Systems and methods for controlling aircraft flaps and spoilers
First Claim
1. A system for controlling an aircraft wing, comprising:
- a flapa flap actuator operatively coupled to the flap;
a spoiler;
a spoiler actuator operatively coupled to the spoiler;
a controller operatively coupled to the flap actuator and the spoiler actuator, the controller being programmed with instructions to;
place the wing in a high lift configuration during a first operation mode by directing the flap actuator to deflect the flap downwardly to form a gap with a trailing edge of the wing, and directing the spoiler actuator to deflect the spoiler downwardly to form a gap with the flap, without mechanically tying the motion of the flap to the motion of the spoiler; and
place the wing in a speed brake configuration during the first operation mode by directing the flap actuator to deflect the flap downwardly, and directing the spoiler actuator to deflect the spoiler upwardly, without mechanically tying the motion of the flap to the motion of the spoiled; and
a release mechanism coupled to the spoiler actuator to release at least a portion of a driving force applied to the spoiler during a second operation mode to allow the flap to physically contact and drive the spoiler, wherein the system is configured to enter the second operation mode when the controller fails to direct the second actuator.
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Abstract
Systems and methods for controlling aircraft flaps and spoilers are disclosed. Systems in accordance with some embodiments include a wing having a trailing edge, and a flap positioned at least partially aft of the wing trailing edge and being deployable relative to the wing between a first flap position and a second flap position by operation of a first actuator. A spoiler can be positioned at least proximate to the trailing edge and can be movable among at least three positions, including a first spoiler position in which the spoiler forms a generally continuous contour with an upper surface of the wing, a second spoiler position deflected downwardly from the first, and a third spoiler position deflected upwardly from the first. A second actuator can be operatively coupled to the spoiler to move the spoiler among the first, second and third spoiler positions in a manner that is mechanically independent of the motion of the flap.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A system for controlling an aircraft wing, comprising:
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a flap a flap actuator operatively coupled to the flap; a spoiler; a spoiler actuator operatively coupled to the spoiler; a controller operatively coupled to the flap actuator and the spoiler actuator, the controller being programmed with instructions to; place the wing in a high lift configuration during a first operation mode by directing the flap actuator to deflect the flap downwardly to form a gap with a trailing edge of the wing, and directing the spoiler actuator to deflect the spoiler downwardly to form a gap with the flap, without mechanically tying the motion of the flap to the motion of the spoiler; and place the wing in a speed brake configuration during the first operation mode by directing the flap actuator to deflect the flap downwardly, and directing the spoiler actuator to deflect the spoiler upwardly, without mechanically tying the motion of the flap to the motion of the spoiled; and a release mechanism coupled to the spoiler actuator to release at least a portion of a driving force applied to the spoiler during a second operation mode to allow the flap to physically contact and drive the spoiler, wherein the system is configured to enter the second operation mode when the controller fails to direct the second actuator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method for operating an aircraft wing system, comprising:
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placing the wing in a high lift configuration by directing operational signals from a controller that, in a first mode of operation, (a) activate a first actuator to deflect a flap downwardly to form a gap with a trailing edge of the wing, and (b) activate a second actuator to deflect a spoiler downwardly to form a gap with the flap without mechanically tying the motion of the flap to the motion of the spoiler; placing the wing in a speed brake configuration by directing operational signals from the controller that, in the first mode of operation, deflect the flap downwardly via the first actuator and deflect the spoiler upwardly via the second actuator without mechanically tying the motion of the flap to the motion of the spoiler; and releasing at least a portion of a driving force applied to the spoiler during a second mode of operation to allow the flap to physically contact and drive the spoiler when the operational signals are not transmitted to the second actuator. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An aircraft wing system, comprising:
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a wing having a trailing edge; a flap positioned proximate to the wing trailing edge and being deployable relative to the wing; a first actuator operatively coupled to the flap to move the flap relative to the wing; a spoiler positioned at least proximate to the flap, the spoiler being deployable relative to the wing; a second actuator operatively coupled to the spoiler to drive the spoiler during a first mode of operation, the second actuator being configured to release at least a portion of a driving force applied to the spoiler during a second mode of operation to allow the flap to physically contact and drive the spoiler; and a controller operatively coupled to the first and second actuators to transmit operational signals to the first and second actuators, and wherein the system is configured to enter the second mode when the operational signals are not transmitted to the second actuator. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for operating a wing system of an aircraft, comprising:
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placing the wing in a high lift configuration by directing operational signals from a controller that, in a first mode of operation, (a) activate a first actuator to deflect a flap downwardly to form a gap with a trailing edge of the wing, and (b) activate a second actuator deflect a spoiler downwardly to form a gap with the flap; releasing at least a portion of a driving force applied to the spoiler during a second mode of operation to allow the flap to physically contact and drive the spoiler when the operational signals are not transmitted to the second actuator. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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22. The method of clam 18 wherein the spoiler is moved by a mechanical actuator and wherein the method includes causing a clutch of the mechanical actuator to slip so as to at least reduce a force applied to the spoiler during operation in the second mode.
Specification