Leading Edge Rib Assembly Integrating Gear Train
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft wing actuator mechanisms require additional space for the gearbox, which is inefficient in terms of space utilization and compactness.
Innovation Solution
A leading edge rib assembly that integrates a gear train with cogs, where the sizes of the cogs are selected to allow the drive shaft to rotate at a higher rate than the actuator cog, and at least part of the gear train is housed within or supported by the rib, reducing the need for additional structural components and enhancing compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional gearbox is used in the actuator mechanism, then the gear train can be housed in a separate enclosure, but the space required for the gearbox increases and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the gear train housing with the existing rib structure of the aircraft wing. The rib, which is already a structural component, serves dual purposes: providing structural support and housing the gear train. This integration eliminates the need for a separate gearbox enclosure, reducing overall space requirements and improving compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the wing, houses the gear train mechanism, and serves as a mounting structure for the actuator system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components and structures.
2Device complexity
If additional structure is provided to house the gear train, then the gear train can be protected and organized, but the overall compactness and space efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing for the gear train is merged with the rib structure itself. The rib's internal cavity and mounting features are utilized to house and organize the gear train components, eliminating the need for separate housing structures while maintaining organization and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear train components are nested within the existing rib structure. The cogs and gear elements are positioned within the rib's internal space, utilizing the rib's existing volume to contain the mechanism rather than requiring external housing.
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
This configuration allows for a more compact and efficient actuation mechanism, reducing the overall space required for the gearbox and improving the integration of the gear train within the rib structure.
Implementation Method 1
a gear train comprising a drive cog which is carried by the drive shaft, an actuator cog which is coupled to the high lift device, and one or more intermediate cogs which are mounted to the rib and coupled in series with the drive cog and the actuator cog so as to transmit torque from the drive cog to the actuator cog
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft wing has a main wing element with a spar and a leading edge rib supported by the spar, a high lift device movably mounted to the main wing element, and an actuation mechanism with a drive shaft and a gear train. The gear train has a drive cog carried by the drive shaft, an actuator cog coupled to the high lift device, and one or more intermediate cogs mounted to the rib and coupled in series with the drive cog and the actuator cog so as to transmit torque from the drive cog to the actuator cog which moves the high lift device between a retracted position and an extended position in which the high lift device increases the camber of the wing. Sizes of the cogs in the gear train are selected so that the drive shaft rotates at a higher rate than the high lift device.