Aircraft Rudder Bar One-Piece Detachable Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rudder bars in aircraft are complex and not easily disassembled, making maintenance challenging, especially in new generation nose cones with limited space, which hinders flexibility in maintaining internal component failures.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece, detachable main module for the rudder bar integrates all functionalities, including a central module with a detachable electronic module and pedal modules, featuring access hatches, guide rails, and a quick locking/unlocking system, allowing for easy extraction and replacement of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional rudder bar with multiple parts (hinges, connecting rods, pivots) is used, then the rudder bar can perform all necessary functionalities, but the device complexity increases and maintainability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalitiesVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functional components (pedals, hinges, connecting rods, pivots, electronic modules) into a single integrated main module. This consolidation maintains all necessary functionalities while significantly reducing device complexity and the number of separate parts, directly resolving the contradiction between functional completeness and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The main module is designed as a universal assembly that performs multiple functions simultaneously - it houses both mechanical components (pedals, hinges) and electronic components (electronic module), and can be detached for maintenance. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate assemblies for each function, reducing overall complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional rudder bar with high number of parts is used, then all functionalities can be achieved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to difficulty in disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalitiesVSAvoiddisassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the rudder bar into a main module that can be easily detached from the aircraft structure. This segmentation allows the entire functional assembly to be removed as a single unit for maintenance, dramatically improving ease of repair compared to conventional designs where multiple separate parts would need to be disassembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The main module is pre-designed with detachable connections and access hatches that allow maintenance personnel to quickly remove and access components without complex disassembly procedures. This preliminary design of the detachment mechanism enables rapid maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional rudder bar is used, then all functionalities are integrated, but loss of time increases during maintenance due to need to clear significant volumes

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalitiesVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the rudder bar into a detachable main module, the patent enables quick removal of the entire functional assembly without needing to clear significant volumes or disassemble multiple components. This segmentation directly reduces maintenance time while preserving all necessary functionalities within the modular unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The main module is designed to be extractable as a complete functional unit from the aircraft structure. This extraction capability allows maintenance personnel to quickly remove the entire rudder bar assembly for servicing without time-consuming disassembly operations, significantly reducing loss of time during maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the rudder bar is integrated into the floor of the cockpit, then structural integration is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited access for maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrationVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the integrated rudder bar into a detachable main module that can be easily removed from the floor integration. This segmentation maintains the structural integration during normal operation while enabling easy access for maintenance by allowing the module to be detached and removed, resolving the contradiction between structural integration and maintenance accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11548618B2Rudder bar for aircraft with a one-piece and detachable main module

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

A rudder bar includes a main module provided at least with pedals and with all the elements subject to maintenance, the main module being one-piece and detachable relative to a support frame integrated into the floor of the cockpit of the aircraft, so as to exhibit significant flexibility with respect to its maintainability, particularly in the event of the failure of a component, by allowing quick intervention both on a local level and an overall level.