Aircraft Winch Device Wing Integration Aerodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft winching devices face challenges in aerodynamic drag and space constraints, either when externally mounted, which increases drag, or when internally mounted, which reduces cabin volume and obstructs access.
Innovation Solution
The winching device is integrated into the wing's aerodynamic position, with a cowling surrounding the lifting device, allowing it to be partially or fully housed within the wing, optimizing aerodynamics and maintaining cabin space by using a cowling that protects and covers the lifting device, and a movable arm for adjusting positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the lifting device is arranged outside the fuselage of the aircraft, then the useful volume in the fuselage is maintained, but the aerodynamic drag of the aircraft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is made movable between an internal position (within the fuselage) and an external position (extended outside the fuselage). The device can be retracted into the fuselage during flight to minimize aerodynamic drag, and deployed externally during winching operations to perform rescue functions. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for aerodynamics during flight and for operational capability during rescue missions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the lifting device is arranged in the fuselage of the aircraft, then the aerodynamic drag is reduced, but the useful volume in the fuselage is reduced and access to cabin is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is designed as a separate, modular unit that can be independently positioned within or outside the fuselage. This segmentation allows the device to be stored in a compact configuration within the fuselage when not in use, minimizing its impact on useful volume and cabin access, while still being deployable externally when needed for winching operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the lifting device is arranged in the fuselage of the aircraft, then the aerodynamic drag is reduced, but access to cabin is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is designed to be dynamically positionable, allowing it to be retracted into the fuselage when not in use to maintain clear access to the cabin. The device can be deployed externally during winching operations, ensuring that cabin access is not obstructed during normal operations while still providing the necessary rescue functionality when required.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an aircraft (1) equipped with a wing (10) and a winching device (20). The winching device (20) is provided with a lifting device (30) which includes a storage drum and a drive element for winding a suspension element (40) around the storage drum (31) and unwinding said suspension element (40) away from the storage drum (31). The lifting device (30) is at least partially enclosed by a cowling (50) of this wing (10), said lifting device (30) being arranged within an interior volume (INT) of the wing (10) at least in a position referred to as the "aerodynamic position (POS1)".