Aircraft Wing Latching Device for Foldable Tip Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft wing designs face challenges in increasing wingspan for improved efficiency without requiring infrastructure adaptations or incurring higher airport fees, necessitating a safe and reliable latching mechanism for foldable wing configurations.
Innovation Solution
A latching device with a housing, spindle, nut, latching bolt, and guide system that aligns with engagement bores on the wing sections, allowing the latching bolt to secure the tip section in the deployed position and easily transition to a stowed position, featuring a ball nut for universal joint coupling and locking mechanisms for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the wingspan of an aircraft is increased to improve flight efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, then the aspect ratio and aerodynamic performance are improved, but infrastructure adaptations are required and airport fees increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a foldable wing construction where the tip section is pivotably connected to the base section, allowing the wing to dynamically change its spanwise length between a deployed position for efficient flight and a stowed position for airport compatibility. This dynamic configuration enables the aircraft to adapt to different operational requirements without permanent infrastructure modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The wing is divided into a base section and a tip section that can be independently positioned. The tip section is pivotably connected to the base section at a pivot axis, allowing selective deployment and stowing of the outer wing portion. This segmentation enables the aircraft to maintain a reduced wingspan at airports while achieving full wingspan during flight
2Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable wing construction is provided to reduce wingspan without infrastructure adaptations, then airport fees are reduced, but a safe and reliable latching device is required to retain the tip section in the deployed position
Solution Approach 1:
The latching device is designed with a spindle and nut mechanism that can be operated to extend or retract the latching bolt, securing or releasing the tip section. The system includes a guide that ensures proper alignment and a locking mechanism that maintains the latched state without continuous actuation, enabling reliable retention while allowing easy operation
Solution Approach 2:
The latching device incorporates a locking mechanism with a locking element that can engage to prevent unintended release of the latching bolt. This safety feature provides beforehand protection against accidental deployment or stowing of the tip section, ensuring reliable retention in the deployed position
3Reliability
If a latching device is designed to be safe and reliable for retaining the tip section, then the structural integrity and safety are improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latching device integrates multiple functions into a compact assembly: the housing contains the spindle and nut mechanism, the latching bolt extends through the housing to engage the tip section, and the guide ensures proper alignment. This merging of components reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies installation while maintaining reliable latching functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The latching device is designed with a housing that can be mounted to either the base section or the tip section, providing flexibility in installation. The spindle and nut mechanism can be operated to extend or retract the latching bolt, securing the tip section in the deployed position. The locking mechanism provides an additional safety function, making the device multi-functional while maintaining a relatively simple construction
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
The latching device ensures safe and reliable retention of the wing tip section in the deployed position while allowing for easy installation, maintenance, and reduced airport fees by enabling efficient wing span adjustment, enhancing flight efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The nut is a ball nut. By means of this configuration of the nut it is possible to provide for a coupling between the latching bolt and the spindle effectively constituting a universal joint
Data Source
AI summary
A latching device for a wing (3) including a base (11) and a tip section (13). There is a first bore (27) extending from the base section (11) and a second bore (27) extending from the tip section (13) wherein the bores are aligned when the tip section is deployed for flight and out of alignment when the tip section (13) is folded. The latching device (29) includes a housing (33) with an interior cavity (35), a spindle (39) in the interior cavity, a nut (47) threaded on the spindle, wherein rotation of the spindle causes; a latching bolt (31) coupled to the nut (47) and being moved as the nut moves along the rotating spindle between retracted and extended positions; a guide (49) to guide the nut (47) along the spindle and of the latching bolt between the retracted position and the extended position, and a latch actuator (41).