Trailing Edge Control Surface Guide Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for guiding and driving trailing edge control surfaces on aircraft wings are complex and heavy, requiring multiple guide devices that complicate the kinematics and increase weight.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first guide device for the inboard section of the control surface and a second guide device for the outboard section, where the second guide device allows swiveling motion while preventing translatory motion, reducing the complexity and weight by eliminating the need for a complex guide device on the outer side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex guide device is used on the outer side of the control surface, then the control surface can be guided along a predetermined trajectory, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device is divided into two independent parts: a first guide device for the inboard section and a second guide device for the outboard section. Each guide device is simpler in design, with the second guide device being a swivel joint that allows rotational movement while preventing translatory motion. This segmentation reduces the complexity of each individual guide device while maintaining overall guiding accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single complex guide device on the outer side to constrain both rotational and translational movements, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple swivel joint that permits rotation and separately constrains translation through the connection between the first and second guide devices. This inverted approach simplifies the outer guide device while achieving the same functional result.
2Reliability
If multiple guide devices are used to guide the control surface, then the control surface can be positioned accurately, but the weight of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide system is segmented into two lightweight components: the first guide device attached to the wing and the second guide device attached to the control surface. The second guide device is specifically designed as a swivel joint with minimal structure, allowing it to be very lightweight while still providing accurate positioning through its swiveling motion that prevents unwanted translatory movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function from a complex guide device and separates it into two simpler devices. The second guide device extracts only the swiveling function needed for the outboard section, removing unnecessary structural elements that would add weight, while the first guide device handles the remaining guiding functions.
3Reliability
If additional components are added to guide the control surface, then the control surface can be guided along a predetermined trajectory, but aerodynamic cleanliness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the guide system into two separate devices, each with minimal components, the invention reduces the total number of additional parts that could interfere with airflow. The second guide device, being a simple swivel joint with few components, minimizes aerodynamic interference on the outboard section while maintaining trajectory control through its constrained swiveling motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for driving and guiding a trailing edge control surface arranged on a wing of an aircraft includes a first guide device attachable to the wing and coupled with an inboard section of the control surface for guiding the inboard section along a trajectory relative to the trailing edge region of the wing between a retracted position and an extended position, a second guide device attachable to the wing and holding a connecting means of an outboard section of the control surface, and a drive device attachable to the wing and the control surface for moving the control surface. The trajectory is a spatial path at least along one dimension, wherein a distance between the inboard section of the control surface and a fixed part of the wing changes during a motion of the inboard section on the trajectory.