Wing Leading-Edge Device Dual Load Path Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wing leading-edge devices lack sufficient mechanical reliability, particularly in load transfer mechanisms, which can lead to impaired performance during activation and deactivation, affecting lift coefficient and safety.
Innovation Solution
The proposed wing leading-edge device incorporates a flow body with multiple ribs, including load introduction ribs and a second load path component with co-axial lugs, creating dual load paths for reliable mechanical load transfer between the flow body and a drive mechanism, such as a slat track, ensuring robustness and redundancy in load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single load path is used in the leading-edge device, then the structure is simpler, but the mechanical reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The load transfer mechanism is segmented into multiple independent load paths. The first load path transfers loads through the drive mechanism connection, while the second load path transfers loads through the flow body structure. This segmentation provides redundancy, ensuring that if one load path is impaired, the other can still maintain structural integrity and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a backup load path structure that acts as a pre-prepared cushion against potential failures. The second load path is designed to compensate for mechanical impairments in the first load path, providing beforehand protection against reliability issues during activation and deactivation cycles.
2Reliability
If multiple connection means are used to attach the second load path component, then the load transfer reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection means are merged into a unified attachment system where several connection elements work together to secure the second load path component to the load introduction rib. This merging approach distributes the attachment function across multiple points, improving load transfer reliability while maintaining a coordinated manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection means use homogeneous attachment characteristics, employing similar connection methods and materials throughout the attachment system. This homogeneity simplifies the manufacturing process by using standardized procedures and materials, while still achieving reliable load transfer through the distributed connection points.
3Strength
If the second load path component rests flushly on the load introduction rib, then the load distribution is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second load path component is designed with a thin, flexible structure that can rest flushly on the load introduction rib. This thin-film approach allows the component to conform to the rib surface, improving load distribution across the contact area while reducing the need for extremely tight manufacturing tolerances through inherent flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates parameter changes in the geometry and material properties of the second load path component to optimize the flush contact. By adjusting thickness, elasticity, and contact surface area parameters, the system achieves improved load distribution while accommodating reasonable manufacturing variations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wing leading-edge device is proposed, comprising a flow body having a front side, a back side and a plurality of ribs arranged in ribs, wherein at least one of the ribs is a load introduction rib comprising at least one first lug for coupling with a drive mechanism, further comprising a second load path component, which comprises at least one second lug, wherein the second load path component is at least connected to the load introduction rib, such that a second opening of the at least one second lug is co-axial with a first opening of the at least one first lug.