Patent ID: 7891611

Claim:
A system for controlling an aircraft wing, comprising: 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.