Shared Rotary Geared Actuator for Aircraft Leading Edge Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high lift systems for aircraft wings require multiple rotary gear actuators per movable surface, leading to increased cost and complexity due to the need for numerous actuators to actuate multiple surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A shared rotary geared actuator (RGA) system is introduced, where a single actuator is connected to multiple adjacent movable surfaces, reducing the number of actuators required by sharing the actuation load across surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple rotary gear actuators are provided per movable surface, then each surface can be independently actuated, but the number of actuators increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single rotary gear actuator is designed to perform multiple functions by actuating two different movable surfaces simultaneously. The actuator includes a housing with two output shafts, each capable of driving a different surface, allowing one actuator to replace what would traditionally require two separate actuators while maintaining independent control capability
Solution Approach 2:
Two separate actuator functions are merged into a single integrated rotary gear actuator unit. The housing contains two output shafts and associated drive pinions that can independently engage with different surfaces, combining multiple actuation functions into one physical device to reduce overall system complexity
2Reliability
If multiple rotary gear actuators are provided per movable surface, then each surface can be independently actuated, but cost increases due to numerous actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator housing is designed as a universal unit that can serve multiple surfaces, reducing the total number of actuators required in the system. This multi-functional design lowers component count and associated costs while maintaining the ability to independently actuate different surfaces through its multiple output shafts
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple actuator functions into a single manufactured unit, the system reduces procurement, installation, and maintenance costs. The integrated design allows for fewer parts to be manufactured and assembled, directly impacting system cost reduction
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 approach significantly reduces the number of actuators needed, from sixteen to ten for eight surfaces, thereby simplifying and lowering the cost of the high lift system while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The output shaft may be connected to the input shaft via a high ratio gear reduction within the RGA.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary geared actuator (RGA) for actuating movement of a first movable surface and a second movable surface. The RGA include an input shaft configured to receive torque in use, and an output shaft comprising means configured to communicate with and move both said first surface and said second surface in use. The actuator may be used in a leading edge high lift architecture for an aircraft wing, or may be used in other applications.