Flight Control Brake Trolley for Variable Torque Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft braking devices for flight control systems are heavy and inefficient due to the use of multiple brake discs and large compression springs, which increase drag torque and weight, and fail to effectively match and exceed the input torque in all failure cases.
Innovation Solution
A simplified braking device with a trolley mechanism that applies a contact force between a housing component and a second braking surface in response to input torque, featuring a torque receiver with inclined surfaces and an intermediate rolling contact component to adjust braking torque, allowing for variable braking capacity and reduced component failure risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional brake discs and compression springs are used, then braking torque is provided, but weight increases and drag torque increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the braking function with the torque transmission function into a single integrated mechanism. The trolley assembly serves both to transmit drive torque from the drive shaft and to apply braking torque through contact with the braking surface, eliminating the need for separate brake discs and springs. This merging of functions directly reduces the weight of the braking device while maintaining the required braking torque capability.
2Force
If multiple brake discs and large compression springs are used, then minimum braking torque is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single trolley assembly that combines torque reception, axial displacement, and braking torque application. Instead of using multiple separate brake discs and compression springs, the invention uses one trolley with inclined surfaces that converts rotational torque into axial contact force, thereby reducing the number of components and simplifying the device structure while ensuring adequate braking torque.
Solution Approach 2:
The trolley acts as an intermediary mechanism that converts the rotational input torque from the drive shaft into axial displacement and subsequently into contact force between the braking surfaces. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for complex spring systems and multiple brake discs, reducing device complexity while maintaining the required braking performance.
3Force
If conventional brake discs and springs are used, then braking function is provided, but reliability decreases due to more components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the braking function with the torque transmission function into a single integrated trolley assembly. By eliminating multiple separate components (brake discs, compression springs, actuators), the invention reduces the number of potential failure points. The simplified mechanism with fewer moving parts inherently improves reliability while still providing the necessary braking torque through the contact between braking surfaces.
4Force
If fixed braking torque is designed, then minimum braking is ensured, but adaptability to different input torque conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic braking mechanism where the braking torque automatically adjusts according to the input torque conditions. The trolley's axial displacement is directly proportional to the applied torque through the inclined surfaces, creating a variable braking capacity that adapts to different operating conditions. This eliminates the need for fixed braking torque design and allows the system to respond proportionally to varying drive shaft torques, improving adaptability.
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 braking device achieves a reliable and efficient braking torque that matches and exceeds input torque, reducing the risk of component failure and drag torque, while maintaining a lightweight design by using fewer components and optimizing contact force for enhanced performance.
Implementation Method 1
An intermediate rolling contact component may be arrangeable between the first and second inclined surfaces and be arranged to be displaced between the first and second inclined surfaces in response to relative angular displacement of the second inclined surface with respect to the first inclined surface.
Implementation Method 2
The trolley is configured to apply a contact force between the first and second braking surfaces in response to the input torque... The braking torque increases as contact pressure increases which prevents slipping.
Data Source
AI summary
A braking device for a flight control system includes a drive shaft for applying a drive torque to a flight control surface. The braking device comprises a housing component comprising a first braking surface. The system also includes a trolley having a second braking surface configured to contact the first braking surface to provide a braking torque. The trolley is configured to receive an input torque from the drive shaft, wherein the trolley is configured to apply a contact force between the first and second braking surfaces in response to the input torque. Also provided is a flight control system comprising the braking device and a drive shaft for applying a drive torque to a flight control surface, and an aircraft comprising the flight control system.