Foldable Wing Canopy Using Flexible Strips to Prevent Creasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Woven canopy materials used in kites and wings stretch excessively under wind and load, leading to dramatic changes in wing shape, fluttering, and permanent deformation, which affects performance and makes storage and transport challenging.
Innovation Solution
The use of laminated film materials like X-PLY and monofilm, combined with semi-rigid battens and inflatable structures, maintains the wing shape under wind and allows for folding without creasing, enabling compact storage without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If woven canopy materials are used for the wing, then the wing can be easily folded for storage, but the material stretches excessively under wind and load, causing dramatic changes in wing shape and performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses laminated film materials composed of multiple layers (face fabric, reinforcement patches, leading edge material) bonded together to create a composite structure that maintains shape consistency while allowing controlled folding for storage
2Stability of the object's composition
If film materials like X-PLY or monofilm are used to maintain consistent foil shape, then wing stability and lift are enhanced, but the materials are damaged by creasing upon folding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the canopy into multiple functional segments including face fabric, reinforcement patches at high-stress areas, and a separate leading edge structure, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific function while protecting the film material from creasing damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible leading edge material and inflatable housing to create a protective structure that maintains the foil shape without requiring the entire film canopy to be rigid, allowing the film to remain smooth and undamaged during folding
3Volume of moving object
If the canopy is tightly rolled for storage, then compact storage is achieved, but permanent creases are generated in the film material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the canopy into modular components including the face fabric, reinforcement patches, leading edge assembly with inflatable housing, and struts, allowing the film material to be stored flat or loosely rolled without permanent creases while maintaining compact overall storage volume
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 provides enhanced stability, increased wing lift, and the ability to move upwind efficiently while allowing for compact storage and transport without damaging the canopy, maintaining performance and reducing the risk of fluttering.
Implementation Method 1
The supports and struts are preferably in the form of an inflatable housing which becomes semi-rigid upon inflation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a kite or wing with a canopy made of a film material which cannot be folded without being creased but having one or more strips of flexible material running across the canopy, wherein the flexible material can be folded without creasing, The kite or wing can be folded along the flexible material strips and then rolled up from the canopy ends for storage or transport.