Flight Control Brake Trolley Mechanism for Variable Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft braking devices are heavy, generate significant drag torque, and require numerous components, increasing the risk of failure and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A braking device with a trolley mechanism that applies a contact force between braking surfaces in response to input torque, using a bias element and actuator to adjust the trolley's position, allowing variable braking torque generation with fewer components and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional brake discs and compression springs are used to provide minimum braking torque, then braking reliability is improved, but device weight increases and drag torque increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the braking function and actuation function into a single integrated mechanism. The trolley assembly serves both as the braking element that contacts the brake disc and as the actuated component that moves axially in response to input torque. This merging eliminates the need for separate brake discs and compression springs, reducing component count and weight while maintaining braking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic braking mechanism where the trolley assembly can axially displace between a first position (contacting the brake disc) and a second position (spaced from the brake disc). This dynamic positioning allows the system to engage braking only when necessary, reducing parasitic drag torque during normal operation while maintaining reliability when braking is required.
2Reliability
If multiple brake discs and large compression springs are used to ensure all failure cases are enveloped, then braking torque capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the single trolley assembly component. The trolley incorporates both the braking surface that contacts the brake disc and the mechanism for axial displacement in response to input torque. This consolidation reduces the number of components from multiple brake discs and springs to a single integrated assembly, simplifying the device while maintaining the ability to handle failure cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The trolley assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as the braking element, the actuated component, and the torque transmission element. By making the trolley universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while ensuring comprehensive failure case coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the trolley is configured to axially displace in response to input torque to apply contact force, then braking torque variability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures the trolley to dynamically axial displace in response to varying input torque magnitudes. The trolley's axial position adjusts automatically based on the torque applied to the drive shaft, enabling variable braking torque without requiring complex control systems. This dynamic response provides adaptability while keeping the mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The trolley mechanism is designed to automatically adjust its axial position in response to input torque without requiring external control signals or additional actuators. The system self-regulates the braking torque based on the torque applied to the drive shaft, providing variable braking capability through inherent mechanical feedback rather than complex control systems.
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 device provides reliable, variable braking torque with reduced component failure risk and drag, optimizing weight and efficiency by minimizing the number of components required.
Implementation Method 1
a bias element, the bias element configured to apply a force to the trolley to axially displace the trolley towards the first position
Implementation Method 2
a trolley comprising a second braking surface configured to contact the first braking surface to provide a braking torque
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A braking device for a flight control system is provided, the flight control system comprising 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; and a trolley comprising 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 as described above.