Folding Wing Tip Fairing with Concave Rear Surface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Folding wing tip devices on aircraft result in lift loss and additional drag due to the placement of conventional fairings at the junction between the fixed wing and wing tip, which are not aerodynamically seamless, disrupting airflow.
Innovation Solution
A fairing design with a concave rear portion and blended front portion that creates a seamless transition with the wing tip device, featuring points of inflection to minimize lift loss and enhance aerodynamic performance by maintaining a continuous curvature and reducing protrusion beyond the leading edge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fairing is placed at the junction between the fixed wing and wing tip device, then the hinge arrangement is covered and aerodynamic performance is maintained, but lift loss and additional drag occur due to discontinuities and stagnation points
Solution Approach 1:
The fairing is designed with a concave rear portion that provides a seamless curved transition between the fixed wing and wing tip device. This curvature eliminates stagnation points and discontinuities in the airflow path, allowing air to flow smoothly over the junction area, thereby reducing lift loss while still covering the hinge arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The fairing geometry is specifically optimized with a concave rear portion that changes the flow parameters (velocity, pressure distribution) in the junction region. By carefully controlling the curvature and transition parameters of the fairing surface, the design maintains aerodynamic efficiency and minimizes energy loss despite the presence of the hinge arrangement.
2Reliability
If a fairing is placed at the junction between the fixed wing and wing tip device, then the hinge arrangement is covered, but additional drag is generated due to the protruding structure
Solution Approach 1:
The concave rear portion of the fairing creates a streamlined curved surface that reduces flow separation and minimizes pressure drag. The seamless transition provided by the curved geometry allows air to follow the contour of the fairing more effectively, reducing the harmful drag forces generated by the protruding hinge arrangement.
3Reliability
If the fairing extends beyond the leading edge to cover the hinge arrangement, then complete coverage is achieved, but lift generation is reduced due to disruption of the leading edge airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The fairing is designed with differentiated local qualities: the front portion blends seamlessly with the leading edge to maintain smooth airflow and lift generation, while the rear portion provides concave coverage of the hinge arrangement. This localized design ensures that the fairing only covers the necessary area without extending beyond the leading edge, preserving the aerodynamic quality of the leading edge region.
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 fairing design reduces lift loss and improves aerodynamic performance by eliminating discontinuities and stagnation points, maintaining lift generation while covering the hinge arrangement without extending beyond the leading edge, thus enhancing the aircraft's overall aerodynamics.
Implementation Method 1
the fairing comprises a rear portion with a concave surface, the surface creating a lift-generating portion of the fairing during flight
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft with wing tip devices, for example, folding wing tips, is disclosed. The folding wing tip may have a flight configuration for use during flight, and a ground configuration for use in ground-based operations. The ground configuration creates a shorter wing span than when the aircraft is in the flight configuration. A hinge arrangement protrudes beyond an outer surface of the fixed wing and wing tip device. In order to reduce the aerodynamic effect of the protruding hinge a fairing may be provided. In the flight configuration the fairing comprises a rear portion with a concave surface, such that the fairing acts as a lift-generating surface when the aircraft is in flight.