Aircraft Flap Drive Synchronization via Slowest Actuator Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft flap drive systems are heavy, bulky, and difficult to install, often resulting in unbalanced movement of movable aerodynamic surfaces due to a single motor controlling both flaps, which can lead to instability and potential crashes if not synchronized properly.
Innovation Solution
Each movable aerodynamic surface is associated with at least one independent actuator, with a control unit that detects the slowest actuator and synchronizes the movements of all actuators to ensure simultaneous and balanced operation, distributing the actuators along the wing for easier installation and preventing offset.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single motor is used to control both flaps, then the device weight and complexity are reduced, but the movement synchronization and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The single motor system is segmented into multiple independent actuators, with each actuator controlling one flap. This segmentation improves reliability by allowing independent control of each flap while maintaining synchronization through the control unit that detects the slowest actuator and adapts control signals accordingly.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single motor system is used, then the installation constraints are reduced, but the system weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is divided into separate actuators distributed along the wing, making installation easier and more flexible. Each actuator is independently mounted on its respective flap, eliminating the need for complex shaft extensions through the wing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each actuator is locally positioned at the flap it controls, allowing optimized placement and reducing the need for long mechanical linkages. This local positioning reduces overall system weight while improving installation ease.
3Reliability
If independent actuators are used for each flap, then the installation ease and reliability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements feedback by detecting the slowest actuator during movement and adapting control signals to match its speed. This feedback mechanism manages the complexity of coordinating multiple actuators while maintaining reliable synchronized operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If independent actuators are distributed along the wing, then the installation constraints are reduced, but the synchronization control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit uses feedback from position sensors on each actuator to detect movement status and identify the slowest actuator. Based on this feedback, the control unit adapts control signals to ensure all actuators reach their target positions simultaneously, managing synchronization complexity while maintaining installation ease.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A method of operating actuators simultaneously for moving at least two aircraft movable aerodynamic surfaces, the method comprising the steps of: ° controlling the actuators to move the aerodynamic surfaces towards a predetermined position; ° during the movement, detecting a slowest actuator; and ° adapting the control of the actuators to match the actions of the slowest actuator. A drive device for aerodynamic surfaces and an aircraft including such a device.