Symmetrical Wing Actuator Layout for Shared Left-Right Aircraft Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design and manufacturing of aircraft actuators for movable aerodynamic surfaces often require left-handed and right-handed versions, increasing costs and complexity, as simply inverting a single design may not be practical due to factors like gravity affecting functionality.
Innovation Solution
The development of an actuator with reflectional symmetry about its central plane, allowing the same design to be used on both sides of the aircraft without significant compromise in function or installation, with symmetrical attachment and power input locations, and incorporating redundancy for reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If left-handed and right-handed versions of actuators are designed and manufactured for port and starboard wings, then the functionality and proper operation of actuators on both sides are ensured, but manufacturing costs and maintenance costs significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the actuator with a specific handedness (left or right) and using different versions for port and starboard wings. The actuator body has asymmetric mounting features and control surface connection points that are mirror images of each other, ensuring proper functionality for each side while allowing standardized manufacturing of each specific version.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single actuator design is used and simply inverted for use in one of the two wings, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but the solution is not always practical when gravity impacts actuator function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by creating mirror image versions of the actuator for port and starboard wings. Each version is essentially the other inverted, with mounting features and control connections reversed to accommodate the different gravitational and aerodynamic conditions on each side of the aircraft.
3Reliability
If both left-handed and right-handed actuators are manufactured as separate components, then proper fit and function on specific wings is ensured, but the quantity of parts and inventory complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the actuator with standardized interfaces and mounting patterns that, while asymmetric, allow the same basic design family to serve both port and starboard wings. The core actuator mechanism, motor, and control electronics are universal, with only the mounting bracket and connection points varying between left and right versions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A starboard wing (102s) of an aircraft comprises various movable aerodynamic surfaces, such as a spoiler (106), slat, aileron, flap or the like. An actuator (120) is provided for moving each such surface. The location and mounting of the actuator of the starboard wing is symmetrical about the centreline of the aircraft to that of the actuator (120) of the port wing. The location of the piston, arm (126) or other mechanical output of the actuator is at a centre portion of the actuator (i.e. at or near the midline (123) of the actuator. The input port(s) (128, 132) for power is/are also at the centre portion. The actuator (120) for the starboard wing (102s) may thus be substantially identical to the actuator for the port wing (102p).