Wing Actuator Roll Control with Hydraulic Failure Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Larger aircraft wing designs with improved aerodynamic performance increase payload capacity and flight range but complicate manual control for pilots, as they require more effort to manage flight control surfaces effectively.
Innovation Solution
The system employs wing actuators coupled with ailerons, an alternate power unit, and a flight control computer to automatically control aircraft roll operations, using a differential linkage to convert control wheel position inputs into aileron movements, and includes a mode selector valve and valve spring to adjust fluid flow, ensuring reliable control even in case of hydraulic system failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If larger aircraft wing designs are used to improve aerodynamic performance, then payload capacity and flight range are improved, but manual control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation by implementing automatic aileron control through the flight control computer. The FCC receives control wheel position signals and automatically actuates the ailerons without requiring manual pilot intervention, allowing the aircraft to control itself during roll operations while maintaining improved aerodynamic performance from larger wing designs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical manual control system with an automated flight control computer system. The mechanical linkage between control wheels and ailerons is supplemented by an electronic control system that uses sensors, flight control computers, and electric actuators to substitute for direct mechanical pilot control, reducing manual control difficulty while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency
2Ease of operation
If automatic control systems are implemented to reduce pilot workload, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flight control computer performs multiple functions including receiving control wheel position signals, processing control commands, actuating ailerons, and providing backup control capabilities. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automatic control benefits and reducing pilot workload
3Power
If hydraulic systems are used to power wing actuators, then power availability is improved, but reliability decreases when hydraulic systems fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by providing redundant power sources specifically for critical flight control functions. The electric actuators are positioned at the aileron control points to provide localized backup power, ensuring that even if the main hydraulic system fails, the essential roll control function remains reliable and operational
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling aircraft roll operations are disclosed. An example system includes an aileron actuator including a mode selector valve to control fluid flow through the aileron actuator, and a valve spring coupled to the mode selector valve, the valve spring to adjust the mode selector valve from the active position to a block position, the block position to prevent fluid flow through the aileron actuator, a wing cable system coupled to the aileron actuator, a wing actuator coupled to the wing cable system, the wing actuator to control displacement of the aileron of the aircraft in response to the mode selector valve being in the block position, and a differential linkage coupled to the wing actuator and the aileron, the differential linkage to translate the displacement of the wing actuator into rotational movement to adjust the aileron from a first position to a second position.