Variable Camber Flap Actuation Reducing Drive Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variable camber systems in aircraft are complex and require frequent adjustments of spoiler and bent-up trailing edge door positions, necessitating additional power drive units and increasing the risk of failure and certification issues due to differential gear boxes and clutches.
Innovation Solution
A simplified variable camber system design that uses dual actuators to pivotally adjust the flap and flap bracket relative to the wing, allowing for independent movement without changing the position of the spoiler and bent-up trailing edge door, thereby reducing the need for additional power units and minimizing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional variable camber systems use differential gear boxes and clutches for inboard and outboard panels, then the system can achieve differential flap positioning between left and right wings, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the flap control into independent inboard and outboard panels, each with its own actuator. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex differential gear boxes and clutches while maintaining the ability to position flaps differentially between left and right wings for roll control and trim.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses independent actuators that can dynamically adjust flap positions without mechanical linkages. This dynamic approach replaces static mechanical differential mechanisms with active control, reducing complexity while preserving adaptability.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional variable camber systems frequently adjust spoiler and bent-up trailing edge door positions, then the system maintains proper spacing, but the device complexity increases due to additional power drive units
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the spoiler and bent-up trailing edge door from the active adjustment mechanism. These components remain fixed while only the flap is actively adjusted, eliminating the need for additional power drive units while maintaining proper spacing through the fixed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed positioning of spoilers and bent-up trailing edge doors allows them to self-maintain proper spacing relationships without requiring active adjustment mechanisms. The system serves itself by eliminating the need for complex coordination between multiple moving components.
Data Source
AI summary
A flap and spoiler system of an aircraft wing including a spoiler having a spoiler leading edge and a spoiler trailing edge. The flap and spoiler system also includes a flap having a flap leading edge and a flap trailing edge, an axis of rotation through the flap, and a top surface portion above the axis of rotation. The top surface portion has a first semi-circular shape such that, when the flap rotates about the axis of rotation, the spoiler trailing edge remains substantially stationary. When the spoiler trailing edge remains substantially stationary the spoiler is not driven by a spoiler drive.