Vertical Flap Interconnection System for Large Aircraft
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft flap interconnection systems are inadequate for newer, larger aircraft as they only support horizontal interconnection, fail to accommodate large lateral movements, and are not suitable for transferring forces between very slim flap battens, leading to safety concerns and aerodynamic issues.
Innovation Solution
A vertical interconnection system with a compensating profile and adjustable couplings that can bridge large gaps and transfer significant forces, incorporating a piston-cylinder arrangement and guidance arms to ensure safety and aerodynamic sealing between adjacent flaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a traditional horizontal interconnection system is used, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot support large vertical forces and is unsuitable for larger aircraft flap systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal interconnection to a vertical interconnection system. The interconnection strut is arranged vertically between adjacent flaps, allowing it to support large vertical forces generated by larger aircraft flap systems. This dimensional change enables the system to handle force magnitudes that would exceed load ratings of known horizontal interconnection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnection system is divided into distinct functional components: a vertical interconnection strut for force transfer, a compensating profile for gap compensation, and coupling mechanisms for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively solving the overall problem of supporting vertical forces in large aircraft flap systems.
2Ease of operation
If known interconnection systems are used, then the system design is conventional, but they cannot accommodate large lateral movements and excessive gap widths between adjacent flaps
Solution Approach 1:
The compensating profile is designed to be laterally movable relative to the interconnection strut, allowing it to dynamically adapt to large lateral movements and varying gap widths between adjacent flaps. This dynamic design enables the system to bridge maximum gap widths that are too large for known rigid interconnection systems, while the guidance arms constrain the movement to maintain proper function.
3Length of moving object
If traditional interconnection systems are used on slim flap battens, then the flap design is conventional, but there is insufficient space for the interconnection system height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the interconnection system from a horizontal to a vertical arrangement. By placing the interconnection strut vertically between adjacent flaps rather than horizontally across them, the system achieves its full force transfer capacity within the limited height available on slim flap battens. This dimensional reorientation allows the interconnection system to transfer significantly greater forces without requiring excessive height.
4Reliability
If a vertical interconnection system with compensating profile is implemented, then force transfer capacity and movement accommodation are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compensating profile serves multiple functions: it compensates for gap variations between flaps, accommodates lateral movements through its movable design, and works in conjunction with the guidance arms to constrain motion. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address multiple problems, improving reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensating profile acts as an intermediary element between the vertical interconnection strut and the adjacent flaps. It mediates the interaction by providing a movable connection that accommodates lateral movements and gap variations while maintaining the vertical force transfer path, thus enhancing failsafe effectiveness without requiring direct complex mechanisms at the flap interfaces.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively supports large vertical forces, accommodates increased lateral movements, and is suitable for slim flap designs, enhancing safety and aerodynamic performance by providing a failsafe mechanism and efficient force transfer between adjacent flaps.
Implementation Method 1
an interconnection strut designed in the form of a piston-cylinder arrangement
Implementation Method 2
an interconnection strut designed in the form of a piston-cylinder arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
Described is an interconnection system, in particular for flaps which are located side-by-side, on an aircraft wing, for example landing flaps or high-lift flaps. The interconnection system is in particular characterised in that it comprises a correspondingly guided compensating profile for a gap between the flaps, which gap changes when the flaps are moved. Preferably, the interconnection system is combined with a failsafe device for adjacent flaps in the form of a longitudinally adjustable interconnection strut which is connected to the adjacent flaps by way of corresponding load introduction fittings. The interconnection system is in particular suitable for large aircraft in which the gap between adjacent flaps, due to the relatively large lateral movement of the flaps during retraction and extension, becomes relatively wide, and the forces acting on the flaps are relatively great.