Folding Wing Tip Actuator Layout With Integrated Structural Lugs

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of installing actuation systems for folding wing tip devices is exacerbated by limited space within aircraft wings, particularly near the tip, and the trend towards higher aspect ratios further constrains this space, making it difficult to accommodate equipment and increasing the complexity and weight of the system.

Innovation Solution

An aircraft wing design featuring integrally formed lugs as part of the primary structure, which eliminates the need for intermediate fittings and brackets, and a concentrically positioned actuator that directly acts on these lugs to rotate the outboard wing section, reducing space requirements and weight while ensuring smooth transitions and load transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional actuators with brackets and linkages are used, then the actuation system can be installed, but the space required increases and weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator installationVSAvoidspace required for actuator mounting

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lug is merged with the primary structure of the wing, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and intermediate fittings. This integration directly reduces the space required for actuator mounting while maintaining structural integrity and load-bearing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional actuators with brackets and linkages are used, then the actuation system can be installed, but the weight of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator installationVSAvoidweight of actuation system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If more intermediate fittings and brackets are used, then the actuator can be securely mounted, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator mounting securityVSAvoidnumber of intermediate components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Use of energy by moving object

If the wing uses higher aspect ratio design, then fuel efficiency improves, but the space available for equipment mounting decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidspace available for equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20260084802A1Folding wing mechanism

Publication Date: 2026.03.26 AIRBUS OPERATIONS LTD

AI summary

An aircraft wing tip that is movable by an actuator between a flight configuration, and a ground configuration which has a shorter wingspan for use in ground-based operations. Lugs that connect to arms of the actuator are integrally formed as part of the primary structure of either the fixed wing or outboard wing section, such as a folding tip section.