Aircraft Tab Orientation Measurement Using Segmented Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for calibrating aircraft control surfaces, particularly the balance tab, using a six-inch scale are inaccurate, leading to inconsistencies and the need for multiple test flights to achieve the desired aerodynamic effect.
Innovation Solution
An elongate structure with multiple members and indicators, positioned against the control surface, generates data on the orientation of the tab, which is then processed to present information for accurate adjustment, allowing simultaneous measurement of angles between the tab, aileron, and fixed wing portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a six-inch scale is used to measure tab orientation, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient leading to calibration inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into multiple indicators positioned at different locations along the elongate structure. Each indicator independently measures the orientation at its specific position, allowing the system to capture the complete angular relationship between the tab, aileron, and fixed wing portions through segmented measurements rather than a single-point measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional linear scale measurement to a two-dimensional angular measurement system. By positioning indicators along an elongate structure that spans multiple reference points (tab, aileron, fixed wing), the system measures orientation in the angular dimension, providing comprehensive geometric relationship data that a simple linear scale cannot capture.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual calibration methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision of tab orientation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual visual estimation and simple mechanical scale reading with an automated data collection and processing system. The indicators automatically generate data about tab orientation, and a data processor analyzes this information to determine precise angular relationships, substituting human judgment with systematic mechanical-measurement-and-computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate structure with multiple indicators serves as an intermediary measurement tool between the control surface components and the final calibration decision. Rather than directly measuring each component separately, the intermediary structure spans across the tab, aileron, and fixed wing portions simultaneously, providing integrated geometric relationship data through its positioned indicators.
3Reliability
If simple measurement tools are used, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability of calibration is insufficient leading to multiple test flights
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple measurement functions into a single integrated elongate structure. Instead of using separate tools to measure the tab orientation relative to the aileron and the aileron relative to the fixed wing, the combined structure with its distributed indicators performs both measurements simultaneously, ensuring consistent reference frames and improving calibration reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The data processor receives data from the indicators and provides feedback about the tab orientation accuracy. This feedback mechanism allows operators to verify whether the calibration meets desired specifications before proceeding to test flights, reducing uncertainty and improving the reliability of the calibration process.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus and method for managing an orientation of a tab of a control surface of an aircraft comprising an elongate structure having a number of members configured to position the elongate structure to a control surface, a bracket located on the elongate structure, a plurality of indicators located along the elongate structure, and a data processor in communication with the plurality of indicators. The bracket may be positioned against an edge of a tab of the control surface. Each of the plurality of indicators may be configured to generate a number of measurements about an orientation of the tab on the control surface. The data processor may be configured to present information about the orientation of the tab on the control surface.