Torque Tube Door for Aircraft Flap Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial aircraft require a solution to selectively cover torque tube openings in the fuselage during flight to minimize drag and ensure aerodynamic sealing, as existing systems are inadequate for accommodating flap motion while maintaining airflow closure.
Innovation Solution
A torque tube door attached to the inboard end portion of the wing flap, which moves with the flap to uncover the opening, utilizing a sealing member around the opening to ensure aerodynamic sealing when the flap is in a neutral position and repositions to allow unimpeded movement of the torque tube during flap operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a torque tube opening is created in the fuselage to accommodate flap motion, then the torque tube can move along its path, but the opening causes increased drag and compromised aerodynamic sealing during cruise flight
Solution Approach 1:
The door is made movable and is attached to the flap structure, allowing it to dynamically change position between covering the opening during cruise flight and uncovering it during flap operation. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt to different flight conditions, eliminating the need for a fixed opening while accommodating torque tube motion.
Solution Approach 2:
A door is introduced as an intermediary component between the torque tube opening and the external environment. This door acts as a mediator that can seal the opening when not in use, thereby reducing drag and preventing airflow leakage, while still allowing the torque tube to pass through when the door is repositioned.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed closure is used to seal the torque tube opening, then aerodynamic sealing is improved, but the torque tube cannot move along its path during flap operation
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic one by attaching the door to the flap. This allows the door to move with the flap during operation, uncovering the opening when necessary, and return to cover the opening during cruise flight, thus providing both sealing and motion accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The door serves multiple functions: it acts as a seal during cruise flight to reduce drag, and it acts as a cover that moves away during flap operation to allow torque tube motion. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between sealing and motion capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the door is attached to the fuselage structure, then the door remains stationary and maintains sealing, but it cannot follow flap motion and uncover the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The door attachment is changed from a fixed connection to the fuselage to a movable connection to the flap. This dynamic attachment allows the door to automatically reposition itself according to flap motion, maintaining sealing when the flap is in the neutral position and uncovering the opening when the flap operates.
Solution Approach 2:
The door utilizes the flap's own motion to automatically uncover and cover the opening, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms. The door is carried by the flap during operation and returns to its sealing position when the flap returns to neutral, making the system self-regulating.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A torque tube door (52) and related method steps may include a door coupled to an inboard wing flap (46), such that the door is movable with the flap to selectively cover and uncover a torque tube opening (50) in an aircraft fuselage (44).