Aircraft Slat Guiding Element Reducing Installation Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of high-lift airfoil arrangements in aircraft is time-consuming and costly due to the need for precise guidance of slat tracks, which requires multiple measurement steps and shim installations to ensure accurate alignment and load transfer.
Innovation Solution
A guiding element with a biasing device, comprising springs and rollers, is used to support the track device, allowing for precise movement and load transfer while reducing installation complexity by eliminating the need for shim installations and ensuring operational reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional roller guidance with multiple measurement steps and shim installations is used, then precise guidance and alignment are achieved, but installation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding element is pre-assembled with rollers and adjustment mechanisms before installation. The shim plates are pre-positioned in the guiding element structure, allowing the entire assembly to be installed as a single unit without requiring multiple measurement and adjustment steps during the installation process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding element acts as an intermediary component between the fixed leading edge and the movable slat track. It incorporates adjustment mechanisms that mediate the alignment process, allowing for precise positioning without requiring complex manual measurements and shim installations between the structural components.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple measurement and adjustment steps are performed during installation, then accurate alignment is achieved, but production rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
All alignment adjustments and measurements are performed in advance during the manufacturing of the guiding element. The guiding element is produced with pre-adjusted rollers and pre-positioned shim plates, so that during assembly installation, the component can be directly mounted without requiring time-consuming measurement and adjustment steps on the aircraft itself.
3Manufacturing precision
If shim plates are installed to adjust roller position, then precise guidance is achieved, but installation complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shim plates are integrated into the guiding element structure itself rather than being installed separately during assembly. The guiding element is manufactured as a single component that incorporates the adjustment function, eliminating the need for separate shim installation steps and reducing overall installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The positional adjustments that would traditionally require shim plates are built into the guiding element during manufacturing. The rollers are pre-positioned with the required precision during production of the guiding element, so that no additional adjustment components or steps are needed during the aircraft assembly process.
4Reliability
If precise guidance with low clearances is required, then load transfer accuracy improves, but installation time and measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding element is manufactured with pre-established precise geometry and pre-positioned rollers that ensure the required low clearances and accurate load transfer paths. This preliminary precision work is done during manufacturing rather than during installation, eliminating the need for time-consuming measurements to verify and adjust clearance dimensions on the aircraft.
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 guiding element reduces installation time and costs, improves production rate, and enhances operational reliability by absorbing side loads and maintaining track movement even in failure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing device (73) configured for pressing the second part (63) towards the track device (28)
Implementation Method 2
The guide element (60) comprises a roller (61) supporting the track device (28)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A guiding element (60) for a high lift airfoil arrangement of an aircraft comprises a first part (62) configured for being fixed to a first edge member or rib (34) of a high lift airfoil arrangement, and a second part (63) comprising at least one track support element (66) for movably supporting a track device (28) of a second edge member or slat (16) of the airfoil arrangement. The second part (63) is movably mounted to the first part (62) and configured for moving from a first position to a second position. A biasing device (73) is configured for biasing the track support element (66) in the spanwise direction towards the track device (28). A high lift airfoil arrangement is produced by providing a first edge member or rib (34), rigidly attaching thereto guiding elements for guiding a movable track device supporting a second edge member or slat (16), and attaching the track device (28) to the first edge member. During installation of the track device (28), a surface (29) of the track device (28) is pressed against a movable track support element (66) which is biased against the track device (28).