Lower Surface Spoiler Load Reduction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft control surfaces such as flaps and spoilers experience significant loads during high-speed maneuvers, necessitating structural reinforcements that increase weight and reduce effectiveness, particularly during rapid descents or transonic speeds.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a lower surface spoiler system that deflects away from the aerodynamic structure, reducing loads on upper surface spoilers and flaps by rotating in conjunction with them, with a deflected height of approximately 1 to 2.5% of the chord length, thereby enhancing maneuvering and braking effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If structural reinforcements are added to counteract forces on control surfaces during high-speed maneuvers, then the strength and reliability of control surfaces are improved, but the weight of the aircraft increases
Solution Approach 1:
A lower surface spoiler is introduced as an intermediary element to counteract aerodynamic forces acting on the upper surface spoilers and flaps. The lower spoiler deflects downward to generate an upward aerodynamic force that balances the downward forces on the upper control surfaces, thereby reducing the structural load on these components without requiring additional reinforcements.
2Reliability
If structural reinforcements are added to counteract forces on control surfaces, then the reliability of control surfaces is improved, but the fuel efficiency of the aircraft decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lower surface spoiler serves as a mediator that reduces aerodynamic loads on upper control surfaces during high-speed maneuvers and rapid descents. By deflecting downward to generate balancing aerodynamic forces, it allows the aircraft to maintain reliable control surface operation without the need for heavy structural reinforcements that would increase weight and reduce fuel efficiency.
3Force
If significant loads act on flaps and spoilers during high-speed maneuvers, then the structural strength is tested, but the effectiveness of flap actuation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lower surface spoiler generates an upward aerodynamic force that acts as a counterweight to the downward forces experienced by upper surface spoilers and flaps during high-speed maneuvers. This counteracting force reduces the net load on the control surfaces, allowing them to maintain their actuation effectiveness and displacement capability even during aggressive flight maneuvers.
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 reduces the need for additional structural components, improves the effectiveness of control surfaces, and maintains fuel efficiency by minimizing load on control surfaces during high-speed maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
aerodynamic structures having lower surface spoilers... flaps and/or spoilers on a wing of an aircraft... may encounter significant forces when the aircraft is maneuvering at relatively high speeds
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Aerodynamic structures having lower surface spoilers are described herein. One disclosed example apparatus includes a first spoiler of an aerodynamic structure of an aircraft, where the first spoiler is to deflect away from a first side of the aerodynamic structure and a second spoiler on a second side of the aerodynamic structure opposite of the first side, where the second spoiler is to deflect away from the second side to reduce a load on at least one of the first spoiler or a flap of the aerodynamic structure.