Foldable Wing Tip Locking via Actuator Stall Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locking foldable wing tip portions on aircraft require precise alignment of engaging parts with small tolerances, making it challenging to ensure reliable locking, especially under aerodynamic loads during flight.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an actuation unit with a motor and gearbox, controlled by a control unit, which moves the foldable wing tip portion until a stall condition is detected, indicating alignment, and then locks the arresting unit using latching devices to secure the wing in extended or folded positions, ensuring alignment and engagement of latching parts despite small tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the arresting unit is designed with small tolerances to carry full aerodynamic loads, then the reliability of locking is improved, but the difficulty of alignment and operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The method applies preliminary action by continuously commanding the actuation unit to move the foldable wing tip portion beyond the point where engaging parts should align. This over-travel approach ensures that even with small tolerances and potential misalignment, the engaging parts will eventually engage as the system continues moving in the same direction, eliminating the need for precise initial alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from a stall sensor to detect when the actuation unit reaches a stall condition, indicating that the engaging parts have successfully engaged. The control unit receives this feedback and terminates actuation accordingly, providing automatic confirmation of reliable locking without requiring manual alignment checks
2Reliability
If precise alignment of engaging parts is required, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service through automatic stall detection and confirmation. The stall sensor automatically detects when engagement occurs, and the control unit automatically terminates actuation based on this detection. This eliminates the need for complex manual alignment procedures or additional alignment mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with an electrical/control-based solution. Instead of using精密 mechanical guides or adjustment mechanisms to achieve precise alignment, the system uses continuous actuation combined with electrical stall detection to confirm engagement, substituting mechanical complexity with simpler control logic
3Measurement precision
If the actuation unit moves precisely to the locked position, then the alignment accuracy is improved, but the time to confirm engagement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The method continuously commands actuation beyond the expected engagement point, so that even if there is uncertainty about the exact engagement position, the system keeps moving until engagement is confirmed by the stall sensor. This eliminates the need to precisely calculate or measure the engagement position in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The stall sensor provides immediate feedback when engagement occurs, allowing the control unit to terminate actuation at the exact moment of engagement. This feedback mechanism provides real-time confirmation of alignment and engagement, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual verification or complex measurement systems
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a wing (5) including a fixed wing (9), a foldable wing tip portion (11) mounted to the fixed wing (9) pivotally between an extended position and a folded position, an actuation unit (13) for actuating movement of the foldable wing tip portion (11), and an arresting unit (15) for locking the foldable wing tip portion (11) in the extended position and/or in the folded position. The method includes controlling the actuation unit (13) to move the foldable wing tip portion (11) either to the extended position or to the folded position until the foldable wing tip portion (11) or the actuation unit (13) contacts a stop element (28), continuing actuation until the actuation unit (13) reaches a stall condition, detecting the stall condition of the actuation unit (13), and locking the arresting unit (15) upon detection of the stall condition.