Non-coaxial tendon flexure control for aircraft wing spars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elongated structures in aircraft, such as wing spars and stringers, experience unwanted flexure and harmonic resonance due to dynamic external forces, leading to undesirable performance and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
A flexurally controlled system comprising an elongated structure with a tendon and an actuator that applies tensile or compressive loads non-coaxially to minimize deformation, adjusting the direction and degree of flexure to prevent resonant oscillations and uncontrolled flexure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coaxial tendon systems are used to control flexure, then the structure maintains simplicity, but the control effectiveness is insufficient and resonant oscillations cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning tendons non-coaxially relative to the elongated structure's central axis. The first tendon is positioned at a first radial distance and angular position, while the second tendon is positioned at a second radial distance and angular position, creating an asymmetric configuration that provides superior flexural control and prevents resonant oscillations compared to traditional symmetric coaxial arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the flexural control function by using multiple independent tendons (first tendon and second tendon) positioned at different locations rather than a single centralized tendon. This segmentation allows independent control of different aspects of flexure, improving overall control effectiveness while managing system complexity.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If active flexural control is implemented using tendons and actuators, then resonant oscillations are prevented and service life is extended, but the system complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flexural control by using actuators that can actively adjust the tension in tendons in real-time. The actuator applies variable loads to the tendons based on detected flexural conditions, enabling the system to adapt to changing dynamic forces and prevent resonant oscillations, thereby extending the service life of the elongated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control by using sensors to detect flexural stress or strain in the elongated structure and using this information to control the actuators. The controller receives sensor data and adjusts actuator output accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that actively maintains optimal flexural control and prevents resonant conditions.
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 system effectively reduces the risk of uncontrolled flexure and failure by minimizing deformation and preventing resonant oscillations, thereby extending the service life and improving performance of elongated structures in dynamic conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The tendon is non-coaxial with the central axis of the elongated structure. The tendon is aligned with the second region of the elongated structure and the second region is spaced from the first region.
Implementation Method 2
an actuator operable to apply tensile load to the tendon when at least one of the first side of the elongated structure is under a first tensile stress or the second side of the elongated structure is under a first compressive stress
Implementation Method 3
flexure of these structures produces harmonic resonance that increases in intensity with each cycle
Implementation Method 4
The system effectively reduces the risk of uncontrolled flexure and failure by minimizing deformation and preventing resonant oscillations
Data Source
AI summary
A flexurally controlled system comprises an elongated structure, a tendon attached to the elongated structure, and an actuator operable to apply a tensile load to the tendon. The actuator is operable to apply the tensile load to the tendon when at least one of the first side of the elongated structure is under a first tensile stress or the second side of the elongated structure is under a first compressive stress. The actuator is also operable to apply no load to the tendon when the first side and the second side of the elongated structure are not under stress. The tendon is non-coaxial with a central axis of the elongated structure and is aligned with at least one region of the elongated structure.