Aircraft Flap Jam Detection Linkage and Sensor System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to effectively detect jams at mid-idler supports in aircraft wing flaps, leading to potential damage from high loads and aerodynamic performance penalties when attempting to design wings without these supports.
Innovation Solution
A jam detection system comprising a linkage coupled to the flap and support, with a sensor to detect the position of the linkage and compare it to a jam threshold, triggering a control unit to stop actuators if a jam is detected, using a rotary or linear variable displacement transducer to monitor the linkage's angular or linear position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mid-idler support is added to control flap deflection, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the risk of jamming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flap support system is segmented into multiple independent supports (inboard, mid-idler, outboard), each capable of independent movement and equipped with its own jam detection system. This segmentation allows the aerodynamic benefits of multiple supports while isolating jamming risks to individual segments rather than affecting the entire flap system.
2Reliability
If the flap and support structures are designed to endure extreme loads, then structural reliability is improved, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The jam detection system performs preliminary detection of potential jamming conditions before extreme loads can develop and cause damage. By detecting skew or abnormal positioning early in the flap movement sequence, the system can alert operators or automatically adjust flap operation to prevent the high-load conditions that would require oversized structural design.
3Measurement precision
If skew detection systems are used to detect flap asymmetry, then main support jamming is detected, but mid-idler support jamming remains undetected
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary linkage system connects each support (including the mid-idler support) to the flap, with sensors monitoring the position and movement of each intermediary element. This intermediary measurement system detects jamming at any support location by monitoring local abnormalities in the linkage between that specific support and the flap, rather than relying solely on overall flap skew.
4Power
If actuators continue at maximum capacity during a jam, then flap deployment force is maintained, but instantaneous high loads cause structural damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback from sensors that continuously monitor the position and movement of each support and linkage element. When a jam is detected through abnormal positioning or lack of expected movement, the feedback signal triggers immediate reduction or cessation of actuator power, preventing the instantaneous high loads that would cause structural damage while maintaining normal maximum power during healthy operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A jam detection system for a flap (106) of a wing of an aircraft includes a linkage (116) coupled to the flap and a support (108) of the wing, and a sensor (118) configured to detect a position of at least a portion of the linkage. The sensor is further configured to compare the position of the least a portion of the linkage to a jam threshold to determine if a jam condition exists. The linkage can also be coupled to a carriage (114) moveably coupled to the support.