Telescopic Rod Deployment Mechanism for Aircraft Wing Flaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deployment mechanisms for high-lift devices on aircraft wings, such as Krueger flaps, are bulky, heavy, and complex, making them difficult to integrate into narrow profile wings while maintaining sufficient clearance for other systems and structures, and they often require multiple connection points and complex linkages, which can lead to reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic rod deployment mechanism with a ball screw actuator and ball bearings that allows for a large stroke length while minimizing space and weight, using a single connection point to the wing body and the auxiliary device, and incorporating a pivotable joint for precise control and structural support, allowing for high-load operations and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional deployment mechanisms with gears, actuators, and linkages are used, then the auxiliary wing surface device can be deployed, but the mechanism becomes bulky, heavy, and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components (gears, multiple actuators, complex linkages) from the deployment mechanism, retaining only the essential elements (telescopic rod with ball screw actuator and ball bearings) needed to achieve the deployment function, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to achieve deployment, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple telescopic rod that extends and retracts through a ball screw mechanism, converting the traditional complex mechanical linkage system into a straightforward linear actuation system
2Reliability
If traditional deployment mechanisms are used, then the auxiliary wing surface device can be deployed, but the mechanism requires more space in the wing body
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic rod employs a nested structure where the inner rod is housed within the outer rod, allowing the mechanism to achieve a large stroke length when deployed while occupying minimal space when retracted, effectively nesting the extended configuration within a compact stowed configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment mechanism transitions from a static, fixed-length structure to a dynamic, variable-length structure through the telescopic rod that can extend and retract, allowing the mechanism to adapt its volume to the operational requirements while minimizing space consumption during storage
3Reliability
If traditional deployment mechanisms with multiple connection points are used, then the auxiliary wing surface device can be deployed, but the mechanism requires more clearance to other systems and structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary intermediate connection points and linkages from the deployment mechanism, reducing the number of connection points to essential ones only, thereby minimizing the mechanism's length and clearance requirements while maintaining deployment reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple distributed connection points with complex linkages, the patent inverts the approach by using a single direct connection point that acts through a telescopic rod, converting a distributed multi-point connection system into a concentrated single-point actuation system
4Reliability
If traditional deployment mechanisms are used, then the auxiliary wing surface device can be deployed, but the mechanism is heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates heavy components such as gears, multiple actuators, and complex linkage structures from the deployment mechanism, retaining only the essential lightweight elements (telescopic rod with ball screw actuator and ball bearings) needed to achieve reliable deployment, thereby significantly reducing the overall weight
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
The solution provides a compact, lightweight, and reliable deployment mechanism that reduces drag, increases service life, and allows for high-speed operations while maintaining structural integrity and ease of access for maintenance, with the ability to extend the auxiliary wing surface device to shield the leading edge during take-off and landing.
Implementation Method 1
A telescopic rod deployment mechanism with a ball screw actuator and ball bearings that allows for a large stroke length while minimizing space and weight
Implementation Method 2
A telescopic rod deployment mechanism with a ball screw actuator and ball bearings that allows for a large stroke length while minimizing space and weight
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a deployment mechanism 60 for deploying an auxiliary wing surface device 30 from an aircraft wing body 20, the deployment mechanism providing a first connector portion 75, 576 for connecting the deployment mechanism to the aircraft wing body, a second connector portion 65 for connecting the deployment mechanism to the auxiliary wing surface device, and a telescopic rod 61 linking the first and second connector portions, the telescopic rod comprising an inner rod 64 extendable from inside of an outer rod 63 to increase the length of the telescopic rod, such that the distance between the first and second connector portions can be increased. The invention also provides an aircraft wing 10, 510, an aircraft and a method of operating an aircraft.