This concept paper focuses on integrating the Hydraulic Infinite Linear Actuator - Multi Rod (HILA-MR) technology into Variable Camber Continuous Trailing Edge Flap (VCCTEF) systems for Blended Wing Body (BWB) aircraft. HILA-MR is a novel actuator design enabling precise control of multiple flap segments in a VCCTEF via shared pistons. The HILA-MR/VCCTEF system demonstrates significantly lower power requirements compared to traditional simple flap systems and promotes a more optimal use of force and speed potential of hydraulic actuation throughout the flight envelope, reducing power requirements and contributing to overall efficiency and lower fuel burn. The system offers potential for drag reduction, improved efficiency, and reduced weight and volume for actuation and secondary power components in BWB aircraft. The aim of this paper is to give a comprehensive presentation of the HILA-MR system in a VCCTEF application, evaluate different aspects, design issues and benchmark the technology against present solutions.   

New technologies and innovations to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the aeronautics industry are essential. The morphing wing concept is an excellent method to increase aircraft performance and reduce fuel consumption and may now become re-applied using a new actuation technology. Nevertheless, for the moment, several showstoppers inhibit the commercial introduction of morphing systems. A morphing wing design's structural skeleton, actuator and sensor network are characterized by an extensive and multi-branched network of actuators and sensors and many mechanical and electrical components that reduce reliability, availability, flight safety and maintainability. It also dramatically impacts weight, volume, complexity and costs. Therefore, less complex and more robust solutions are desired for the morphing wing technology to become a realistic alternative for the aeronautics industry.  Future morphing wing systems in aircraft can be improved significantly by utilizing a new type of hydraulic linear actuator invention, the Hydraulic Infinite Linear Actuator with Multiple Rods (HILA MR). A single HILA MR actuator has the potential to replace the whole actuator and sensor network in a morphing wing, enabling substantial rationalization in several ways and facilitating certification and commercial introduction.  Furthermore, compared to conventional actuating technologies, a HILA MR architecture allows for controlling the morphing structure using reduced mass and volume, enabling a power consumption reduction. With HILA MR, the mechanical actuation of the control surfaces may be embedded into the aircraft's fuselage in a bio-mimicking fashion similar to the human hand, where the muscles that control the fingers of the hand are located in the forearm. Light Dyneema fibre cables with high tensile strength are used to distribute actuator motions in the fuselage to the control surface, similar to how they are used in cable robots. In addition, the location of the actuator facilitates a slender wing design.  The HILA MR technology enables a novel way to generate and distribute linear mechanical movement for flight control and wing morphing. It mimics the characteristics of hydraulic servo cylinders, but the piston actuates several multiple rods in a switching fashion, using clamping elements. The HILA technology acts according to a timing-controlled shifting of operating modes between continuous and discrete incremental actuator positioning steps. Each rod actuates one part of the wings morphing mechanical structure. The application of this technology in aviation is also characterized by the following: a reduced number of servo valves, well-known clamping technology used for both stepping and locking functionality, a reduced number of position feedback sensors and a local hydraulic system in the fuselage or situated in the wing box with a small oil reservoir volume.  This paper aims to evaluate different aspects and design issues of the HILA MR system in a morphing wing application (actuator, sensor, control system and structural skeleton) and compare the technology against present electromechanical solutions. In addition, a simplified morphing wing system simulation model based on HILA MR is presented. Results from initial simulations show that the concept is attainable and will have the required response timings. 

In forestry and agriculture industry, robust and power-dense hydraulics have long played an important role for a rational and cost-effective logistics. In these fields there is a trend towards longer, larger and heavier vehicles and machines. Within the forestry business there is a need to develop transport vehicles with lower energy consumption. This can be done by improving the vehicles' aerodynamics. The air resistance of unloaded timber trucks and timber trains will be significantly reduced if stakes and banks are put together. Furthermore, there is a need to place banks and stakes at individual distances individually to accomplish different load combinations. In agriculture when sowing, it is an advantage to be able to flexibly position row units on a seed drill in optimal distances from each other to secure productive and sustainable farming. However, most present seed drills have fixed row distances and thus have a low adaptability for different crops or soil conditions. There is also a need for a faster transport of the seed drill between different fields.  Future actuation systems for forestry and agricultural vehicles and machines can be improved by utilizing a new sort of hydraulic linear actuator technology, the Hydraulic Infinite Linear Actuator (HILA). HILA technology also has an impact on heavy and dangerous manual steps when changing banks and stakes on timber vehicles. The adjustment can be controlled from the cabin, thus eliminating manual steps. Heavy bank elements on a timber vehicle can be positioned individually with high locking force. In the agricultural context, it is possible to quickly change between different inter-row spacing on a seed drill when using HILA technology, enabling a multi-purpose seed drill and inter-row cultivator. HILA long stroke capability also facilitates a smooth folding into a compact transport position. With the bills are gathered, a low center of gravity will be accomplished. This enables a more stable vehicle dynamics and enables a higher speed. HILA is based on a well-known hydraulic clamping element technology, where the piston and the piston rod can be coupled and uncoupled by means of the clamping element. The HILA invention, in its simplest usage, provides new features to hydraulic cylinders, such as providing very long strokes and small chamber volumes, which means high stiffness and low capacitance. However, the invention also enables lower weight and volume of the actuator when compared to conventional hydraulic cylinders. This is a new way to generate and distribute mechanical linear movement and force by using hydraulic actuators in a cost effective way. The technology also represents a new sort of digital hydraulics. The technology is best suited for relatively slow dynamics and where the movement pattern is well-known.