Hinge Bearing Assembly With Triboelectric Failure Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing bearing assemblies in aircraft hinge systems are difficult to inspect, making it challenging to detect primary sliding path failures, and the secondary sliding path, being less robust, requires increased actuator load and is prone to wear, leading to potential component failure.

Innovation Solution

A bearing assembly with a triboelectric layer coated on one of the sliding paths that generates an electrical current upon engagement, allowing for signal transmission to a failure detection system, which determines whether the primary or secondary path is engaged, enabling early detection of failures and estimating remaining lifetime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the bearing assembly is hidden inside the aircraft structure, then it provides structural integration, but inspection becomes very difficult and failure detection is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrationVSAvoidinspection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces triboelectric layers as intermediary elements on the sliding surfaces that convert mechanical friction into electrical signals. These signals can be detected externally through transmission means, serving as a mediator between the hidden bearing assembly and the external monitoring system, enabling failure detection without direct inspection access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical inspection with an electrical signal-based monitoring system. Instead of mechanically accessing or visually inspecting the hidden bearing, the system uses triboelectric electrical signals transmitted from the bearing to indicate its operational status, substituting mechanical detection methods with electrical field-based detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the secondary sliding path is designed with higher friction coefficient for safety backup, then it provides fail-safe operation, but it requires increased actuator load and is more sensitive to wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefail-safe operationVSAvoidactuator load

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where triboelectric detectors continuously monitor which sliding path is engaged and transmit signals about the bearing's operational state. This feedback allows the system to detect when the primary path is jamming or when the secondary path is engaged, enabling real-time adjustment of actuator load and predictive maintenance before wear leads to failure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the secondary sliding path is used as backup with higher friction, then it ensures rotational movement continuity, but it leads to increased wear and potential component failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational movement continuityVSAvoidcomponent lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting early signs of primary path failure or secondary path engagement through triboelectric signals before actual wear damage occurs. The system monitors friction changes and transmits alerts in advance, allowing maintenance to be performed before the secondary path's higher wear rate leads to component failure, thus extending overall system lifetime

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables early detection of primary sliding path failures without requiring inspection, optimizing actuator load based on engaged paths, and preventing secondary path failure, thus enhancing safety and reducing maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

one of the split path, among the primary and the secondary sliding path, is associated with a triboelectric layer coated on one of the surfaces defining the considered sliding path, so that when the sliding path is engaged the triboelectric layer generates, by friction, an electrical current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriboelectric effect: Triboelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11480214B2Bearing assembly of a hinge coupling a first component and a second component

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

A bearing assembly of a hinge coupling first and second components includes an outer ring secured to the second component having an axial primary bore with a primary inner surface. An inner ring axially rotates, and has a primary outer surface rollingly contacting the primary inner surface, defining a primary sliding path with a primary friction coefficient. The inner ring includes a secondary axial bore with a secondary inner surface. An inner shaft in the secondary bore is secured to the first component and is axially rotatable. The inner shaft has a secondary outer surface rollingly contacting the secondary inner surface defining a secondary sliding path with a second friction coefficient. One of the sliding paths has a triboelectric layer surface frictionally generating an electrical current when that sliding path is engaged. A transmission element transmits, to a failure detection system, a signal due to such electrical current.