Aircraft Wing Hydraulic Droop Control Without Mechanical Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical links used in aircraft wings for droop spoiler configurations occupy significant integration space and disrupt airflow, while being complex and weight-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic droop control system fluidly couples a flap and a spoiler via a closed hydraulic system, using two hydraulic actuators connected by a hydraulic line to synchronize their movement, eliminating the need for mechanical links and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical links are used to couple the spoiler and trailing edge flap, then synchronized movement is achieved, but integration space is consumed and airflow is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical linkage system with a hydraulic system. Two hydraulic actuators are fluidly coupled via a closed hydraulic system, where movement of one actuator is transmitted through hydraulic fluid to the other actuator, eliminating the need for physical mechanical links between the spoiler and flap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a closed hydraulic system to transmit motion between actuators. The hydraulic fluid transmits pressure and movement from one actuator to another, providing synchronized control of the spoiler and flap without requiring mechanical connections.
2Reliability
If mechanical links are used to couple the spoiler and trailing edge flap, then synchronized movement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with a hydraulic transmission system. The hydraulic system uses fluid pressure to transmit motion, eliminating multiple mechanical joints, pins, and linkages that would be required to achieve the same synchronized movement.
3Reliability
If mechanical links are used to couple the spoiler and trailing edge flap, then synchronized movement is achieved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical linkages with lighter hydraulic actuators and fluid transmission. The hydraulic system requires less structural support and lighter connecting components compared to rigid mechanical linkages capable of transmitting the same forces.
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
This solution reduces integration space requirements, improves airflow, and simplifies maintenance by eliminating complex mechanical joints, while providing efficient and synchronized movement of the droop panel and flap.
Implementation Method 1
The first hydraulic actuator and the second hydraulic actuator are fluidly coupled with a hydraulic line to provide synchronized movement of the flap to droop the spoiler
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for hydraulic droop control of an aircraft wing. One embodiment is a hydraulic droop panel system for an aircraft wing. The hydraulic droop panel system includes a first hydraulic actuator attached to a flap of the aircraft wing, and a second hydraulic actuator attached to a droop panel of the aircraft wing and fluidly coupled with the first hydraulic actuator. The second hydraulic actuator is configured to move the droop panel to a droop position corresponding with movement of the flap and the first hydraulic actuator.