Linear Drive Mechanism for Deformable Wing Leading Edge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deformable structural components for aerodynamic bodies, such as aircraft wings, face challenges in achieving large deformation under high loads with minimal space and reduced complexity, particularly in slim laminar profiles where conventional rotary kinematics are not feasible due to geometric constraints and high loads.
Innovation Solution
A drive concept utilizing a linear movement unit and gear element to convert linear motion into rotary motion, employing a toggle mechanism with a multi-axially articulated transfer lever to introduce deformation force into the skin, allowing for adaptive deformation of aerodynamic surfaces with reduced complexity and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rotary kinematics are used for deformable structural components, then the system can achieve deformation capability, but the device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a linearly movable actuator instead of a rotary actuator. The linear movement is converted to rotary movement of the load introduction device through a gear element, achieving deformation with reduced complexity. This inversion of the motion type fundamentally simplifies the kinematic chain while maintaining full deformation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex rotary mechanical systems with a linear mechanical system. The linear actuator directly pushes or pulls the gear element, eliminating the need for complex rotary joints and multiple actuators. This substitution reduces both the number of moving parts and the overall system complexity.
2Shape
If conventional rotary actuators are used to achieve large deformation, then deformation range is sufficient, but the space requirements and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the actuator type from rotary to linear, the patent achieves the same deformation range with a more compact and lighter actuator. The linear actuator has a simpler structure with fewer moving parts, directly reducing weight while the gear element ensures full deformation range is achieved through the conversion of linear to rotary motion.
3Strength
If auxiliary structures are used to introduce force into the skin, then local stress increases are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gear element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it converts linear movement to rotary movement, acts as a structural support for force introduction, and distributes loads throughout the system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate auxiliary force introduction structures, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining good stress distribution.
4Ease of operation
If multiple main levers with servomotors are used for deformation, then deformation control is precise, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple actuators into a single linear actuator. The linear actuator controls the gear element, which in turn controls multiple load introduction points through its rotary motion. This consolidation maintains precise deformation control while dramatically reducing the number of actuators and overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single linear actuator and gear element combination serves as a universal control mechanism for multiple deformation points. The gear element's rotary motion simultaneously controls multiple main levers or load introduction points, providing precise deformation control across the entire structure with a single actuator system.
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 solution enables efficient deformation of slim laminar profiles with reduced system complexity, weight, and increased stability, allowing for multiple kinematic stations to be driven simultaneously while maintaining actuator load-free operation at maximum deflection, enhancing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a gear element (62) for converting a linear movement of the linear movement unit (60) into a rotary movement of the load introduction device (38)
Implementation Method 2
The gear element has a conversion lever for converting the linear movement into a rotary movement
Implementation Method 3
employing a toggle mechanism with a multi-axially articulated transfer lever to introduce deformation force into the skin
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
A drive mechanism for deforming a skin of a deformable structural component of a fluid-dynamic flow body to provide a space-saving drive concept for large deformations under great loads. The drive mechanism comprises a linearly movably driven linear movement unit, and a transmission element configured to translate linear movement of the linear movement unit into rotary movement of a rotatably mounted load introduction device of the structural component to introduce a deformation force onto the skin.