Split Gimbal Assembly for Compact High-Lift Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuation assemblies for high lift devices on aircraft are bulky and heavy, limiting their compactness and efficiency in transferring motion from actuators to aerodynamic high lift devices, which affects aircraft performance during varying speed operations.
Innovation Solution
A split gimbal design that includes a nut with posts and receivers, providing a compact and lightweight mechanism to transfer forces from an actuator to a high lift device through a driver arm, minimizing the risk of shaft bending and allowing for translational and rotational motion, thereby enhancing the actuation of aerodynamic high lift devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a traditional actuation assembly is used to transfer motion from actuator to high lift device, then the assembly can perform the required function, but the assembly becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation assembly is divided into separate modular components: a gimbal assembly with first and second gimbals, a shaft, and a driver arm. Each component has a specific function and can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall complexity and weight while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The gimbal assemblies are designed to nest within each other, with the first gimbal containing the second gimbal. This nested configuration minimizes the overall volume and weight of the actuation assembly while preserving the required degrees of freedom for motion transfer.
2Volume of moving object
If the actuation assembly is made compact and lightweight, then weight and space are reduced, but the risk of shaft bending increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gimbal assemblies provide multiple degrees of freedom that allow the shaft to change its orientation parameters dynamically. The first gimbal allows rotation about a first axis, and the second gimbal allows rotation about a second axis, enabling the shaft to accommodate angular deviations without bending stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The gimbals act as intermediary elements between the shaft and the driver arm. They absorb and accommodate misalignments and angular deviations, protecting the shaft from bending moments while transmitting the actuation force effectively to the driver arm.
3Length of moving object
If a compact gimbal design is used, then the form factor is reduced, but the force transfer efficiency must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The gimbal assembly is designed with dynamic degrees of freedom that allow it to adapt its configuration during operation. The gimbals can rotate about their respective axes to optimize the force transfer path, maintaining high efficiency even in a compact configuration by dynamically adjusting to the load conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A gimbal having a split design, which can be used in an assembly for actuating an aerodynamic high lift device, is described. The gimbal enables a rotating load path when a force is transferred from the actuator to the high lift device via the gimbal. In particular, the split design can include two receivers which can be coupled to posts extending from a nut. The nut can be secured to a shaft which receives a force generated by the actuator. In one embodiment, the actuator can rotate the shaft to cause the gimbal to translate along the shaft. The split design provides a more compact form factor and is lighter in weight than traditional gimbal designs.