Moveable Wing Tip Actuation Profiles to Reduce Actuator Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in minimizing the size and weight of actuation assemblies for movable wing tip devices on aircraft while ensuring efficient actuation between flight and ground configurations, particularly in compliance with airport clearance limitations.
Innovation Solution
A method of actuating the wing tip device by determining a tailored actuation profile based on various conditions, including location, speed, and load, to minimize wear and load on the actuation assembly, allowing for a longer time period and slower movement when possible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional actuation assembly is used to move the wing tip device between flight and ground configurations, then the wing span can be reduced for ground operations, but the actuation assembly experiences high wear and fatigue loadings that limit its working life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the actuation profile adaptive rather than fixed. The control system dynamically adjusts actuation parameters (speed, acceleration, timing) based on real-time aircraft conditions such as altitude, speed, and location, optimizing the actuation process to minimize wear and load on the actuation assembly while ensuring safe and effective configuration changes
2Productivity
If the wing tip device is actuated quickly to reach ground configuration, then airport clearance limitations can be met, but the actuation assembly experiences increased wear and load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying actuation speed, acceleration, and timing parameters based on aircraft conditions. The control system selects from multiple actuation profiles or continuously adjusts parameters to optimize the balance between achieving ground configuration within required timeframes and minimizing wear on the actuation assembly through slower, more gradual movement when conditions permit
3Reliability
If a larger actuation assembly is used to reduce wear, then the working life is extended, but the weight and size of the aircraft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing actuation speed, acceleration, and timing parameters to minimize the mechanical stresses and wear on the actuation assembly. By controlling the actuation profile to be smoother and more gradual when conditions permit, the system extends the working life of a lighter, smaller actuation assembly without requiring an oversized design
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the wing tip device is actuated over a longer time period, then wear on the actuation assembly is reduced, but the ability to meet airport clearance deadlines is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing an adaptive control system that dynamically adjusts the actuation profile based on real-time aircraft conditions and predicted arrival times at clearance boundaries. The system can switch between aggressive actuation (when time is critical) and conservative actuation (when time permits), optimizing the balance between minimizing wear and meeting airport clearance deadlines
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of actuating a wing tip device 11 on an aircraft 1, from a flight configuration to a ground configuration in which the span is reduced. The method comprises the steps of 100 receiving data indicative of a condition, such as the location 23 or speed 25 of the aircraft; and determining an actuation profile in dependence on the condition. The actuation profile may include determining a time period, and/or speed profile of the wing tip actuation over that time period. In this manner the actuation of the wing tip device can be tailored to minimise loads and wear on the actuator assembly.