Transfer Element for Movable Aircraft Slats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft slats pose a challenge for reliable power and signal transmission due to their movable nature, which leads to stress on wiring and potential failures in de-icing devices, especially under turbulent conditions and mechanical stresses.
Innovation Solution
A method using a transfer element that provides electrical contact in multiple predetermined positions, eliminating the need for sliding contacts and thus preventing sparks, and allowing for accurate and reliable power and signal transfer without wire bending or extension, using a control unit to manage contact states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sliding electrical contacts are used to power movable slats, then electrical power and signals can be transmitted, but sparks are formed and reliability deteriorates due to metallic fatigue and insulation ageing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the sliding electrical contact mechanism entirely from the movable slat system. Instead, electrical power and signals are transmitted through the transfer element (telescopic strut) itself, which acts as an integral electrical conductor. This extraction of the harmful sliding contact eliminates sparks, metallic fatigue, and insulation ageing while maintaining reliable power and signal transmission to the movable slat.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer element (telescopic strut) is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the movable slat, enables relative movement between wing and slat, and transmits electrical power and signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sliding electrical contacts, thereby removing the source of sparks and reliability issues while maintaining all necessary electrical connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wires are allowed to follow the extension-retraction process of slats, then flexibility is maintained, but bending and stretching cause metallic fatigue and insulation ageing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical conduction function from separate wires and integrates it into the transfer element (telescopic strut). The transfer element itself serves as the electrical conductor, eliminating the need for flexible wires that would otherwise need to bend and stretch with slat movement. This resolves the contradiction by providing both the necessary adaptability through the telescopic mechanism and the reliability of solid electrical conductors without metallic fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire-bending system with a solid-state electrical conduction system through the transfer element. Instead of relying on flexible wires that mechanically deform during slat movement, electrical power and signals are transmitted through the rigid but telescopic transfer element, eliminating mechanical stress on electrical conductors while maintaining adaptability to movement.
3Reliability
If sliding electrical contacts are used for movable slats, then electrical connection is maintained during movement, but contact wear and spark risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the sliding electrical contact mechanism entirely from the system. Electrical power and signals are transmitted through the transfer element (telescopic strut) that moves with the slat, eliminating relative motion between electrical contacts. This extraction eliminates contact wear and spark generation while maintaining reliable electrical connection throughout the slat's range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer element (telescopic strut) serves as an intermediary that carries both mechanical and electrical functions. It mediates between the stationary wing and the movable slat, providing both mechanical support and electrical conduction without requiring sliding contacts. This intermediary approach eliminates direct electrical contact between stationary and moving parts, removing the source of wear and sparks.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and arrangement for transferring electrical power and/or information signals between a first structure and a second structure, said structures being mutually movable by means of a driving support element. The method comprises the steps of providing an transfer element arranged to transfer electrical power and/or information signals between the first structure and the second structure, and controlling electrical contact by means of the transfer element so as to provide electrical contact in at least two different contact areas, said contact areas corresponding to predetermined mutual positions of said structures.