Compliant Rib Wing Camber Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft control surfaces, such as ailerons and flaps, create drag and noise due to their rigid structure and discrete control mechanisms, which are not optimized for varying flight conditions, and there is a need for adaptive wing configurations that can adjust contours dynamically.
Innovation Solution
A fixed compliant wing system with actuators and compliant rib structures that deform to change the camber of the wing without discrete control surfaces, using a guiding slot and drive member mechanism to adjust the wing's shape in response to applied forces, allowing for variable camber and twist configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid control surfaces (ailerons, flaps, slats) are used, then structural strength and reliability are improved, but drag and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static rigid control surfaces to dynamic compliant surfaces that can continuously adapt their shape and camber in response to aerodynamic loads and control inputs. The compliant wing structure allows the airfoil shape to change dynamically during flight, optimizing performance across different flight conditions while reducing drag compared to fixed rigid surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes by varying the camber and twist of the wing sections through compliant structural elements. The control system adjusts the degree of compliance and shape transformation of the wing surface, enabling continuous modification of aerodynamic parameters (camber, angle of attack distribution) to minimize drag and fuel consumption while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If discrete control surfaces (ailerons, flaps) are used, then flight control functionality is improved, but noise production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of discrete control surfaces into a unified compliant wing structure. Instead of separate ailerons, flaps, and slats that create gaps and noise, the compliant design integrates these control functions into the continuous wing surface, eliminating gaps between control surfaces and the main wing structure, thereby reducing noise generation while maintaining full flight control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs flexible shells by using compliant material structures that can bend and deform to create control surface movements. The flexible compliant sections replace rigid discrete surfaces, allowing smooth deformation of the wing surface for roll and pitch control without the gap-induced noise associated with traditional rigid control surfaces.
3Ease of operation
If wing warping with flexible structural members is used, then lateral control capability is improved, but structural failure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining rigid spar structures with compliant material sections in a hybrid construction. The rigid spars provide the necessary structural strength and load-bearing capacity, while the compliant material sections attached to these spars provide the flexibility needed for wing warping and shape control. This composite approach maintains structural reliability while enabling effective lateral control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If compliant rib structures are used to change camber, then adaptability to different flight conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing compliant rib structures that automatically adjust the wing camber in response to aerodynamic loads and control inputs without requiring complex active control systems. The compliant materials and structural geometry enable the ribs to deform and adapt the wing shape passively, reducing the need for additional actuators, sensors, and control electronics while maintaining high adaptability to different flight conditions.
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
This solution reduces drag, noise, and fuel consumption by allowing the wing to adapt its shape for different flight conditions, enhancing efficiency and stability without the need for discrete control surfaces, and can be applied to various vehicles and applications beyond aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
The compliant rib structures, in some embodiments, include an outer compliant contoured structure and a drive member coupled to the outer compliant contoured structure. Portions of the outer compliant contoured structure are configured to independently deform when force is applied from the actuator to the drive member
Data Source
AI summary
A fixed compliant wing system is provided that is coupled to a rigid spar and a rigid stopper. The fixed compliant wing system includes an actuator and at least two compliant rib structures coupled to the rigid spar. The compliant rib structures include an outer compliant contoured structure, a drive member coupled to the outer compliant contoured structure and including a guiding slot consisting of at least two interconnected portions. The guiding slot encompasses and is in a sliding arrangement with the rigid stopper. The drive member is further connected to the actuator. Portions of the outer compliant contoured structures are configured to independently deform when force is applied from the actuator to the drive member thereby moving the rigid stopper from a first portion to a second portion of the guiding slot. The fixed complaint wing system further includes a skin encompassing the compliant rib structures.