Aircraft Slat Track Guide Rail With Slot-Access Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wing designs face challenges in efficiently and flexibly actuating the slat track due to obstructions from guide rails, limiting the movement and installation of actuation devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a guide rail with longitudinal slots in the upper and lower rail portions allows actuation devices to engage the slat track without obstruction, enabling efficient movement between retracted and extended positions, and facilitating simple installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a guide rail with continuous upper and lower rail portions is used, then the slat track is reliably guided, but the actuation device cannot engage the slat track from above or below
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail is segmented into an upper rail portion and a lower rail portion separated by a longitudinal slot. This segmentation allows the actuation device to access the slat track from above or below through the slot, while the separate rail portions maintain reliable guiding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal slot acts as an intermediary element that enables the actuation device to reach the slat track without removing the guide rail structure. The slot provides a passage through which the actuation device can engage and move the slat track between retracted and extended positions.
2Strength
If the guide rail blocks the actuation device, then structural integrity is maintained, but installation and maintenance become complex
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the guide rail into upper and lower portions separated by a slot, the structure maintains its integrity and strength while allowing the actuation device to pass through. This segmentation simplifies installation and maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal slot extracts or removes the blocking function from the guide rail, creating a passage that allows actuation device engagement. This extraction enables easier installation and maintenance without compromising the overall structural integrity of the guide rail.
3Reliability
If a C-shaped guide rail is used, then guiding function is provided, but space and weight are increased
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the guide rail into upper and lower portions with a longitudinal slot creates a more efficient structure that reduces material usage and weight while maintaining the guiding function. The separated portions can be optimized independently for minimal weight.
Solution Approach 2:
By extracting the continuous material structure and introducing a longitudinal slot, the guide rail achieves the same guiding function with reduced material, thereby reducing weight and space requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft wing (3) including a main wing (5), a slat (7), and a connection assembly (9) movably connecting the slat (7) to the main wing (5). The connection assembly (9) includes an elongate slat track (17) extending along a track longitudinal axis (19) having a front end (21) an intermediate portion (25) and a rear end (23). The front end (21) and/or the intermediate portion (25) is mounted to the slat (7). The rear end (23) and/or the intermediate portion (25) is mounted to the main wing (5) by a roller bearing (27). The roller bearing (27) includes a guide rail (29) mounted to the main wing (5) and a first roller unit (31) mounted to the rear end (23) of the slat track (17) and engaging the guide rail (29), and wherein the guide rail (29) includes an upper rail portion (32) and a lower rail portion (34).