High-Lift Drive Load Path Failure Detection in Aircraft Flap Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high lift systems in aircraft lack effective methods for monitoring the integrity and operational behavior of drive load paths, which can lead to failures such as jamming, skewing, and asymmetry of high lift surfaces, posing risks during critical flight phases.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement and method for detecting failure and monitoring integrity of the drive load path by using sensors and detection devices to assess the integrity of the drive load path, including proximity sensors, linear position sensors, and torque sensors, which provide signals indicating failure or integrity based on detected conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional high lift systems are used without advanced detection devices, then the system structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the reliability and safety during critical flight phases deteriorates due to undetected failures
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent detection devices, each monitoring specific parameters (position, torque, temperature) of the drive load path. This allows targeted monitoring of critical components without requiring a complete system overhaul, thereby improving reliability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection devices continuously monitor the drive load path parameters before failures occur, enabling early detection of abnormal conditions. This preliminary monitoring allows preventive maintenance and avoids catastrophic failures during critical flight phases, improving reliability without requiring complex real-time intervention systems.
2Measurement precision
If multiple detection devices are installed to monitor drive load path integrity, then the measurement precision and failure detection capability improve, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection devices are designed with multi-functionality, where each device can monitor multiple parameters (e.g., position, torque, temperature) simultaneously. This universal approach allows comprehensive monitoring of the drive load path with fewer devices, improving measurement precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation unit that processes signals from multiple detection devices and integrates the information to assess overall drive load path integrity. This intermediary layer consolidates data from multiple sensors, improving detection precision through correlated analysis while preventing exponential growth in system complexity.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring of drive load path parameters is implemented, then the ability to detect sudden and gradual failures improves, but the use of energy and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system implements periodic sampling of drive load path parameters rather than truly continuous monitoring. The detection devices take measurements at predetermined time intervals, which are sufficient to detect both sudden failures (through high-frequency sampling during critical phases) and gradual failures (through lower-frequency sampling during normal operation). This periodic approach maintains reliability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring frequency is made dynamic, adjusting based on flight phase and detected conditions. During critical flight phases or when abnormalities are detected, the sampling rate increases to detect sudden failures. During normal operation, the sampling rate decreases to conserve energy. This dynamic adaptation maintains high reliability for failure detection while optimizing energy consumption across different operational states.
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
Enhances the reliability of high lift systems by detecting sudden or gradual failures, preventing further movement of affected components, and facilitating timely maintenance, ensuring safe flight operations.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is configured as a proximity sensor
Implementation Method 2
The load sensor is configured and arranged to measure the load applied to a fixed ring gear
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an arrangement (36; 36'; 36") configured to detect failure of and/or monitor integrity of a drive load path (P) for driving a high lift surface (17; 19) of an aircraft (1). The arrangement comprises a detection device (71; 71'; 71") arranged and adapted to detect an interruption of the drive load path or at least partial loss of load transmitted along the same. The arrangement is configured to provide a signal indicating failure of the drive load path and/or a signal indicating integrity of the drive load path depending on a condition, value or measure detected by the detection device. Moreover, the invention proposes a high lift system of an aircraft including an arrangement in accordance with the invention. Still further, the invention relates to a method of detecting failure and/or monitoring integrity of a drive load path (P) for driving a high lift surface (17; 19) of an aircraft (1).