Variable Camber Trim Unit for Independent Wing Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft actuation systems are limited in their ability to actuate inboard and outboard wing devices separately, requiring complex sequences that prolong the time to reposition devices, leading to increased drag and reduced benefits from variable camber functions.
Innovation Solution
A variable camber system featuring a variable camber trim unit (VCTU) with a speed sum gearbox and electric motor, allowing independent actuation of outboard devices relative to inboard devices, and enabling simultaneous actuation of both, by using a speed sum gearbox with an outboard brake and a power-off brake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional actuation systems are used to actuate inboard and outboard devices, then the devices can be actuated together, but the system requires complex sequencing and extended time to reposition devices separately
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into independent inboard and outboard device control capabilities. The system allows the inboard and outboard devices to be actuated independently through separate control commands, eliminating the need for complex sequencing. This segmentation enables direct positioning of each device without requiring intermediate steps or coordinated movements.
2Ease of operation
If complex sequencing is required to reposition inboard and outboard devices, then device positioning is achieved, but drag increases and aerodynamic performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning of inboard and outboard devices independently before flight phases requiring specific camber configurations. By pre-positioning devices to optimal locations, the system minimizes the time devices spend in suboptimal positions during maneuvering, thereby reducing drag penalties and maintaining better aerodynamic performance throughout flight transitions.
3Device complexity
If inboard and outboard devices are actuated as a single system, then the actuation mechanism is simpler, but the ability to vary camber and adjust spanwise load distribution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system transitions from a static, unified control mode to a dynamic, differentiated control mode. The system can adaptively switch between actuating inboard and outboard devices together or separately based on flight conditions and desired camber configurations. This dynamic capability enables continuous variation of wing camber and spanwise load distribution without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration of the actuation system itself.
Data Source
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AI summary
A variable camber system for an aircraft may include a variable camber trim unit (VCTU) (302) positioned between an inboard device (200) and an outboard device (202). The inboard device (200) and the outboard device (202) may be mounted to at least one of a leading edge and a trailing edge of a wing. The VCTU may include a speed sum gearbox (320) having an inboard shaft coupled to the inboard device and an outboard shaft coupled to the outboard device. The VCTU may additionally include a VCTU electric motor (304) engaged to the speed sum gearbox (320). The VCTU electric motor (304) may be selectively operable in conjunction with the speed sum gearbox (320) to rotate the outboard shaft independent of the inboard shaft in a manner causing the outboard device to be actuated independent of the inboard device.