Flight Control Skew Detection Using Lanyard and Hybrid Actuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skew detection systems in flight control surface actuation systems have limitations that increase the minimum skew magnitude that can be reliably detected, leading to increased loads on supporting structures and size/weight impacts.
Innovation Solution
A flight control surface actuation system with a skew detection system that includes a skew lanyard and a detection mechanism assembly (DMA) to detect lanyard displacement, generating a skew detection signal that represents the skew condition, and a hybrid sensing actuator with a gear train and position sensor to provide precise position feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing skew detection systems are used, then skew detection is provided, but the minimum skew magnitude that can be reliably detected is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lanyard as an intermediary mechanical element that connects the actuator output to a detection mechanism. The lanyard translates small skew movements into measurable displacement, enabling detection of minimum skew magnitudes below 0.5 degrees while maintaining reliable detection through the mechanical coupling of the lanyard-detector system.
2Reliability
If the minimum detectable skew magnitude is increased, then detection reliability is improved, but the maximum permissible skew magnitude increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system performs preliminary detection of skew conditions at very small magnitudes (below 0.5 degrees) before they develop into larger skew conditions that would generate undesirable loads. By detecting and alerting operators early, the system prevents the development of harmful load conditions on the supporting structure.
3Strength
If structures are engineered to sustain increased load for greater skew magnitude, then skew tolerance is improved, but size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based detection and alert system that monitors skew conditions in real-time. By providing continuous feedback on skew magnitude through the lanyard detection mechanism and visual/audio alerts, the system enables operators to take corrective action before harmful load conditions develop, eliminating the need to over-engineer structures for maximum skew tolerance.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Flight control surface actuation systems (100) including skew detection systems (130) and associated methods. A flight control surface actuation system (100) includes a skew detection system (130) configured to generate a skew detection signal that represents a skew condition of a flight control surface (22). In some examples, the skew detection system includes a skew lanyard (134) and a detection mechanism assembly (DMA) (140) configured to detect a lanyard displacement (136) of the skew lanyard (134) and to generate an analog lanyard displacement signal. In some examples, the skew detection system includes a hybrid sensing actuator (150) that includes an actuator output (154) and an actuator output position sensor (156) directly coupled to the actuator output (154). Methods of utilizing a flight control surface actuation system include (100) detecting a skew condition in the flight control surface utilizing DMAs (140) and/or hybrid sensing actuators (150).