Variable Camber Wing Drive System Using Switchable Couplings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive systems for variable camber aircraft wings with position variable front and rear flaps are complex due to the use of differential gears, which complicates the structure and reduces reliability.
Innovation Solution
A drive system utilizing switchable, shape-matched couplings between the drive shafts of the flaps, allowing for a simpler structure and increased reliability, with a central drive unit and power-off brakes to manage the positional changes of the flaps, enabling differential adjustment and adaptation to specific aircraft installation demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a differential gear is used to couple drive shafts of adjacent flaps, then the flaps can be adjusted differentially with independent speed control, but the construction becomes comparatively complex
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into independent drive units for inner and outer flaps, each with its own drive shaft and coupling mechanism. This allows differential adjustment without requiring a complex centralized differential gear system, reducing overall construction complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The switchable coupling mechanism dynamically transitions between connected and disconnected states based on operational requirements. When connected, flaps move together; when disconnected, differential adjustment is enabled. This dynamic reconfiguration provides versatility without permanent complex machinery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a differential gear is used to couple drive shafts of adjacent flaps, then speed independence between flaps is achieved, but the system reliability decreases due to complex construction
Solution Approach 1:
The differential adjustment capability is extracted from a centralized differential gear system and implemented through independent drive units with switchable couplings. This removal of the complex differential gear component eliminates the reliability issues associated with its multiple moving parts while preserving the essential speed independence functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Each flap is equipped with its own drive unit that can independently control its drive shaft speed. The switchable coupling allows each unit to operate autonomously when disconnected, providing self-service capability that enhances reliability by eliminating dependence on a complex centralized differential mechanism.
3Device complexity
If switchable couplings are used instead of differential gears, then the structure becomes simpler and reliability increases, but the capability for differential adjustment must be maintained through alternative means
Solution Approach 1:
The switchable coupling dynamically transitions between connected and disconnected states to provide differential adjustment capability without permanent complex machinery. When disconnected, each drive shaft can move independently; when connected, flaps move together, maintaining versatility through operational flexibility rather than mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the coupling (connected vs. disconnected) to achieve differential adjustment. This parameter change allows the same simple mechanical structure to provide both synchronized and differential movement capabilities, maintaining adaptability without complex construction.
4Reliability
If shape-matched transmission components are used for couplings, then aeronautical safety demands are met, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shape-matched coupling is divided into separate male and female components that can be manufactured independently using standard machining processes. This segmentation allows each component to be produced with high precision for safety-critical fit and function, while simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to creating a single complex integrated component.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a drive system for a variable camber aircraft wing having position variable front flaps and/or rear flaps, having drive shafts, which are arranged such that that the flaps undergo a change of position in operation of the drive shafts, and having one or more drive units in driving connection with the drive shafts, wherein at least one switchable coupling is provided via which the drive shafts of two flaps of an aircraft wing can be coupled to one another.