Torque Tube Assemblies with Spline Couplings for Aircraft High Lift Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque tube assemblies in aircraft high lift devices rely on bolted flanges, which require large rotational envelopes, pose hazards, and are susceptible to loosening, compromising structural integrity due to wing flexing and changes in alignment.
Innovation Solution
The use of spline couplings and sliding splined shafts with U-joints, which eliminate the need for flanges, allowing for a smaller rotational envelope, reduced fastener count, and adaptive movement to accommodate wing flexing through axial and angular displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bolted flanges are used to couple torque tube to pinion gear or GRA, then the connection is structurally sound, but the rotational envelope becomes large requiring more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flange component entirely from the torque tube assembly, replacing it with a direct coupling mechanism between the torque tube and the pinion gear/GRA. This extraction of the flange eliminates the large rotational envelope requirement while maintaining structural integrity through alternative coupling methods
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a flange that extends outward to provide coupling strength, the patent inverts the approach by integrating the coupling function directly into the torque tube structure itself, allowing the torque tube to couple to the pinion gear or GRA without requiring external flange structures that increase rotational envelope
2Ease of manufacture
If bolted flanges are used to couple torque tube, then connection is achieved, but technicians face hazards when hands are close to operating torque tube
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flange and bolted connection components that create hazardous moving parts near technician hands. By eliminating these components and using a direct coupling mechanism, the source of the hazard is removed while assembly capability is maintained through simplified direct attachment methods
3Ease of manufacture
If bolted flanges are used to couple torque tube, then connection is established, but bolts can loosen compromising structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bolted flange connection that is susceptible to loosening. By eliminating the bolts and flanges entirely and using a direct integrated coupling between the torque tube and driving mechanisms, the reliability issue of fastener loosening is eliminated while assembly capability is maintained through the simplified direct connection
4Adaptability or versatility
If wing flexing occurs changing alignment and distances between driving mechanisms, then weight change is accommodated, but additional forces and strain are placed on torque tube assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal joints and sliding splined shafts that provide dynamic adjustment capability. These components allow the torque tube assembly to adapt to changing alignment and distances caused by wing flexing, distributing and reducing the forces and strain on the torque tube while maintaining the adaptability to accommodate weight changes
Data Source
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AI summary
Example torque tube assemblies for use with aircraft high lift devices are described herein. An example apparatus includes a spline coupling (404) having a first yoke, a sliding splined shaft (804) having a second yoke and a torque tube (304) having a first end (302) and a second end (308) opposite the first end. A first fitting with a third yoke is coupled to the first end of the torque tube, and a second fitting with a fourth yoke is coupled to the second end of the torque tube. The third yoke is coupled to the first yoke to form a first U-joint (300), and the fourth yoke is coupled to the second yoke to form a second U-joint (306). The spline coupling is to be coupled to a first high lift device drive shaft and the sliding splined shaft is to be coupled to a second high lift device drive shaft.