Leading Edge High-Lift Architecture with Shared Rotary Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high lift systems for aircraft wings require multiple rotary gear actuators per movable surface, leading to increased complexity and cost due to the need for a large number of actuators to operate multiple surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A shared rotary geared actuator system is introduced, where a single actuator is connected to multiple movable surfaces via a spline mechanism, reducing the total number of actuators required by sharing them across adjacent surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple rotary gear actuators are provided per movable surface, then reliable actuation of each surface is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation function for multiple movable surfaces into a single rotary gear actuator. The RGA is configured to actuate both a first movable surface and a second movable surface simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate actuators for each surface. This combining approach reduces the total number of actuators while maintaining reliable actuation of all surfaces through a unified mechanical connection system
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary gear actuator is designed with multi-functionality to perform the actuation task for multiple different movable surfaces. The single RGA can selectively engage with different surfaces through its spline connection mechanism, allowing one actuator to serve multiple functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated actuators for each surface
2Ease of operation
If multiple rotary gear actuators are provided per movable surface, then each surface can be independently actuated, but the number of components and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system incorporates dynamic characteristics through the spline connection mechanism, which allows the single RGA to flexibly engage and disengage with different movable surfaces as needed. This dynamic engagement capability enables one actuator to independently control multiple surfaces by selectively connecting to them, replacing the need for multiple fixed actuators
3Quantity of substance
If a shared rotary gear actuator is used for multiple surfaces, then the number of actuators is reduced, but the actuation mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spline connection acts as an intermediary mechanism between the single rotary gear actuator and multiple movable surfaces. This intermediary component facilitates the transmission of motion from one actuator to multiple surfaces in a standardized and simplified manner, avoiding the need for complex individual actuation mechanisms for each surface while maintaining ease of connection and control
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 approach simplifies the system and reduces the overall cost by requiring fewer actuators, achieving efficient actuation of multiple surfaces with a more economical design.
Implementation Method 1
The means configured to communicate with and move both of said first movable surface and said second movable surface comprises a spline. In use, said spline is in communication with a first drive pinion of said first movable surface and further in communication with a second drive pinion of said second movable surface.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotary geared actuator (RGA) (211b) is described herein for actuating movement of a first movable surface (210A) and a second movable surface (210B); the RGA (211b) comprising: an input shaft (231) configured to receive torque in use, and an output shaft (232) comprising means configured to communicate with and move both said first surface (210A) and said second surface (210B) in use. The actuator may be used in a leading edge high lift architecture for an aircraft wing, or may be used in other applications.