Closed Wing Aircraft Structural Bracing via Fuselage Interconnections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional box wing aircraft designs face issues with aerodynamic performance due to interference between multiple wings, insufficient vertical separation, and poor design of wing junctions, leading to disturbances in airflow and structural integrity concerns.
Innovation Solution
The proposed aircraft configuration features three main wings on either side of the fuselage, with a closed frame structure that includes structural interconnections between the 2nd and 3rd wings, and between the 1st and 2nd wings, to provide bracing and support, thereby enhancing strength, stiffness, and aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional box wing configuration is used with wingtip fence and structural interconnections, then structural strength and stiffness are improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to interference between multiple wings and disturbances in airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the conventional wingtip fence and direct structural interconnections between wingtips that cause aerodynamic interference. Instead, it uses indirect bracing through the fuselage and engine mount structures, extracting the harmful direct wingtip connections while maintaining structural integrity through alternative pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the fuselage and engine mount structures as intermediary elements for structural bracing. Rather than direct wingtip-to-wingtip connections, the structure uses the fuselage and engine mounts as mediators to provide the necessary bracing and support, reducing aerodynamic interference while maintaining strength.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If vertical separation between wings is increased to reduce aerodynamic interference, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but structural complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fuselage and engine mount structures multi-functional, serving both as aerodynamic components and as structural bracing elements. The engine mounts and fuselage framework perform dual roles in supporting engines and providing wing bracing, eliminating the need for separate complex bracing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the structural bracing function with the existing fuselage and engine mount structures. Instead of adding separate bracing components, the design combines the bracing function into the existing structural elements, reducing overall structural complexity while achieving the required vertical separation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If direct structural connection between wingtips is used, then structural integrity is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to poor wing junction design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the direct wingtip-to-wingtip structural connections that create aerodynamic disturbances. By extracting these harmful direct connections, the design allows cleaner airflow patterns while maintaining structural integrity through alternative indirect bracing pathways through the fuselage and engine mounts.
Data Source
AI summary
Closed wing aircraft design and configuration with three wings on either side of the fuselage wherein at least one closed frame is established between the 1st wing and the 2nd wing, by using at least one bracing entity. A separate closed frame is established between the 2nd wing and the 3rd wing, by using at least one bracing entity. Each of said closed frames defines its own aerodynamic channel. The framework is strong and stiff, the mutually supported parts level out the stress. The fuselage is lifted in three points. The Aspect Ratio is high and the wingspan is relatively short but there are embodiments wherein the 3rd wing has an extended folding tip section.