Folding Wing Tip Linkage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft wing folding mechanisms interfere with the wing surfaces or require complex and heavy lock mechanisms, reducing the benefits of increased wing span for improved fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A folding wing mechanism with a linkage system and actuators that allows the wing tip to move from a flight position to a ground position without interfering with the main wing, using a four-bar linkage configuration with L-shaped links and clevis joints, enabling smooth transition and reduced locking requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a folding wing tip mechanism is provided to increase wing span during flight, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the mechanism interferes with the wing surfaces or requires complex and heavy lock mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The wing tip folding mechanism employs a dynamic linkage system with multiple links and joints that automatically transitions between folded and extended positions. The mechanism uses a series of connected links (first link, second link, third link) with pivot joints that enable smooth motion transformation, eliminating the need for complex static lock mechanisms. The linkage system naturally maintains wing tip position through its geometric configuration during flight and ground operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism is divided into multiple independent linkage components (first link, second link, third link, fourth link) that can move relative to each other through pivot joints. This segmentation allows the wing tip to fold and unfold in a controlled manner without requiring a single complex locking mechanism, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a folding wing tip mechanism is provided to increase wing span during flight, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the mechanism interferes with the surfaces of the wing
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism utilizes vertical dimension for the folding motion of the wing tip, allowing it to move above and below the main wing plane during transition. The first link connects to the upper surface while the second link connects to the lower surface, enabling the wing tip to fold in a three-dimensional arc that clears the main wing surfaces, eliminating interference problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage system introduces intermediate links (first link, second link, third link, fourth link) that act as mediators between the wing tip and the main wing structure. These intermediate components facilitate the folding motion by providing a mechanical pathway that prevents direct contact or interference between the wing tip and main wing surfaces during the folding transition.
3Ease of operation
If a folding wing tip mechanism is provided to reduce wing span after landing, then on-ground maneuvers are facilitated, but complex and heavy lock mechanisms are required to keep the wing tips in an extended position during flight
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism uses dynamic linkage geometry to automatically lock and unlock the wing tip in its respective positions. During flight, the extended position is maintained by the geometric configuration of the linkage system itself. During ground operations, the linkage naturally transitions to the folded position, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical locks and reducing the weight of moving objects.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding wing for an aircraft comprises a main wing portion having an upper surface and a lower surface and a wing tip portion having an upper surface and a lower surface and movable relative to the main wing portion about a folding axis. The wing further comprises a linkage mechanism connecting the wing tip portion to the main wing portion and an actuator coupled to the linkage system. Movement of the actuator causes the wing tip portion to move from a first position in which the wing tip portion extends in substantially the same plane as the main wing portion to a second position in which the wing tip portion is angled relative to the main wing portion.