Foldable Wing Tip Brake Separation for Secure Folded Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable wing systems for aircraft require the actuation unit to both move and hold the foldable wing tip portion in place, leading to increased complexity and potential instability if the actuation unit fails.
Innovation Solution
A separate and independently actuated brake unit is introduced to secure the foldable wing tip portion in the folded position, allowing the actuation unit to focus solely on movement and reducing complexity, with optional control units and various brake configurations such as multiple disk, power-off, ratchet, or freewheel brakes for enhanced security and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the actuation unit is designed to both move and hold the foldable wing tip portion, then the wing system can function with fewer components, but the actuation unit complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent functional units: the actuation unit for moving the foldable wing tip portion between extended and folded positions, and the brake unit for securing it in the folded position. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall complexity while improving reliability through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding function is extracted from the actuation unit and transferred to a separate brake unit. The brake unit includes a brake part with a brake surface that can be pressed against a counterbrake surface to securely hold the foldable wing tip portion in the folded position, independent of the actuation unit's status.
2Quantity of substance
If the actuation unit must hold the foldable wing tip portion in the folded position, then no additional securing mechanism is needed, but the actuation unit requires higher force capacity and increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the movement function (actuation unit) from the holding function (brake unit), allowing each component to be simpler and more specialized. The brake unit uses a straightforward brake part and counterbrake surface arrangement that requires minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake unit can be designed as a self-actuating or passively actuated system that automatically engages to hold the foldable wing tip portion in the folded position without requiring continuous power or complex control mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If the actuation unit is the sole mechanism for both moving and holding the wing tip, then the system is simpler, but any failure causes unintended movement
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the system into independent actuation and brake units, the patent ensures that a failure in the actuation unit does not compromise the holding function. The brake unit independently secures the foldable wing tip portion, providing redundancy and improving reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake unit is positioned and configured to automatically engage and secure the foldable wing tip portion in the folded position, providing a safety mechanism that prevents unintended movement even if the actuation unit fails. This prior cushioning approach ensures reliability by having a backup securing mechanism in place.
Data Source
AI summary
A wing for an aircraft is disclosed having a fixed wing, a foldable wing tip portion mounted to the fixed wing via a hinge rotatable about a hinge axis between an extended position and a folded position, and an actuation unit for actuating the foldable wing tip portion for movement about the hinge axis. The wing includes a brake unit for securing the foldable wing tip portion in the folded position, and the brake unit is formed separately from the actuation unit.