to some extent, but the control effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber system eliminates the airgap variable entirely by using light transmission instead of magnetic field interaction. The optical fiber's physical properties (refractive index, light transmission characteristics) provide a stable measurement basis that is not subject to airgap changes, thereby maintaining both adaptability and precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses light phase or intensity parameters transmitted through the optical fiber as the measurement parameter, replacing the magnetic field parameters of the old system. This parameter change from magnetic to optical domain provides a measurement basis that is inherently more stable and less susceptible to mechanical variations like airgap changes.
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
Provides a more reliable and durable control of slat and flap positions, enhancing flight operations by ensuring precise and consistent adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
passing a light having an input optical phase through an optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
applying an external force to the optical fiber to cause the light exiting the optical fiber to have output optical phase
Implementation Method 3
determining a phase shift between the input optical phase and the output optical phase
Data Source
AI summary
A control system performs a method of controlling a wing of an airplane. The control system includes an optical fiber, a bending device and a processor. The optical fiber is configured to receive light having an input optical phase. The bending device applies an external force on the optical fiber. The external force causes the light exiting the optical fiber to have an output optical phase. a processor determines a phase shift between the input optical phase and the output optical phase and controls the wing based on the phase shift.