Foldable Aircraft Wingtip Latching for Airport-Compatible Wingspan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft wing designs face challenges in increasing wingspan for improved efficiency without requiring infrastructure adaptations or incurring higher airport fees, and existing foldable wing solutions lack reliable and simple construction methods for safe operation.
Innovation Solution
A wing arrangement featuring a pivotable tip section with a latching mechanism that securely maintains the wing in deployed or stowed positions, utilizing actuators and elastically deformable structures to ensure reliable engagement and disengagement, preventing vibrations and maintaining latching even in power loss scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the wingspan of an aircraft is increased to improve flight efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, then the aspect ratio increases and fuel efficiency improves, but infrastructure adaptations are required and airport fees increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the wingspan adjustable rather than fixed. The tip section can pivot between a deployed position (increased wingspan for efficient flight) and a stowed position (reduced wingspan for airport compatibility). This dynamic adjustment allows the aircraft to optimize fuel efficiency during flight while adapting to infrastructure constraints at airports, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and infrastructure adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wing into a base section and a pivotable tip section. This segmentation allows independent control of the tip section, enabling it to be deployed or stowed as needed. The tip section includes engagement portions that can selectively engage with latching elements, providing controlled adjustability of the wingspan to balance fuel efficiency requirements with airport infrastructure limitations
2Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable wing construction is provided to increase wingspan without infrastructure adaptation, then wingspan adjustability is achieved and airport fees are reduced, but the construction complexity increases and reliable latching is required
Solution Approach 1:
The wing is segmented into a base section and a tip section that can pivot relative to each other. This segmentation enables wingspan adjustability while keeping the overall structure manageable. The tip section can be independently controlled to deploy or stow, providing the needed adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the entire wing structure
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is designed to be self-latching through elastic deformation. The latching elements are made of elastically deformable material that automatically engages with engagement portions when the tip section is in the deployed position, maintaining the position without requiring continuous power or complex active control systems. This self-service approach reduces construction complexity while ensuring reliable latching
3Reliability
If a latching device is provided to safely retain the tip section in deployed or stowed positions, then operational safety is ensured and position retention is reliable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching elements are designed to automatically engage with the engagement portions through elastic deformation when the tip section is positioned correctly. The elastically deformable material provides automatic self-latching without requiring complex actuators or continuous power supply, ensuring reliable position retention while minimizing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism utilizes changes in the elastic deformation parameter of the latching elements to achieve reliable latching. When the tip section moves into the deployed position, the latching elements elastically deform to engage with the engagement portions, and the elastic properties ensure maintained engagement without additional complexity
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 allows for efficient wing span adjustment to reduce fuel consumption and airport fees while ensuring safe and reliable operation through a simple, effective latching mechanism that maintains the wing in desired positions without requiring continuous power.
Implementation Method 1
a latching arrangement, which comprises one or more latching elements, an elastically deformable structure and at least one latching actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A wing arrangement for an aircraft, comprising a wing having a base section and a tip section pivotably connected to base section such that the tip section is pivotable about a pivot axis between a deployed position and a stowed position. The wing arrangement also comprises a latching arrangement which includes an engagement portion, a latching actuator selectively movable between a first actuator position and a second actuator position, an elastically deformable structure, and a latching element. When the tip section is pivoted from the stowed or deployed position into an engagement position, the elastically deformable structure is initially deformed, and as the tip section pivots further into the deployed or stowed position, the elastic deformation of the elastically deformable structure decreases.