Adaptive Wing Profile with Periodic Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wing and rudder arrangements in aircraft lack the ability to adjust their profiles effectively to varying aerodynamic conditions, leading to suboptimal performance and increased drag, noise, and radar signature.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive aerodynamic structure with a support structure featuring adjustable periodic profiling and connecting segments that allow for variable adjustment of the outer contour, reducing the need for additional flaps and slits, thereby enhancing aerodynamic performance and reducing noise and radar signature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional flaps and rudder elements are used to adjust the profile, then the aerodynamic performance can be improved for various flight phases, but the device complexity and the need for multiple separate components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple separate components (additional flaps, rudder elements, and the main wing/rudder surface) into a single integrated aerodynamic structure with adjustable profiling. The support structure with its periodic profiling and connecting segments allows the entire surface to be adjusted as one unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate adjustable components while maintaining adaptability across different flight phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable aerodynamic structure serves multiple functions across different flight phases (takeoff, cruise, landing) through a single multi-functional design. The periodic profiling and connecting segments enable the structure to adapt its contour for various aerodynamic conditions, making one component perform the role of what would traditionally require multiple specialized components.
2Productivity
If the wing profile is adjusted using traditional methods with fixed contours, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the aerodynamic drag increases and performance is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the wing profile through the support structure with periodic profiling and connecting segments. This allows the aerodynamic surface to change its contour dynamically based on flight conditions, transitioning from a fixed static profile to an adaptive dynamic one that optimizes performance while minimizing drag for each operational phase.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional flaps and slits are used to modify the aerodynamic contour, then the profile adaptability is improved, but the noise and electromagnetic signature increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the profile modification function directly into the main aerodynamic surface through integrated periodic profiling, eliminating the need for separate additional flaps and slits. This unified approach reduces the number of edges and openings that would otherwise generate noise and electromagnetic interference, while still providing the necessary profile adaptability through the adjustable connecting segments.
Data Source
AI summary
This relates to changes in wing profiles. In order to provide an aerodynamic structure that can be variably adjusted and changed with respect to the wing profile, it is provided that an aerodynamic structure for a wing or rudder arrangement of an aircraft comprises a support structure and an outer skin. The support structure comprises an adaptive surface support structure in a longitudinal direction, which extends in a longitudinal direction from a root area to an outer end area, and is formed by a support surface, which comprises an adjustable periodic profiling that runs in the transverse direction, in which first flange areas and second flange areas are alternatingly formed, and joined together by web areas running in the direction of a profile height. Alternatingly aligned open profile segments running in the longitudinal direction are here formed.