Leading-Edge High-Lift Support Arm as an Integrated Fluid Duct

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anti-ice ducts for leading-edge high lift devices in aircraft wings are inefficient in terms of weight and cost, as they require telescopic designs that increase in length during deployment and retraction, necessitating complex joints and additional structural support.

Innovation Solution

A support arrangement where the hinge arm for the leading-edge high lift device, such as a droop nose, is configured as a tubular fluid conduit, allowing for a fixed length and integrated fluid distribution, reducing the need for additional duct length and structural reinforcement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If telescopic ducts are used to follow leading-edge kinematics, then fluid distribution is achieved, but weight and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid distributionVSAvoidduct weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm structure is merged with the fluid duct function. The support arm is designed as a tubular component that serves both as a structural support element and as a fluid conduit, eliminating the need for separate telescopic ducts and reducing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support arm is given multiple functions: it provides structural support for the leading-edge high lift device and simultaneously serves as a fluid conduit for anti-ice and flow control systems. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If telescopic ducts with variable length are used, then fluid distribution is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid distributionVSAvoidduct structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid duct function is merged into the fixed-length support arm structure. This eliminates the need for complex telescopic mechanisms while maintaining fluid distribution capability through the integrated tubular support arm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If telescopic ducts are used, then fluid distribution is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid distributionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the support arm and fluid duct into a single integrated component, manufacturing complexity and costs are reduced. The tubular support arm can be manufactured as a single piece or pre-assembled unit, eliminating the need for complex telescopic duct assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If fixed length support arm is used, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid distribution capability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport structureVSAvoidfluid distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed-length support arm is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support and serving as a fluid conduit. The tubular cross-section of the support arm allows fluid flow while maintaining structural integrity throughout the range of motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12441458B2Support arrangement for a leading-edge high lift device with a fluid duct

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

AI summary

A support arrangement for a leading-edge high lift device comprising a support arm for movably supporting the leading-edge high lift device on a wing structure. In order to accommodate the supply of the leading-edge high lift device with a fluid such as an anti-ice fluid, for example pressurized hot air, the support arm is configured as a fluid conduit for feeding fluid to and/or from the leading-edge high lift device. The leading-edge high lift device may be configured as a droop nose device.