Redundant Slat Track Device for Aircraft Wing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft slat track devices require redundant main load paths to ensure continued functionality if one load path fails, as per updated FAA requirements, to prevent crack propagation and ensure safe operation during flight.
Innovation Solution
The slat track device is designed with at least two separate main load paths, each comprising a track member connected to both the connection and engagement devices, allowing for redundant load paths that maintain the slat's connection to the main wing even if one path fails, with additional track members providing further redundancy and optimized load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single track structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability is insufficient to meet updated FAA requirements for redundant load paths
Solution Approach 1:
The track structure is divided into two separate, independent track members (first track member and second track member), each forming its own load path. This segmentation allows the system to meet reliability requirements through redundancy while keeping each individual track member relatively simple in design.
2Reliability
If additional track members are added for redundancy, then the reliability improves, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second track members are connected to each other along their longitudinal directions, merging their functions into a unified track structure assembly. This allows the redundant load paths to work together efficiently, distributing loads across both members and optimizing the weight-to-reliability ratio.
3Reliability
If separate track members are used for redundant load paths, then the reliability improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The track structure is segmented into separate track members that can be manufactured independently using standard manufacturing processes, then assembled together. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing of each individual component while achieving the overall reliability goal through the combined redundant system.
Data Source
AI summary
A slat track device (7) for an aircraft wing (1) including a beam-shaped main load bearing track structure (9) connected to a slat (5) and movably connected to a main wing (3), a guidance surface (11) at the track structure (9) and guided along a corresponding guidance device (19) at the main wing, a connection device (13) at the track structure (9) connecting the track structure (9) to the slat (5), and an engagement device (15) at the track structure (9) and configured to engage a drive member (33) of a drive unit (37) provided at a main wing (3). The slat track device has redundant main load paths achieved by the track structure (9) having a first track member (41) and a separate second track member (43) both connected to the connection device (13) and the engagement device (15).