Aircraft Buffeting Load Control Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft systems struggle to independently minimize buffeting loads during flight maneuvers and gust effects, as control surfaces used for buffeting reduction are often engaged for direction control, stability, and comfort, limiting their availability for buffeting mitigation.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of fin-shaped buffeting load control elements that can be moved into and out of airfoils, controlled by a system using flight phase sensors and a calculation unit to adaptively adjust their position based on real-time load data, reducing buffeting-induced turbulence and vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If control surfaces are used to reduce buffeting loads, then buffeting is minimized, but control surfaces are unavailable for flight maneuvers and stability control
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the buffeting control function from the primary flight control surfaces by introducing separate buffeting control elements (such as micro-flaps or plasma actuators) that can operate independently. This segmentation allows control surfaces to maintain their primary function for flight maneuvers while dedicated buffeting elements handle turbulence mitigation, resolving the conflict between buffeting reduction and control surface availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary buffeting control elements that act as mediators between the turbulent airflow and the main control surfaces. These elements (such as vortex generators or plasma actuators positioned near the control surfaces) modify the local flow characteristics to reduce buffeting without requiring the main control surfaces to move, thus preserving their availability for flight control while still achieving buffeting mitigation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If control surfaces are moved to minimize buffeting, then buffeting loads are reduced, but aircraft direction control and stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By separating buffeting control functions from primary stability control surfaces, the invention allows independent optimization of each function. Dedicated buffeting control elements can be tuned specifically for turbulence mitigation without affecting the stability characteristics established by the main control surfaces, thus reducing vibrations while maintaining aircraft stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local buffeting control elements at specific locations where buffeting is most severe (such as near the tailplane or wing roots) rather than moving entire control surfaces. This localized approach addresses the harmful vibrations in specific regions without disrupting the overall aircraft stability and control characteristics.
3Strength
If aircraft structure is designed to withstand buffeting loads, then structural strength is ensured, but aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by using active buffeting control elements to mitigate turbulence and reduce buffeting loads before they can fully impact the aircraft structure. By continuously adjusting these control elements in response to detected turbulence, the system prevents peak buffeting loads from occurring, allowing the aircraft structure to be designed with reduced safety margins and lower weight while still maintaining adequate strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the position or activation state of buffeting control elements in response to real-time turbulence conditions. This dynamic parameter adjustment reduces the magnitude and frequency of buffeting loads transmitted to the aircraft structure, enabling weight reduction while maintaining structural integrity through active load management rather than passive over-design.
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 effectively reduces buffeting loads across various flight phases, enhancing passenger comfort and aircraft stability by minimizing mechanical stresses and allowing for lighter aircraft construction and reduced fuel consumption.
Implementation Method 1
Buffeting is generally identified as a shaking or vibrating of airfoils. Depending on the cause, it is possible to differentiate here between vibrations induced by gusts of wind, vibrating airfoils due to a partially separating flow before the so-called stall (low speed buffet) or transonic buffeting (high speed buffet).
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for minimizing buffeting in the case of an aircraft. Buffeting load control elements are provided in airfoils of the aircraft are arranged to be at least partly moved out of the airfoils by a control to reduce buffeting loads acting on the aircraft.