Blended Wing Body Aircraft Folding Wing Hinge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft designs for efficient fuel consumption are not compatible with existing airports due to larger optimal wingspans, which exceed the maximum allowable wingspan at most terminals, limiting their use.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for folding the wings of a blended wing body aircraft using a hinge and actuation system, controlled by a controller, allowing the wings to be folded inwards or upwards to reduce the wingspan, enabling compatibility with standard airport terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If blended wing body aircraft are designed with larger optimal wingspans for fuel efficiency, then fuel consumption efficiency is improved, but compatibility with existing airport terminals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the wings movable rather than fixed. The wing assembly includes a hinge mechanism that allows the wings to be positioned in multiple configurations: an extended position for optimal fuel efficiency during cruise flight, and a folded position for navigating through airport terminals with width constraints. This dynamic reconfiguration capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the aircraft to adapt its wingspan according to operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the wing assembly into separable components that can move independently. The wing is divided into a fuselage-mounted portion and an outboard flight component connected by a hinge. This segmentation allows the outboard portion to be folded independently, reducing the overall wingspan when needed for airport compatibility while maintaining the full wingspan for aerodynamic efficiency during flight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wings are made foldable to reduce wingspan for airport compatibility, then airport terminal compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the wings movable rather than fixed. The wing assembly includes a hinge mechanism that allows the wings to be positioned in multiple configurations: an extended position for optimal fuel efficiency during cruise flight, and a folded position for navigating through airport terminals with width constraints. This dynamic reconfiguration capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the aircraft to adapt its wingspan according to operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service through the actuation system that automatically controls the wing folding operation. The controller receives signals about airport terminal constraints and autonomously commands the actuation system to fold or extend the wings without requiring manual intervention from pilots or ground crew. This self-service capability simplifies operation despite the mechanical complexity of the folding mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects relate to systems and methods for folding wings on an aircraft. An exemplary system includes a blended wing body, where the blended wing body includes a main body and at least a wing, a hinge located on the at least a wing and configured to allow folding of the at least a wing, an actuation system configured to fold the at least a wing, and a controller configured to control the at least an actuation system.