Wing Tip Actuator Assembly With Clutch Decoupling for Fast Load Alleviation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuation systems for movable aircraft wing tips lack the ability to provide rapid load alleviation with minimal installation space and efficient reaction time.
Innovation Solution
An actuator assembly utilizing a geared rotary actuator with planetary gears and clutches to selectively decouple the wing tip from the fixed structure, allowing for rapid movement and minimizing drag torques, featuring a design that reduces installation space and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If existing actuation systems are used for movable wing tips, then the wing tip can be moved, but the reaction time is slow and installation space is large
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is divided into multiple actuator slices, each independently housing a planetary gear mechanism. This segmentation allows for a more compact overall structure while maintaining the required functionality, directly addressing the installation space constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear mechanism is nested within each actuator slice, with the sun gear, planet gears, and ring gear arranged in a compact concentric configuration. This nesting approach minimizes the volume occupied by each actuator unit, thereby reducing total installation space.
2Strength
If existing actuation systems are used for movable wing tips, then the wing tip can be moved, but the structural loads are not minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism enables dynamic switching between engaged and disengaged states, allowing the wing tip to transition between controlled movement and free movement. This dynamic capability allows the system to minimize structural loads by releasing the wing tip when full control is not needed, without requiring a fundamentally complex system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch acts as an intermediary element between the planetary gear mechanism and the wing tip. It mediates the force transmission, allowing selective engagement and disengagement. This intermediary approach enables load minimization through controlled force interruption without adding significant system complexity.
3Loss of time
If a clutch mechanism is added to decouple the wing tip, then the reaction time improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism is merged with the planetary gear mechanism within the same actuator slice housing. The clutch components are integrated with the existing gear elements, allowing the decoupling function to be achieved without adding separate, independent subsystems. This integration improves reaction time while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 actuator assembly enables fast reaction times for load alleviation while minimizing structural loads and reducing the overall space and weight requirements, enhancing the efficiency and flexibility of movable wing tips.
Implementation Method 1
a geared rotary actuator having at least one actuator slice (6) comprising a planetary gear
Implementation Method 2
at least one clutch (40, 42, 66, 93) connected to the geared rotary actuator and designed to couple the movable surface with the input section and to selectively decouple the movable surface from the input section
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
An actuator assembly for moving a movable aerodynamic surface of an aircraft is proposed, comprising an input section for introducing an externally provided rotary motion into the actuator assembly, and a geared rotary actuator having at least one actuator slice comprising a planetary gear with a sun gear couplable to the input section, a fixed gear attachable to a fixed component of the aircraft and an output gear couplable with the movable aerodynamic surface. According to the invention, at least one clutch is connected to the geared rotary actuator and is designed to couple the movable surface with the input section and to selectively decouple the movable surface from the input section, such that it is freely movable.