Magnetic Rigging for Aircraft Aerodynamic Surface Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual rigging process for aerodynamic aircraft components, such as slats, is laborious and time-consuming due to the need for angular adjustments using eccentric bolts, which complicates the alignment and contact between fixed and movable aerodynamic parts.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a magnet device and piece of magnetic material on the fixed and movable aerodynamic parts, respectively, to utilize magnetic forces for aligning and pressing the contact surfaces together, thereby simplifying the rigging process and reducing manual labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual rigging with eccentric bolts is used to adjust angular position, then alignment precision can be achieved, but the rigging process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system (eccentric bolts) with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets embedded in the mounting structure automatically align and hold the aerodynamic surface at the correct angle through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustment while maintaining precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic mounting system enables self-alignment and self-positioning of the aerodynamic surface. The magnetic field automatically guides the surface into the correct angular position and maintains it without requiring manual intervention for adjustment or rigging, making the system self-servicing.
2Stress or pressure
If manual adjustment with eccentric bolts is used, then contact pressure can be predefined, but the process becomes complicated and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical adjustment mechanism (eccentric bolts requiring angular adjustment) with a magnetic field system. The magnetic force automatically applies the necessary contact pressure between the aerodynamic surface and the fixed structure without requiring complex mechanical adjustment components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for adjustment from mechanical angular position (requiring bolt rotation) to magnetic field strength and positioning. By embedding magnets at specific positions and orientations, the system achieves both alignment and contact pressure control through magnetic parameters rather than mechanical ones.
3Ease of operation
If magnets are used for automatic alignment, then manual labor is reduced, but additional components (magnet devices) are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of alignment and contact pressure application into a single magnetic field system. The magnets serve dual purposes: providing directional alignment through their magnetic field orientation and applying contact pressure through magnetic attraction force, thereby reducing the need for separate mechanical components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic mounting structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides angular alignment, maintains contact pressure, and enables easy installation/removal. The same magnetic components that align the surface also provide the holding force and facilitate simple operation, making the system multi-functional rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
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
The magnetic rigging system enables a more efficient and reliable alignment of aerodynamic surfaces, reducing manual effort and ensuring consistent contact pressure, which enhances aerodynamic performance by minimizing air leakage between the surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic force between the magnet device and the piece of magnetic material urges, preferably presses with defined pressure, the second contact surface to the second position and in defined, predetermined contact with the first contact surface
Data Source
AI summary
An aerodynamic aircraft component includes a fixed aerodynamic part, which has a first contact surface, and a movable aerodynamic part, which has a second contact surface and is mounted to the fixed aerodynamic part for movement relative to the fixed aerodynamic part between a first position, in which the first and second contact surfaces are spaced apart, and a second position, in which the second contact surface contacts the first contact surface. The fixed aerodynamic part includes one of a magnet device and a piece of magnetic material and the movable aerodynamic part includes the other of the magnet device and the piece of magnetic material. The magnet device and the piece of magnetic material are arranged such that a magnetic force between the magnet device and the piece of magnetic material urges the second contact surface in contact with the first contact surface.