Aircraft Locking Element Control for Anti-Icing Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft locking systems are prone to jamming due to icing, requiring unlocking actuators with increased size and weight to apply higher forces to shear ice, which is disadvantageous in terms of space and weight constraints.
Innovation Solution
A locking system with a control unit that commands the unlocking actuator to move the locking element from a locking position to an anti-icing position over a shorter stroke length, preventing ice formation or breaking ice before it interferes with operation, while maintaining the release element engaged to prevent accidental unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the unlocking actuator is designed to provide higher force to shear ice, then the reliability of the locking system in icy conditions is improved, but the size and weight of the actuator increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary anti-icing action by reciprocating the locking element over a shorter stroke length before ice can accumulate to problematic levels. The control unit detects icing conditions and triggers the actuator to move the locking element back and forth over a reduced stroke, preventing ice buildup that would otherwise require high force to shear during normal unlocking operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the actuator stroke length based on operating conditions. During normal operation, the full unlocking stroke length is used. When icing conditions are detected, the control unit switches to a shorter anti-icing stroke length for reciprocating movements, optimizing performance for the specific condition without requiring the actuator to be oversized for worst-case scenarios
2Reliability
If the unlocking actuator is designed to provide higher force to shear ice, then the reliability of the locking system in icy conditions is improved, but the size of the actuator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary anti-icing action by reciprocating the locking element over a shorter stroke length before ice can accumulate to problematic levels. The control unit detects icing conditions and triggers the actuator to move the locking element back and forth over a reduced stroke, preventing ice buildup that would otherwise require high force to shear during normal unlocking operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the actuator stroke length based on operating conditions. During normal operation, the full unlocking stroke length is used. When icing conditions are detected, the control unit switches to a shorter anti-icing stroke length for reciprocating movements, optimizing performance for the specific condition without requiring the actuator to be oversized for worst-case scenarios
3Reliability
If the unlocking actuator is designed with larger pressure or current requirements to shear ice, then the ability to operate in icy conditions is improved, but the maximum operating loads increase requiring strengthened components
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary anti-icing action by reciprocating the locking element over a shorter stroke length before ice can accumulate to problematic levels. The control unit detects icing conditions and triggers the actuator to move the locking element back and forth over a reduced stroke, preventing ice buildup that would otherwise require high force to shear during normal unlocking operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by using a shorter stroke length specifically for anti-icing operations. Instead of applying full force over the complete unlocking stroke, the actuator performs limited reciprocating movements over a reduced stroke portion, which is sufficient to prevent or break up ice formation without generating the excessive loads that would require strengthened components
Data Source
AI summary
A locking system includes a locking element which is movable between a first, locking position and a second unlocking position and an unlocking actuator for moving the locking element (from the first position to the second position over an unlocking stroke length (Su). The system further comprises a control unit configured to command the unlocking actuator to move the locking element from the first position to a third position over an anti-icing stroke length (Sa) which is shorter than the unlocking stroke length (Su).