Folding Articulating Wing Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding wing mechanisms for aircraft and drones are complex, unreliable, and costly due to numerous parts and intricate motions, making them impractical for compact and efficient deployment and storage.
Innovation Solution
A compact foldable articulated wing assembly with a locking plunger and follower spring mechanism that securely locks the wing in the extended position, utilizing a tapered locking plunger urged by a coiled compression spring, allowing for reliable and efficient folding and extension with directional control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional folding wing mechanisms are used, then the wing can be folded and extended, but the mechanism becomes complex with many parts and intricate motions
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a locking plunger for positive locking, a follower spring for actuation, and a simple hinge for folding motion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components from conventional mechanisms, retaining only the essential elements needed for folding and locking functions. This simplification reduces the number of parts and motions required while preserving the core functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional folding wing mechanisms are used, then the wing can be folded and extended, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plunger and follower spring are integrated into a unified assembly that can be manufactured as a single unit or pre-assembled module. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate manufacturing steps and simplifies the production process while maintaining the required functionality.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact folding mechanism is used, then storage volume is reduced, but the locking mechanism may become less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plunger incorporates a tapered geometry that provides localized engagement with the locking surface. This local quality enhancement ensures positive locking engagement within a compact space, maintaining reliability without requiring excessive volume for the locking mechanism.
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 a reliable, compact, and cost-effective mechanism for securing the wing in a fully extended position, reducing complexity and manufacturing costs while enabling efficient directional control and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a tapered locking plunger urged by a coiled compression spring to contact a complementary mating surface
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism for securing an articulated folding wing assembly in a fully extended position by means of a tapered locking plunger urged by a coiled compression spring to contact a complementary mating surface formed on the wing assembly. The spring urged locking plunger is released from a retracted position by rotation of the wing assembly from the folded position to the extended position. A folding mechanism for rotating the wing assembly through a compound angle from the folded position to a rigid and positively locked fully extended position is provided wherein the extended wing may be rotated about its longitudinal axis to provide directional control to the vehicle.