Aircraft Slat Roller Unit for In-Place Axial Gap Adjustment
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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 the guide rail.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable roller unit with an eccentric pin and flanged bushing system that allows for in-situ adjustment of the axial and vertical positions of the rollers relative to the guide rail, eliminating the need to remove the slat and rollers by using anti-rotation elements and threaded components to lock the position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional roller adjustment systems are used, then the axial gap can be adjusted, but the adjustment process requires removal and reinstallation of slats and rollers, which is slow and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The roller unit incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the roller position to be dynamically modified in-situ without removal. The adjustment mechanism includes threaded components and locking elements that enable continuous or discrete position changes while the roller remains engaged with the guide rail, transforming a static assembly into a dynamically adjustable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller unit is divided into separable components including the roller body, adjustment mechanism, and locking elements. This segmentation allows the adjustment function to be independently operated without removing the entire roller assembly from the guide rail, enabling partial disassembly for adjustment while maintaining overall system connectivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional roller adjustment systems are used, then the axial gap can be adjusted, but the process is complicated by the narrow space between rollers and the guide rail
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism utilizes the radial dimension (perpendicular to the axial gap direction) to access and operate adjustment components. By positioning adjustment elements on the outer periphery of the roller unit, operators can access them from the radial direction where space is available, rather than attempting to access them axially where space is constrained by the narrow gap between roller and guide rail.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism employs intermediary elements such as threaded rods, nuts, and lever arms that transmit adjustment forces from accessible radial positions to the roller position. These intermediaries bridge the gap between the operator's access point (radial direction) and the target adjustment point (axial position), enabling indirect adjustment without direct access to the constrained axial space.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional roller adjustment systems are used, then the axial gap can be adjusted, but the system lacks effective locking in both longitudinal and radial positions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism utilizes parameter changes in the form of threaded fasteners that convert rotational motion into precise linear positioning. By engaging threaded nuts or bolts with the roller unit, the system achieves fine-adjustable locking positions in both axial and radial directions, maintaining positioning accuracy while providing reliable mechanical constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system employs composite mechanical elements combining friction-based holding (through threaded engagement) and positive mechanical locking (through locking nuts or cotter pins). This composite approach provides both fine positioning capability and reliable locking, ensuring the roller maintains its adjusted position under operational loads without slippage or drift.
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
Enables precise and efficient adjustment of the axial gap between the roller and the guide rail without disassembly, improving the practicality and accuracy of slat positioning on the wing, reducing the complexity and time required for adjustments.
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 a rib 11
Data Source
AI summary
A roller unit for moving a slat of an aircraft wing is provided. The roller unit is adjustable in height and axial position to adjust a gap between an idle roller and a guide rail integral with the slat. The idle roller is carried by an eccentric pin having a stem portion with a threaded portion and an axially grooved end portion. A threaded annular element cooperates with the threaded portion of the stem portion to define a desired axial position of the idle roller. An anti-rotation annular element, coupled in an axially slidable manner with the grooved end portion of the stem portion, may be coupled with the threaded annular element to prevent rotation thereof on the threaded portion of the stem portion. The threaded annular element and the anti-rotation annular element are tightened together between a pair of nuts.