Aircraft Wing Deflection Control Rib Catch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft wing deflection control ribs require cutouts in the leading edges of flaps, leading to decreased aerodynamic performance and complex internal design due to the presence of roller arms and electrical wiring bundles.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a deflection control rib with a catch instead of a roller arm, eliminating the need for cutouts and incorporating sculpted bulb seals to enhance aerodynamic performance and simplify the internal design by removing the electrical wiring bundle from the rib's spatial confines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional deflection control ribs with roller arms are used, then the flaps can be controlled for deflection, but cutouts are required in the leading edges of flaps which decreases aerodynamic performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the roller arm component from the deflection control rib assembly and replaces it with a catch mechanism. This extraction eliminates the need for cutouts in the flap leading edges, thereby removing the source of aerodynamic drag while maintaining the flap deflection control function through the catch mechanism that engages with the flap structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a roller arm that requires cutouts to accommodate its movement, the invention inverts the approach by using a catch mechanism that engages with existing flap structures without requiring modifications to the flap leading edges. This inversion of the control mechanism design eliminates the harmful aerodynamic effects while preserving the control function.
2Reliability
If roller arms and electrical wiring bundles are included in the deflection control rib, then the control mechanism is complete, but the internal design becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the roller arm and electrical wiring bundle components from the deflection control rib assembly, replacing them with a simpler catch mechanism. This extraction eliminates unnecessary complexity while maintaining the essential control function, resulting in a cleaner internal design with fewer components to install, maintain, and troubleshoot.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-actuating, eliminating the need for separate electrical wiring bundles and complex actuation systems. The mechanism uses the natural movement and structural interaction between the deflection control rib and flap to achieve control, making the system self-sufficient and significantly simpler in design.
Data Source
AI summary
Aircraft wings having improved deflection control ribs are described. An example aircraft wing includes a rear spar, an outboard flap, a rear spar fitting, and a deflection control rib. The outboard flap is movable relative to the rear spar between a stowed position and a deployed position. The outboard flap includes a closure rib and a roller coupled to the closure rib. The rear spar fitting is coupled to the rear spar. The deflection control rib includes a primary arm and a catch. The primary arm is coupled to and extends rearward from the rear spar fitting proximate a lower surface of the aircraft wing. The catch is coupled to and extends rearward from the primary arm. The catch includes an opening to receive the roller of the outboard flap when the outboard flap is in the stowed position.