Aircraft Wing Slat Four-Bar Linkage With Magnetic Hold
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft wing slats are difficult to maintain in a deployed position due to air resistance during flight, which exerts an aftward force against the mechanism, making it hard to keep them extended.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism using a four-bar linkage with magnetic or frictional components to maintain the slat in the deployed position, including a first rib, an elongate arm, and connecting bars, with additional structures like a standoff or cross-bolt to provide magnetic attraction or frictional resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical mechanism is used to extend the slat, then the slat can be moved to the deployed position, but air resistance during flight exerts an aftward force against the mechanism, making it harder to maintain the slat in the deployed position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a biasing member that exerts a forward-biasing force on the arm to counteract the aftward force from air resistance. This counterweight mechanism provides a continuous opposing force that maintains the slat in the deployed position against the detrimental aerodynamic pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a purely mechanical extension system with a magnetic field-based holding mechanism. Magnets are positioned to provide magnetic holding force that maintains the arm in the deployed position, substituting continuous mechanical actuation with a passive magnetic field that resists the aftward aerodynamic force.
2Reliability
If additional components are added to maintain the slat position, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with simpler magnetic holding components. By using magnets positioned at specific locations, the system achieves reliable position maintenance without requiring additional mechanical latches, springs, or complex linkage components, thus reducing overall device complexity while improving reliability.
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 mechanism effectively maintains the slat in the deployed position by utilizing magnetic or frictional forces to counteract air resistance, enhancing reliability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
one of the first extend stop and the first standoff is magnetic, and the other of the first extend stop and the first standoff is magnetic or ferromagnetic. Magnetic attraction between the first extend stop and the first standoff in the deployed position may urge the arm to remain in the deployed position.
Implementation Method 2
The first rib, the arm and the first and second bars cooperate to form a first four-bar linkage, wherein the first and second bars are rotatable about their respective forward and aftward first rib connection points
Implementation Method 3
the first and second bars are rotatable about their respective forward and aftward first rib connection points in a negative pitch rotational direction until the first standoff contacts the first extend stop
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for moving a slat of an aircraft wing of an aircraft includes a rib, an arm, a first bar and a second bar. The arm is disposed generally parallel with the rib. The rib, the arm and the first and second bars cooperate to form a four-bar linkage. The first and second bars rotatable about connection points in a negative pitch rotational direction to dispose the arm in an extended position, and in a positive pitch rotational direction to dispose the arm in a default position.