Curved Aerodynamic Control Surface Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lift spoiling and drag devices in aerodynamic control surfaces are cumbersome and occupy significant space, disrupting airflow when retracted, and require complex mechanisms that increase drag and reduce aerodynamic performance.
Innovation Solution
An aerodynamic control surface assembly with a curved profile and actuation mechanism that moves through an aperture in the aerodynamic surface, using a four-bar linkage mechanism to minimize space occupation and maintain airflow continuity, with a curved kinematic path that adjusts to variable radii for optimal airflow disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional linkages and linear/rotary mechanisms are used to actuate flow control devices, then the control surface can be deployed and retracted, but the mechanisms become complex and cumbersome, occupying large volume space within the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a curved profile to the control surface that matches the curved kinematic path of the actuation mechanism. This curvature allows the control surface to follow an arc-shaped trajectory during deployment and retraction, enabling the mechanism to remain compact and fully retractable within the aerodynamic surface structure while maintaining full deployment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation mechanism is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to move along a curved kinematic path with variable radii. This dynamic design enables the mechanism to adapt its motion trajectory, allowing compact packaging within the structure while achieving complete control surface deployment into the airflow.
2Ease of operation
If conventional actuation mechanisms are used, then the control surface can deploy and retract, but the aperture or void created is large, reducing aerodynamic performance
Solution Approach 1:
The curved profile of the control surface is specifically designed to match the curved kinematic path of the actuation mechanism. This geometric matching allows the control surface to follow an arc-shaped trajectory, minimizing the aperture size required for deployment while maintaining full deployment capability into the airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation mechanism is designed to remain fully nested within the aerodynamic surface structure during retraction. The curved kinematic path enables the mechanism to retract completely behind the aerodynamic surface, minimizing the void created and reducing aerodynamic drag when the control surface is in the retracted position.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the actuation mechanism remains fully behind the aerodynamic surface, then aerodynamic performance is enhanced, but the mechanism occupies limited space within the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The curved kinematic path with variable radii allows the actuation mechanism to operate within a compact volume while maintaining the capability to deploy the control surface fully into the airflow. The curved trajectory optimizes the space utilization within the limited volume available behind the aerodynamic surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from linear or simple rotary actuation to a curved kinematic path in a different dimensional space. This dimensional change allows the mechanism to achieve greater deployment range while occupying less volume within the structure, effectively using the curved path to 'pack' the mechanism more efficiently within the available space.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4A
Figure 4B~4C
AI summary
An aerodynamic control surface assembly includes a structure (2) with an aerodynamic surface (8) and a curved aerodynamic control surface (20) configured to move between an extended (24) and a retracted position (22). The actuation mechanism (52, 152, 252) is coupled to the aerodynamic control surface (20) and configured to move the aerodynamic control surface (20) between the extended and retracted positions. The aerodynamic control surface is arranged to deploy through an aperture (18) in the aerodynamic surface and into an oncoming airflow (A) over the aerodynamic surface (8) when in the extended position (24) and is arranged to retract out of the airflow when in the retracted position (22). The actuation mechanism (52, 152, 252) is configured such that the control surface (20) follows a curved kinematic path (40, 140, 240) as the control surface moves between the extended (24) and retracted positions (22). The actuation mechanism (52, 152, 252) remains fully behind the aerodynamic surface (8) throughout the movement of the aerodynamic control surface (20) between the extended (24) and retracted positions (22).