Aeroplane Flap Drive Rod Load Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airplane adjustment systems face challenges in accurately determining load values during flap adjustments, particularly during part replacement and maintenance, with existing load sensors being less reliable and more costly to maintain.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment system with multiple bearing assemblies and a load sensor integrated into the drive rod, utilizing strain gauges to measure longitudinal forces, allowing for precise load monitoring and fault detection, including jamming and overload conditions, with a control and monitoring device to assess sensor signals and adjust settings accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a load sensor is integrated into the drive rod using strain gauges, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load sensor is merged with the drive rod by integrating strain gauges directly into the drive rod structure. This allows the drive rod to simultaneously serve as both a mechanical transmission component and a sensing element, eliminating the need for separate load sensing components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive rod is designed to perform multiple functions: it transmits mechanical drive power from the actuator to the adjustable flap and simultaneously serves as the sensing element for load measurement through integrated strain gauges. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are used for fault detection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single load sensor with strain gauges integrated into the drive rod is designed to detect multiple types of faults including jamming conditions, overload situations, and connection issues. By strategically positioning the sensor in the drive rod, it can monitor load variations that indicate various fault conditions, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors while maintaining comprehensive fault detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The load sensor provides continuous feedback signals to the control and monitoring device, enabling the system to detect and respond to various fault conditions. The feedback mechanism allows a single sensor to monitor multiple parameters and detect different types of abnormalities through analysis of load pattern 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
The system provides reliable and accurate load measurement, reducing the need for mechanical load limiters, enhancing system reliability, and enabling detection of various faults with a single monitoring mechanism, thus reducing overall sensor requirements and structural weight.
Implementation Method 1
provision is made that the load sensor is formed from at least one strain gauge, which is fitted to the drive rod
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment system of an aeroplane, having: at least one adjustable flap on each of the wing of an aeroplane, adjustable with an adjustment device, a drive device for purposes of driving the adjustment devices, and a load sensor for purposes of recording the load occurring in the load path between the actuator and the adjustable flap of the respective adjustment device. The load sensor is embodied as a sensor for purposes of measuring the longitudinal force occurring in a drive rod along its longitudinal direction.