Split Inner Ring Roller Bearings for Aircraft Wing Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft wing actuation systems face challenges in optimizing the performance of roller bearing assemblies within limited space, particularly in handling multiple load conditions and maintaining efficient deployment and retraction of slats and flaps while minimizing maintenance and space usage.
Innovation Solution
The development of a track pivotally coupled to a lift assisting device with a shaft that rotates to deploy or retract the device, utilizing a plurality of track roller bearings with a split inner ring configuration and needle roller elements, and side roller bearings to guide the track along an arcuate path, along with a gear track and pinion gear system for actuation, and employing specific materials like 17-4PH steel and AISI Type 422 stainless steel for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple load conditions are handled by track roller bearings in a compact space, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bearing functions into a single integrated track roller bearing assembly. The bearing simultaneously handles radial loads from the track, axial loads from the mounting pin, and guidance functions through the split inner ring configuration. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining reliability under multiple load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner ring is divided into two separate segments that can deflect independently. This segmentation allows the bearing to accommodate mounting pin deflection and bending while maintaining proper roller alignment with the track. The split inner ring design enables the bearing to handle complex load conditions without requiring multiple separate bearing assemblies.
2Productivity
If space within the wing cross section is minimized, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly is designed with a compact nested structure where the split inner ring segments are housed within the outer ring, and the roller elements are contained within the inner ring. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall footprint of the bearing assembly, allowing it to fit within the constrained wing cross-section while maintaining all necessary functional elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing assembly incorporates dynamic elements including the deflectable split inner ring segments and rotatable roller elements. This dynamic design allows the bearing to adapt to varying load conditions and mounting pin deflections without requiring additional space for adjustment mechanisms. The dynamic characteristics enable the bearing to maintain proper function within a compact, fixed-size housing.
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
This solution improves the performance and reliability of aircraft wing actuation systems by reducing friction, accommodating deflection, and ensuring smooth deployment and retraction of slats and flaps, while minimizing space and maintenance needs through the use of advanced bearing designs and materials.
Implementation Method 1
The roller bearings rotatably contact the track to guide the track along the arcuate path
Implementation Method 2
liners disposed between bearing surfaces of the outer and the inner rings
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation system for deploying and retracting a lift assisting device of a wing of an aircraft, is presented. The actuation system includes a track pivotally coupled to the lift assisting device, a shaft rotating in response to flight control signals to deploy or retract the lift assisting device, means for actuating the lift assisting device between a retracted position and a deployed position along an arcuate path, a plurality of track roller bearings and a plurality of side roller bearings. The roller bearings rotatably contact the track to guide the track along the arcuate path. The track roller bearings are comprised of an outer ring, a split inner ring and liners disposed between bearing surfaces of the outer and the inner rings. The split inner ring is configured for accommodating deflection and bending of a mounting pin coupling the track roller bearing in proximity to the track.