Aircraft Slat Sync Shaft Mechanism for Skew Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft wing designs can experience skew cases where the slat connection elements do not move in sync, leading to potential misalignment and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable sync shaft is integrated into the connection assembly, engaging both the first and second connection elements to ensure synchronized movement, preventing skew of the slat by using a geared connection or fixed engagement at their joints, and optionally incorporating a drive unit connected to a third connection element for precise slat positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple connection elements are used to move the slat, then the slat can be positioned precisely, but the connection elements may not move in sync causing skew
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection elements (first and second connection elements) with a common drive mechanism that is coupled to both elements simultaneously. This merging ensures that both connection elements receive identical drive signals and move in synchronization, eliminating the skew problem while maintaining precise slat positioning capability.
2Device complexity
If the slat connection elements are moved independently, then the structure can be simpler, but skew cases occur where elements do not move in sync
Solution Approach 1:
The common drive mechanism serves multiple functions: it drives both the first and second connection elements simultaneously, ensuring synchronized movement while maintaining a relatively simple structural design. This multi-functional drive unit eliminates the need for separate independent drive mechanisms for each connection element.
3Reliability
If a sync shaft is added to ensure synchronized movement, then skew is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a common drive mechanism as an intermediary component that mediates between the power source and the multiple connection elements. This mediator ensures synchronized movement by distributing identical drive signals to all connection elements, preventing skew while adding minimal structural complexity compared to fully independent drive systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A wing for an aircraft, including a main wing, a slat, and a connection assembly for movably connecting the slat to the main wing, such that the slat is movable between a retracted position and at least one extended position. The connection assembly includes a first connection element and a second connection element, both movably mounted to the main wing and mounted to the slat, wherein the second connection element is spaced apart from the first connection element in a wing span direction. The wing further includes a drive unit provided at the main wing and connected to the slat for initiating movement of the slat. An object, to prevent skew cases of the slat, is achieved in that the connection assembly includes a rotatable sync shaft rotatably engaging both the first connection element and the second connection element for sync movement of the first and second connection elements.