Folding Wingtip Anomaly Detection for Targeted Aircraft Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Folding wingtip systems in aircraft can malfunction, leading to potential wingtip falls, which can cause damage and require inefficient and costly maintenance, as existing systems lack effective anomaly detection and maintenance scheduling.

Innovation Solution

Implement a wingtip extension anomaly detector that uses sensor data to determine if folding wingtips are in the correct position and sets error codes when anomalies occur, grounding the aircraft and scheduling targeted maintenance based on sensor data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If folding wingtip systems are used to accommodate wingspan limitations, then the aircraft can operate at more airports, but the risk of wingtip malfunction and anomaly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairport accommodation capabilityVSAvoidwingtip system reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a monitoring system that continuously tracks wingtip position and folding wingtip system operation. Sensors detect anomalies such as unintended wingtip extension or failure to fold properly, and this feedback is sent to the flight control computer, which can then alert the pilot or automatically take corrective action to maintain safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of potential wingtip anomalies before they can cause damage. By monitoring system status and wingtip position in advance, the flight control computer can identify problematic conditions early and initiate appropriate responses, preventing catastrophic failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If anomaly detection systems are implemented, then maintenance efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system automatically detects and reports wingtip anomalies without requiring manual inspection. The flight control computer autonomously processes sensor data, identifies problems, and can trigger maintenance alerts, reducing the need for complex manual detection procedures and specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The flight control computer serves multiple functions: it controls flight operations, monitors wingtip position, detects anomalies, and manages maintenance scheduling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated detection systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12552550B2System and method to detect anomalous wingtip extension for a folding wing tip aircraft

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A folding wingtip aircraft includes a wing that includes a primary portion and a wingtip. The folding wingtip aircraft includes a folding wingtip system configured to rotate the wingtip relative to the primary portion. The folding wingtip aircraft also includes a flight control computer. The flight control computer is configured to, in response to a first determination that a wingtip position of the wingtip is not in a folded position when a second determination indicates that a last completed command by the folding wingtip system was a fold command, set error codes for the folding wingtip system. The flight control computer is also configured to change a setting to indicate that the folding wingtip aircraft is grounded based on the error codes.