System and method for controlling aircraft wing flap motion

A method of controlling one or more flaps of a wing of an aircraft, the method comprising:

• receiving a command signal that is input by an operator of the aircraft;
• operating first and second actuators coupled to a first flap of the wing of the aircraft based on the command signal to move the first flap between retracted and extended positions;
• monitoring a first electrical signal provided to the first actuator;
• monitoring a second electrical signal provided to the second actuator;
• and
• determining that the first and second actuators are synchronized based on the monitoring operations, wherein the determining operation comprises determining that the first and second actuators are synchronized when the first and second electrical signals are equal.

A system for controlling one or more flaps of a wing of an aircraft, the system comprising:

• a first flap moveably secured to a first wing of the aircraft, the first flap being moveable between an extended position and a retracted position;
• a second flap moveably secured to the first wing of the aircraft, the second flap being moveable between an extended position and a retracted position;
• a first stepper motor coupled to the first flap;
• a second stepper motor coupled to the first flap, wherein the first and second stepper motors are not mechanically linked;
• a third stepper motor coupled to the second flap;
• a fourth stepper motor coupled to the second flap;
• and
• a flap control unit in communication with the first and second stepper motors, wherein the flap control unit is configured to:
• operate the first and second stepper motors to move the first flap between retracted and extended positions;
• operate the third and fourth stepper motors to move the second flap between retracted and extended positions;
• monitor a first electrical signal provided to the first stepper motor;
• monitor a second electrical signal provided to the second stepper motor;
• monitor a third electrical signal provided to the third stepper motor;
• monitor a fourth electrical signal provided to the fourth stepper motor;
• determine that the first and second stepper motors are synchronized when the first and second electrical signals are equal, wherein the flap control unit determines that the first and second stepper motors are synchronized without the use of a sensor;
• and
• determine that the third and fourth actuators are synchronized by monitoring the third and fourth electrical signals.