Variable Camber Krueger Flap Linkage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Krueger flap designs in aeronautics lack the ability to dynamically adjust camber, limiting their high-lift capability and stall speed control, particularly during takeoff and landing phases.
Innovation Solution
A variable camber Krueger flap deployment linkage mechanism comprising a first linkage assembly with a drive arm, drive link, and support arm, and a second linkage assembly with a drive transfer arm, middle connection segment, and bullnose link, which allows for the adjustment of the flap's camber by rotating in a chord-wise plane, enabling high-position deployment and high-lift capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-position Krueger flap design is used, then the structure is simple, but the high-lift capability and stall speed control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The Krueger flap is designed to be dynamically adjustable between multiple discrete positions (retracted, extended, and intermediate positions) through a linkage mechanism driven by an actuator. This allows the flap to adapt its camber and position based on flight conditions, thereby improving high-lift capability while managing structural complexity through controlled motion rather than fixed configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism is segmented into distinct components including a drive arm, drive link, support arm, and actuator system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions while maintaining overall system manageability and enabling the complex motion required for variable camber control
2Productivity
If a variable camber Krueger flap with high-position deployment is implemented, then lift capability is enhanced, but the linkage mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls the Krueger flap's position (retracted/extended), adjusts camber variablely, and enables high-position deployment. By integrating these functions into a single coordinated mechanism rather than separate systems, the patent improves aircraft performance while managing the complexity through functional consolidation
Solution Approach 2:
The drive arm acts as an intermediary component that translates actuator motion into the complex multi-degree-of-freedom motion required for variable camber and high-position deployment. This intermediary mechanism mediates between the simple actuator input and the complex flap output, enabling enhanced performance while keeping the control system manageable
Data Source
AI summary
A variable camber Krueger flap deployment linkage mechanism is presented. A first linkage assembly couples a flap assembly and an airfoil, and comprising a first drive arm, a first drive link, and a support arm. A second linkage assembly couples the flap assembly and the first drive arm, and comprises a drive transfer arm, a middle connection segment, and a bullnose link.