Curved Planar Wingtip Reduces Induced Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft wing tips often generate trailing vortices that reduce efficiency, and existing modifications like winglets can increase loads and are inefficient, especially in cross-winds, and may not be suitable for existing wing designs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of curved planar wingtips that extend aft of the wing without curving upward, maintaining the same plane as the wing, reducing induced drag without increasing lift or weight, and avoiding additional aerodynamic loads from cross-winds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If winglets or traditional wing tip planforms are used to displace wing tip vortex, then wing efficiency is improved, but additional aerodynamic loads are added to the wing that the wing may not be designed to withstand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the wing tip extension by limiting the upward curvature angle to less than 15 degrees and maintaining a relatively flat profile compared to traditional winglets. This parameter modification reduces the aerodynamic loads while preserving the vortex-displacing function, thereby improving wing efficiency without exceeding the wing's load capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies controlled curvature to the wing tip extension, using a smooth curved profile with limited upward angle rather than sharp angles or dramatic curvatures. This controlled curvature helps manage airflow and reduce vortex strength while minimizing additional loads on the wing structure.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If winglets curve up dramatically to meet desired aerodynamics, then trailing vortex displacement is improved, but inefficiency in cross-wind conditions and structural load issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the curvature angle parameter to be less than 15 degrees upward from the wing's chord line, creating a flatter profile that is less sensitive to cross-wind conditions. This parameter change maintains effectiveness in reducing trailing vortices while improving reliability in varying wind conditions compared to dramatically curving winglets.
3Loss of energy
If curved planar wingtips are used to reduce induced drag, then wing efficiency is enhanced without adding weight or increasing lift, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a continuously curving planar profile for the wing tip extension, creating a smooth aerodynamic shape that reduces induced drag. The curvature is applied in a controlled manner with specific angle constraints, achieving energy efficiency improvements while keeping the design relatively simple through the use of a single continuous curved surface rather than multiple complex components.
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 design reduces induced drag without adding weight or increasing lift, and is suitable for both new and existing wing designs by minimizing exposure to cross-wind loads, enhancing overall wing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The curved planar wingtip includes a continuously curving planar member that extends aft of a trailing edge of the wing and substantially in the same plane as the wing
Implementation Method 2
Modifications to wing tips in the form of winglets or wing tip planforms have been employed for many years to displace this wing tip vortex and improve wing efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a curved planar wingtip for a straight wing and a curved planar wingtip for a swept wing of an aircraft. The curved planar wingtips include a member that extends from the end of the wing in a direction aft of the wing trailing edge while remaining substantially planar with the wing. The curved planar wingtips curve continuously from leading and trailing edges of the wing to form a tip located aft of the wing. Other embodiments of the curved planar wingtip are configured for a horizontal or vertical tail. Yet another embodiment includes a curved wingtip that extends aft of a trailing edge of the wing by a distance greater than the curved wingtip extends above a top surface of the wing.