Folding Wing Tip Seal Panel Assembly for Aerodynamic Joint Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for covering the joint between a main wing portion and a folding wing tip device on aircraft wings are complex and fail to maintain an aerodynamic profile during flight, while also avoiding structural clashes.
Innovation Solution
A passively driven seal panel assembly that rotates about a single axis, covering the joint during all stages of deployment, with a simplified mechanism that avoids clashes by using a first connecting element with an elbow shape and a second axis parallel to the first, ensuring minimal gap and protection of connecting elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing solutions are used to cover the joint between main wing portion and wing tip device, then the joint is covered, but the structure becomes complex and aerodynamic profile is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The seal panel assembly is divided into distinct functional components: the seal panel itself, the first connecting element with arm portions, the second connecting element, and the pivot connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity and aerodynamic profile.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to achieve joint coverage, the invention uses a passive seal panel assembly that is driven by the normal wing tip device rotation itself. The seal panel rotates in the opposite direction to the wing tip device, converting the existing motion into the required sealing action without additional actuators or complex linkages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a folding wing tip device is used to meet size restrictions, then wing span can be reduced for ground manoeuvres, but structural clashes may occur during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The seal panel assembly acts as an intermediary component between the main wing portion and the folding wing tip device. The first connecting element with its elbow-shaped arm portions and the second connecting element provide a mechanical intermediary that guides the seal panel's motion and prevents clashes with the leading and trailing edge panels during the folding and unfolding sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal panel is positioned and oriented in advance to cover the joint at all stages of deployment. The passive rotation mechanism ensures that the seal panel is already in the correct position before any potential clash could occur, preventing interference with the leading and trailing edge panels throughout the entire motion sequence.
3Reliability
If multiple connecting elements and actuators are used to cover the joint, then coverage is achieved, but the mechanism becomes complicated and less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The seal panel assembly is a passive mechanism that serves itself by utilizing the existing rotation of the wing tip device. As the wing tip device rotates about its pivot, the seal panel automatically rotates about the second axis in the opposite direction, maintaining joint coverage without requiring any external actuators, power systems, or complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal panel assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it covers the joint between the main wing portion and wing tip device, provides aerodynamic sealing, prevents structural clashes during deployment, and maintains coverage throughout all stages of motion. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated passive mechanism rather than multiple separate systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
An aircraft wing comprising: a main wing portion with a tip end, and a wing tip device rotatably coupled to the tip end of the main wing portion at a j oint, the wing tip device rotatable at the joint about a first axis between a flight configuration and a ground configuration; and a seal panel assembly, comprising: a seal panel extending across the joint; a first connecting element having a first end nonrotatably coupled to the seal panel and a second end rotatably coupled to the main wing portion such that the seal panel is rotatable about a second axis; and a second connecting element having a first end rotatably coupled to the seal panel and a second end rotatably coupled to the wing tip device, such that rotation of the wing tip device about the first axis causes the seal panel to rotate about the second axis.