Aircraft Spoiler Releasable Aft-Section Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft spoiler systems face weight and maintenance challenges due to the need for robust flap actuators and reinforced trailing edges to withstand backdrive conditions, leading to increased weight and costly repairs.
Innovation Solution
A spoiler mechanism with a releasable portion featuring a hinge and retainer assembly that disengages during backdrive conditions, allowing the flap to retract without damaging the spoiler, and can be manually reset for normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If robust flap actuators and reinforced trailing edges are used to withstand backdrive conditions, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler is divided into a fixed fore-section and a movable aft-section that can be released during backdrive conditions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through the fixed section while reducing overall weight by making the aft-section detachable rather than permanently reinforced.
Solution Approach 2:
The vulnerable aft-section is extracted from the main structure during backdrive conditions through the release mechanism. This allows the system to maintain reliability during critical conditions while minimizing weight during normal operation by having the aft-section removable rather than permanently integrated.
2Reliability
If robust flap actuators and reinforced trailing edges are used to withstand backdrive conditions, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and repair cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the spoiler into replaceable sections with a release mechanism, the design reduces manufacturing and repair costs. Only the aft-section needs to be replaced after backdrive damage, rather than requiring costly reinforcement of the entire spoiler structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The aft-section is designed to be discarding after backdrive conditions damage it, rather than requiring expensive repair or reinforcement. The release mechanism enables easy removal and replacement of the damaged section, reducing overall manufacturing and maintenance costs.
3Ease of repair
If the spoiler aft-section is made detachable with a release mechanism, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is designed to be automatically activated by the backdrive forces themselves, without requiring external control systems or complex actuation. The mechanical interaction between the flap and spoiler automatically triggers the release, reducing complexity while maintaining ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
A retainer component acts as an intermediary between the hinge and the aft-section, providing a simple mechanical locking mechanism that can be easily released. This intermediary component enables ease of repair through a straightforward release process without requiring complex control systems.
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
Reduces the weight of the spoiler system by minimizing reinforcement and enables cost-effective maintenance by allowing the spoiler to be reset without replacement, thus decreasing downtime and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge end includes a first hinge coupling and a first retainer portion. The spoiler aft-section includes a second retainer portion and a second hinge coupling coupled to the first hinge coupling of the spoiler fore-section.
Implementation Method 2
The first retainer portion and the second retainer portion are configured to engage one another when the spoiler aft-section is aligned with the spoiler fore-section, and the first retainer portion and the second retainer portion are configured to disengage from one another responsive to the spoiler aft-section pivoting upward relative to the spoiler fore-section.
Data Source
AI summary
A spoiler mechanism for an aircraft includes a spoiler fore-section and a spoiler aft-section. The spoiler fore-section includes a forward end configured to couple to a wing structure of an aircraft and a hinge end. The hinge end includes a first hinge coupling and a first retainer portion. The spoiler aft-section includes a second retainer portion and a second hinge coupling coupled to the first hinge coupling of the spoiler fore-section. The first retainer portion and the second retainer portion are configured to engage one another when the spoiler aft-section is aligned with the spoiler fore-section, and the first retainer portion and the second retainer portion are configured to disengage from one another responsive to the spoiler aft-section pivoting upward relative to the spoiler fore-section.