Torque Tube Panel Actuation Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator systems for moveable aircraft panels are complex and expensive due to the need for multiple actuators along the wing to manage varying loads, which increases manufacturing costs and aerodynamic drag.
Innovation Solution
A single actuator per panel is used, with a carbon fiber torque tube connecting the pinions at two stations to transmit torque, reducing the number of actuators required and simplifying the system while maintaining performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple actuators are provided along the wing to manage varying loads, then the reliability and load management are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuator functions into a single actuator by using a torque tube to transmit rotational force to multiple pinions along the wing. This merging approach maintains the ability to manage varying loads at different positions while reducing the total number of actuators from multiple per panel to one per panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque tube acts as an intermediary component that transmits torque from a single actuator to multiple pinions at different stations along the wing. This mediator enables one actuator to control multiple lifting mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between having enough actuators for load management and reducing overall actuator count.
2Reliability
If multiple actuators are used per panel, then the performance and safety are maintained, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple actuator functions into a single actuator system with a torque tube, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained. This reduces manufacturing cost while preserving safety through the distributed pinion design that maintains adequate actuation for loaded panels.
3Reliability
If more actuators are provided along the wing, then the load distribution is improved, but the aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the torque transmission function from traditional actuator assemblies and places it in a dedicated torque tube. This allows the actuator housing and gear mechanisms to be positioned away from the wing surface, reducing aerodynamic drag while maintaining load distribution through the torque tube's connection to multiple pinions.
4Reliability
If different strength actuators are used along the wing, then the load matching is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single actuator universal by using the torque tube to distribute its output to multiple pinions at different stations. This allows one actuator to effectively perform the functions of multiple actuators with different strengths, as the torque tube can transmit appropriate torque to each pinion position based on local load requirements.
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
This configuration reduces manufacturing costs, minimizes aerodynamic drag, and maintains performance by using fewer, less complex actuators, while ensuring the highest loaded panels still have adequate actuation.
Implementation Method 1
A torque tube is provided between the pinions at the two panel stations, that drive the racks to move the panels. The sole actuator is provided as usual at the first station and drives the pinion at that station. The other pinion is driven by rotation of a high torque tube, e.g. a carbon fiber tube
Data Source
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AI summary
An actuator system for controlling movement of a plurality of panels, comprising two lifting mechanisms (300, 310) connected to each panel at two separate locations on the panel, and, for each panel: an actuator (400) in engagement with a first of the lifting mechanisms to drive the lifting mechanism to move the panel, and a torque tube (500) having a first end in engagement with the actuator so as to be rotated by the actuator as the actuator drives the lifting mechanism, the torque tube having a second end in engagement with the other of the two lifting mechanisms to drive the lifting mechanism due to rotation of the torque tube.