Aircraft Flap Load Introduction Element External Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft flap systems require access flaps for maintenance and adjustment, which compromise structural integrity, weight, and aerodynamic performance due to mechanical connections and positional deviations during production and installation.
Innovation Solution
A load introduction element with a fitting and adjustment unit allows for adjustable positioning of movable surfaces without needing to move the drive unit or access flaps, using a load introduction body that matches the surface structure and bearing means for secure coupling and angular adjustment, enabling external adjustment of the fitting relative to the load introduction body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If access flaps are provided for maintenance and adjustment of the leading-edge flap, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but the structural-mechanical characteristics (strength, damage tolerance, weight) deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustment mechanism from the traditional access flap configuration. The load introduction element enables adjustment of the leading-edge flap position through a fitting with adjustment unit that can be accessed and operated from the outside of the wing structure, eliminating the need for access flaps that would compromise structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The load introduction element acts as an intermediary structure that serves dual purposes: it introduces loads from the movable surface to the wing structure while simultaneously providing external access for adjustment. The fitting with adjustment unit mounted on the load introduction element enables maintenance operations without requiring additional access flaps.
2Ease of repair
If access flaps are provided for maintenance and adjustment, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but the aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes access flaps from the wing structure entirely. The load introduction element provides a cleaner aerodynamic surface while enabling external adjustment through its fitting mechanism, eliminating the aerodynamic penalties associated with access flap configurations.
3Ease of repair
If the connection between leading-edge flap body and drive unit is disconnected for maintenance, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load introduction element with its externally accessible fitting and adjustment unit enables maintenance personnel to perform adjustment operations independently without requiring disconnection of the drive unit or complex mechanical connections. The adjustment can be performed in situ from the outside of the wing structure.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If eccentric bearings and longitudinally adjustable gear rods are used for flap position adjustment, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the movable surface to be extended or disconnected to access adjustment mechanisms (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by providing external access to the adjustment mechanism through the load introduction element while the surface remains in its normal position. The fitting with adjustment unit can be operated from outside the wing structure without requiring extension of the leading-edge flap.
Data Source
AI summary
A load introduction element for a movable surface of an aircraft comprises a load introduction body that is connectable with the surface. A fitting connected with the load introduction body with a first section and a second section. The first section comprises a first bearing means, the second section comprises a second bearing means, and the first or second section comprises a third bearing means. The fitting is pivotally connected with the load introduction body by way of the first bearing means. An adjustment unit connects the second bearing means with the load introduction body in a variable position and is positioned on a side of the load introduction body that is opposite the fitting. In this manner adjustment of a reference position of a surface takes place without the need for an access flap. By loosening the adjustment unit the movable surface is pivotable without moving a flap drive.