Deforming Foil Structure for Morphing Wing Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current morphing wings are limited in their ability to extend both in camber and chord, resulting in insufficient deformation and increased noise and drag, while also requiring high power actuation and weight, which is not suitable for low-drag and quiet operation required in unmanned vehicles and other applications.
Innovation Solution
A bridging structure with a deformable sheet and resilient bodies that allows for significant elastic elongation, coupled with a system of members and guide rails that enable a curved fluid-dynamic surface with variable curvature, reducing the need for high power actuation and weight, while maintaining structural integrity under fluid-dynamic loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If morphing wings use conventional slotted structures with rigid components, then structural strength and stiffness are improved, but weight and power requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible membranes as the primary load-bearing structure instead of rigid components. The membrane is stretched over a minimal framework and maintains structural integrity through tension, eliminating the need for heavy rigid panels while providing sufficient strength to withstand aerodynamic loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical actuation systems (motors, linkages, hydraulic components) with a pneumatic inflation system. By inflating the membrane structure with compressed air, the system achieves morphing capabilities without complex mechanical actuators, significantly reducing weight and power requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If morphing wings use conventional mechanical actuation systems, then deformation control is achieved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with a pneumatic inflation system. A single pneumatic actuator can control the deformation of the entire wing structure by regulating air pressure, simplifying the control system while maintaining adaptability for various flight conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic inflation system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables morphing deformation, and allows for active control of wing geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each function, thereby decreasing overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If morphing wings extend both in camber and chord, then lift and drag performance is improved, but structural complexity and actuation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamically adaptable wing structure where the membrane can be inflated to different shapes and sizes. By varying the inflation pressure and distribution, the wing can simultaneously adjust its camber and chord length to optimize lift and drag performance for different flight phases without requiring complex mechanical extension mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane structure allows for continuous deformation in multiple dimensions (camber and chord) through pneumatic pressure alone. The membrane's inherent flexibility enables it to assume various aerodynamic profiles without rigid joints or segmented structures, simplifying the overall structural complexity while achieving superior aerodynamic performance.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If deforming foils use continuous deformation across surfaces, then noise and drag are reduced, but stiffness to resist aerodynamic loads decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a tensioned membrane structure that provides continuous deformation across the wing surface, eliminating slots and gaps that generate noise and drag. The membrane's tension, maintained by the pneumatic inflation system, provides sufficient stiffness to resist aerodynamic loads while maintaining surface continuity for smooth airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic inflation system provides internal pressure support to the membrane structure, effectively increasing its stiffness when aerodynamic loads are applied. The pressurized air acts as a structural support, allowing the flexible membrane to maintain its shape and resist deformation under load while still enabling smooth continuous surface deformation for noise and drag reduction.
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
The solution enables a lighter, lower power articulation system that can achieve higher extension and maintain a desired curved foil profile, reducing noise and drag, and providing a smooth, continuous fluid-dynamic surface during deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable sheet having an elastic elongation in a flexed direction of at least 5% of a length of the sheet in the flexed direction
Implementation Method 2
a set of resilient bodies interconnecting the facing sidewalls to couple the members and stiffen the bridging structure in the flexed direction, while allowing for extension of the bridging structure by changing a spacing of the members
Implementation Method 3
at least two couplings on each of the members; and at least two curved guide rails running substantially perpendicular to the members, the couplings jointed to the curved guide rails by translational joints, wherein the members sliding along the guide rails undergo at least a 5° revolution about an axis in the second sheet direction during translation along the guide rail
Data Source
AI summary
A bridging structure for a deforming foil, such as a morphing wing, that provides a fluid-dynamic surface throughout foil deformation that forms a curved fluid-dynamic surface with a relatively low drag. A high extent of foil deformation can be provided, with lower actuation force, providing a fluid-dynamic surface with a simple or complex curve in one direction, by providing a set of rail-mounted members that are joined at one end to a deforming sheet. By coupling the members with high elongation, resilient bodies, adjacent members can support each other, while permitting extension, and accommodating curvature.