Active Winglet with Controllable Airflow for Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and limited adaptability of traditional winglets, which require specific design and certification for each aircraft model, make aftermarket installations expensive and inflexible, especially since they do not account for changes in in-flight conditions, thereby increasing structural stress and reducing the useful life of the wing.
Innovation Solution
Active winglets equipped with controllable airflow modification devices that adjust in response to in-flight load factor data, reducing structural stress and maintaining aerodynamic benefits without the need for wing reinforcement, thus minimizing certification costs and extending the service life of the aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional fixed winglets are installed on aircraft, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but the cost of engineering and certification increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The winglet incorporates adjustable control surfaces that can be positioned in different configurations (e.g., blended body configuration, separated body configuration, or intermediate configurations) to optimize performance for specific flight conditions, replacing the need for expensive redesign and certification of fixed structures
Solution Approach 2:
The winglet allows changing aerodynamic parameters (control surface positions, angles, configurations) without changing the physical structure, enabling optimization for different operating conditions while using the same certified base structure
2Loss of energy
If traditional fixed winglets are designed for specific aircraft models, then aerodynamic performance is optimized, but adaptability to different aircraft and conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The winglet design serves multiple functions and can be adapted to different aircraft models by adjusting control surface positions and configurations, eliminating the need for model-specific winglet designs and enabling universal application across various aircraft types
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable control surfaces enable the winglet to adapt its aerodynamic characteristics dynamically for different flight conditions and aircraft models, providing versatility without requiring physical redesign
3Strength
If fixed winglets are installed, then structural strength is maintained, but the ability to respond to in-flight conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The winglet incorporates movable control surfaces that can adjust their position and configuration in response to in-flight conditions while maintaining structural integrity through the certified base structure and load-bearing design
4Strength
If winglets require wing reinforcement, then structural strength is sufficient, but the service life of the wing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The winglet optimizes aerodynamic parameters through adjustable control surfaces, reducing the structural loads imposed on the wing and thereby extending the service life of the wing without requiring reinforcement
Data Source
AI summary
An active winglet 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 a controllable airflow modification device coupled thereto. By virtue of having a controllable airflow modification device, the winglet is capable of adjusting a control surface of the controllable airflow modification device in response to in-flight conditions, to reduce wing loads, increase range, and/or increase efficiency.