Aircraft Slat Roller Unit with Eccentric Axial Gap Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roller adjustment systems for aircraft wing slats are slow and cumbersome, requiring the removal and reinstallation of slats and rollers to adjust the axial gap, which is complicated by the narrow space between rollers and is inefficient in maintaining precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable roller unit with an eccentric pin and flanged bushing system allows for in-situ adjustment of the axial and vertical positions of rollers relative to the guide, eliminating the need to remove the slat and rollers by using anti-rotation elements and threaded components to lock the position, enabling precise longitudinal and radial positioning without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the conventional roller adjustment system is used, then the axial gap can be adjusted, but the adjustment process requires removal and reinstallation of slats and rollers, which is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into independent components: the roller unit with eccentric pin, the locking lever, and the adjustment slot. This allows the roller to be adjusted axially along the slot while the locking lever secures the position, enabling precise adjustment without removing the entire slat assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller position is made dynamically adjustable through the eccentric pin mechanism that can be repositioned along the adjustment slot. The locking lever provides a dynamic locking mechanism that can be engaged or disengaged to secure or modify the axial gap, eliminating the need for complete disassembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If the conventional roller adjustment system is used, then the axial gap can be adjusted, but the process requires disassembly which increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into independent components: the roller unit with eccentric pin, the locking lever, and the adjustment slot. This allows the roller to be adjusted axially along the slot while the locking lever secures the position, enabling precise adjustment without removing the entire slat assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller unit incorporates self-contained adjustment and locking capabilities. The eccentric pin can be repositioned along the adjustment slot and secured by the locking lever without requiring external tools or complete disassembly, making the system self-sufficient for adjustment operations.
3Volume of moving object
If the narrow space between rollers is used for adjustment, then the structure remains compact, but extraction and remounting of rollers becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The roller position is made dynamically adjustable through the eccentric pin mechanism that can be repositioned along the adjustment slot. The locking lever provides a dynamic locking mechanism that can be engaged or disengaged to secure or modify the axial gap, eliminating the need for complete disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment slot acts as an intermediary element that provides clearance space for the eccentric pin to move axially. This intermediary structure enables the roller to be repositioned without requiring extraction from the compact roller unit, maintaining small volume while improving operability.
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
Facilitates faster and more precise adjustment of the axial gap between rollers and the guide, improving the operational efficiency and reducing the complexity of the adjustment process, allowing for accurate positioning without the need for disassembly, thus enhancing the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft wing.
Implementation Method 1
each roller rolls on a stationary cylindrical and circular surface, which is eccentric relative to an axis of a supporting pin 24 mounted in a fixed position in the rib 11
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A roller unit (13) for moving a slat of an aircraft wing is adjustable in height and axial position to adjust the gap (G) between the idle roller (14) and a guide (10) integral with the slat. The roller is carried by an eccentric pin (24) having a stem portion (25) with a threaded portion (31) and an axially grooved end portion (30). A threaded annular element (54) cooperates with the threaded portion (31) of the stem portion to define a desired axial position of the roller. An anti-rotation annular element (57) is coupled in an axially slidable manner with the grooved end portion (30) of the stem portion and may be coupled with the threaded annular element (54) to prevent the rotation thereof on the threaded portion (31) of the stem portion (25). The threaded annular element (54) and the anti-rotation element (57) are tightened together between a pair of nuts (50, 61).