Active Wing Extension with Controllable Airflow Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing winglets and wing extensions are costly to install due to the need for reengineering and certification, and they have limited utility as each design is specific to a particular aircraft model, leading to increased wing loads and reduced usable life.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of active airflow modification systems using controllable airflow modification devices (CAMDs) that can be independently or coordinately controlled based on in-flight data to adjust the wing extension, reducing wing loads and extending the wing's usable life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed winglets or wing extensions are installed to improve aerodynamic efficiency, then flight efficiency and performance are improved, but the cost of installation increases due to reengineering and certification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming fixed winglets into active, controllable structures. The winglet incorporates controllable surfaces that can be adjusted based on real-time flight conditions, allowing the same basic structure to serve multiple aircraft models and adapt to varying operational requirements, thereby reducing reengineering costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements universality by designing a modular winglet system that can be adapted to different aircraft models. The controllable surfaces and adjustment mechanisms enable a single winglet design to provide optimal aerodynamic performance across various flight conditions and aircraft types, eliminating the need for model-specific designs.
2Productivity
If fixed winglets or wing extensions are added to increase aerodynamic efficiency, then performance is improved, but the usable life of the wing decreases due to increased loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating controllable surfaces that can actively adjust to flight conditions. During high-load situations, the surfaces can be repositioned to reduce stress on the wing structure, thereby extending the usable life of the wing while maintaining performance benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements feedback mechanisms that monitor flight conditions and automatically adjust the controllable surfaces accordingly. This real-time adjustment ensures that the winglet provides aerodynamic benefits while protecting the wing structure from excessive loads, thus extending its service life.
3Productivity
If fixed winglets or wing extensions are installed to improve aerodynamic efficiency, then performance is improved, but the device cannot adapt to changes in in-flight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static winglet into an active system with controllable surfaces. These surfaces can be adjusted in real-time based on flight conditions such as airspeed, altitude, and atmospheric turbulence, allowing the winglet to maintain optimal performance across varying operational environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates feedback systems that continuously monitor flight parameters and automatically adjust the controllable surfaces to optimize aerodynamic performance. This enables the winglet to adapt to changing in-flight conditions without requiring manual intervention or reconfiguration.
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
This solution reduces the engineering and certification costs associated with wing extensions, maintains positive aerodynamic effects without increasing wing stress, and can adapt to changing in-flight conditions, thereby enhancing aircraft efficiency and extending the service life of the wing.
Implementation Method 1
aerodynamic forces acting on the wing
Data Source
AI summary
An active wing extension includes a body portion substantially parallel to a wing of an aircraft, as if it were an extension of the wing. The body portion is attachable to an aircraft wing and includes multiple controllable airflow modification devices coupled thereto. By virtue of having multiple controllable airflow modification devices, the wing extension is capable of adjusting control surfaces of the multiple controllable airflow modification devices in response to in-flight conditions, to reduce wing loads, improve wing fatigue characteristics, increase range, reduce torsional loads, alleviate flutter, and/or increase efficiency.