Trailing Edge Device Cam Track Redundant Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trailing edge devices on aircraft face challenges in providing redundant support due to space constraints, leading to weight and efficiency issues, particularly for smaller devices where traditional bracket and pin arrangements are insufficient.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a pivot joint, actuator, cam track, and cam that allows the trailing edge device to be supported by a cam track during normal operation, with the cam carrying no load, and shifting to carry a non-zero load when support decreases, ensuring the device remains attached to the wing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bracket and pin arrangements are used for redundant support, then reliability is improved, but weight increases and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the catcher function with the normal support structure by integrating a cam mechanism into the existing bracket assembly. The cam and cam track are incorporated into the bracket pair, allowing the same structural elements to serve both as normal support components and as backup catcher components, thereby eliminating the need for separate catcher structures and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves multiple functions: during normal operation, it guides the motion of the trailing edge device through the cam track; during failure conditions, it acts as a catcher to prevent separation. This multi-functionality allows a single component to provide both operational guidance and safety redundancy, reducing the total number of components needed and thereby reducing weight.
2Reliability
If traditional bracket and pin arrangements are used for redundant support, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the catcher mechanism with the normal support brackets by integrating the cam into the bracket assembly. This integration reduces the total number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining redundant support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism automatically engages to provide catcher functionality when needed, without requiring separate control systems or additional actuators. The mechanical design allows the cam to naturally transition from guiding motion to providing support in failure conditions, reducing system complexity.
3Reliability
If catchers are added to prevent separation, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the catcher function with the existing bracket structure by incorporating a cam mechanism into the bracket assembly. This integration allows the same structural elements to serve dual purposes: normal support and failure prevention, thereby eliminating the need for separate catcher components and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism provides multiple functions within a single component: it guides the trailing edge device motion during normal operation and simultaneously serves as a catcher to prevent separation in failure conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and associated 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
This solution enhances the redundancy and stability of trailing edge devices, reducing weight and improving efficiency by allowing the cam to support the device when traditional support fails, maintaining attachment and operation.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling can further include a cam track carried by one of the wing and the trailing edge device, and a cam carried by the other of the wing and the trailing edge device. The cam track can have opposing cam track surfaces fixed relative to each other, with the cam positioned within the cam track between the opposing cam track surfaces and offset from the pivot axis.
Implementation Method 2
The coupling can include a pivot joint that in turn includes a pivot element aligned along a pivot axis and connected between the wing support and the device support
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
Trailing edge device catchers and associated system and method are disclosed xn the form of a redundant mounting system and method. A system in accordance with one embodiment includes a wing having a wmg support (214,217,218), a trailing edge device (236) carried by and movable relative to the wing and having a device support (234), and a coupling connected between the wing and the trailing edge device The coupling includes a pivot joint that includes a pivot element (253) aligned along a pivot axis and connected between the wing support and the device support The coupling can further include an actuator (236) coupled between the wing and the trailing edge device, with the actuator having a first position in which the trailing edge device is stowed, and a second position in which the trailing edge device is deployed, with an air flow gap located between the wing and the trailing edge device when the trailing edge device is in the second position. A cam track (254e) is carried by one of the wing and the trailing edge device and has opposing cam track surfaces fixed relative to each other A cam (257e) is carried by the other of the wing and trailing edge device and is positioned within the cam track between the opposing cam track surfaces The cam is offset from the pivot axis and during normal operation the cam can carry no load or a first load along a load path that includes the cam track, and when a decrease in support provided by at least one of the pivot element, the wing support and the device support occurs, the cam can carry a second non-zero load greater than the first load along the load path.