Aerofoil Tip Force Generators for Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft wing vibrations caused by turbulence lead to high dynamic loads and reduced passenger comfort, with existing aerodynamic flap solutions being inadequate for higher frequency modes, prone to wear, and increasing maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
Installation of force generators at wing tips, tuned to the natural frequency of wing vibrations, which can passively dampen or convert vibrations into energy without additional energy supply, using vertically aligned linear motors or oscillating fuel tanks to minimize structural weight and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If aerodynamic flaps are used to dampen wing vibrations, then vibration damping is achieved, but wear and tear on actuators increases leading to higher maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical aerodynamic flap system with an electromagnetic force generator system. The force generator uses electromagnetic fields to generate forces that counteract wing vibrations, eliminating the mechanical contacts and actuators that cause wear in flap systems. This substitution of mechanical systems with electromagnetic systems directly resolves the contradiction between vibration damping and actuator wear.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If aerodynamic flaps are used to dampen wing vibrations, then vibration damping is achieved, but the system becomes complex with insufficient bandwidth for higher modes
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic force generator system replaces the complex mechanical flap system, enabling more effective vibration damping across a broader frequency range including higher modes. The electromagnetic system has inherently higher bandwidth and can respond more effectively to high-frequency vibrations without the mechanical constraints of flap systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The force generator system allows for dynamic adjustment of force magnitude and frequency to match different vibration modes. By changing the electrical parameters of the electromagnetic system, the device can effectively target both low-frequency and high-frequency vibrations, providing superior bandwidth compared to mechanical flap systems.
3Ease of repair
If force generators are used instead of flaps, then maintenance effort is reduced, but additional energy supply is required
Solution Approach 1:
The force generator system is designed to draw power from the aircraft's existing electrical system, utilizing available onboard energy resources. The system operates passively by converting electrical energy to mechanical counter-forces, and can be integrated with the aircraft's power management system to minimize additional energy burden while maintaining low maintenance requirements.
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
Effective damping of structural vibrations with reduced maintenance effort, increased service life, and potential energy generation, capable of handling a range of vibration frequencies including higher harmonics and flutter modes.
Implementation Method 1
turbulence causes the wings of aircraft to vibrate
Implementation Method 2
effective damping of the structural vibrations
Implementation Method 3
each force generator is designed as a vertically aligned linear motor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A device for reducing structural vibrations of aerofoils in an aircraft comprises, in the region of the aerofoil tips, at least one force generator (24a) acting substantially in the direction of movement of the vibrations. This arrangement has the advantage that such a force generator (24a) is considerably less susceptible to wear than conventional aerodynamic flaps and therefore effective vibration damping is possible with a reduced outlay on maintenance and greater efficiency.