Non-Electric Aircraft Wing Separation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft safety systems for emergency landings are electric-based, rendering them inoperable during power failures and difficult to install and use, with wing-release mechanisms being complex and prone to deployment faults.
Innovation Solution
A non-electric aircraft safety system that includes a non-electric module with a control arrangement, energetic devices, and transfer lines to rapidly separate wings from the fuselage, utilizing explodable bolts, rivets, and tapes, along with parachutes and airbags for speed reduction and impact absorption, and a remote control for activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric-based wing-release mechanisms are used, then the system can be activated with power supply, but the system becomes unusable in case of power failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric-based mechanisms with a non-electric initiation system using chemical energy (explosive charges or pyrotechnic devices). The control arrangement generates an initiation signal that triggers energetic devices, which in turn activate the wing-release mechanisms without requiring external power supply, ensuring operation during power failures
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy parameter from electrical to chemical by using explosive charges or pyrotechnic compositions as the energy source. This parameter change enables the system to function independently of electrical power supply while maintaining the ability to rapidly release wings from the fuselage
2Reliability
If complex wing-release mechanisms are used, then the system can achieve wing separation, but the installation and operation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wing-release system is divided into independent modular components: control arrangement, energetic devices, transfer lines, and onboard devices. Each module can be independently installed, tested, and replaced, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining reliable wing separation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pre-positioned explosive charges or pyrotechnic devices that are installed in advance at critical attachment points. These energetic devices are prepared and positioned before emergency situations occur, enabling rapid wing release without requiring complex real-time assembly or operation during the emergency
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-electric energetic devices are used, then the system can operate without power supply, but the activation mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transfer lines (pyrotechnic cords or explosive transmission lines) as intermediaries that carry the initiation signal from the control arrangement to the energetic devices. This intermediary component simplifies the activation mechanism by providing a straightforward signal transmission path without requiring complex electrical wiring or power distribution systems
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
Enables safe and reliable emergency landings by ensuring wing separation and speed reduction without power, simplifying installation and use, and providing a self-contained system for activation even in power failures.
Implementation Method 1
Each of said onboard devices explodes when activated
Implementation Method 2
The first set of transfer lines connects the control arrangement with said energetic devices, and transfers the initiation signal from the control arrangement to said energetic devices
Implementation Method 3
The parachutes help to reduce the downward speed of the fall of the aircraft during the in-flight emergency
Implementation Method 4
The 'airbags' help in reducing the impact of the aircraft on landing
Data Source
AI summary
A system for enabling the safe landing of an aircraft during an in-flight emergency is provided. The system includes a plurality of onboard devices for releasably securing a plurality of wings to a fuselage, and a non-electric module for activating said onboard devices. Said onboard devices are released to separate said wings from the fuselage.