HAPS Wing Spoiler Control for Turbulence Load Alleviation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixed wing High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) systems are vulnerable to turbulence in the troposphere, leading to high loss rates and limited operational capabilities, and current designs fail to achieve year-round operation due to structural weaknesses and energy inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A gust alleviation control system using distributed spoilers on the wing to actively control span-wise lift distribution, combined with fuselages and elevators, maintains aerodynamic derivatives and flight envelope protection by minimizing weight, drag, and pitching moment, especially during turbulence encounters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing fixed wing HAPS systems operate in the troposphere, then they can provide operational capabilities, but they are vulnerable to turbulence leading to high loss rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational capabilitiesVSAvoidloss rates

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The aircraft is divided into multiple fuselages (at least two) distributed along the span of the wing, with each fuselage independently supporting flight control surfaces and systems. This segmentation allows the aircraft to maintain structural integrity and operational capability even when subjected to turbulent forces, as the distributed configuration reduces stress concentration on any single structural element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the aircraft have specialized functions: the central fuselage houses the pilot and primary controls, while outboard fuselages support additional flight control surfaces and systems. This local differentiation optimizes the aircraft's response to turbulence by allowing independent control of different wing sections, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing operational versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Use of energy by moving object

If HAPS aircraft are designed with low wing loading to minimize power required to cruise, then energy efficiency is improved, but vulnerability to turbulence increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower required to cruiseVSAvoidvulnerability to turbulence

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The distributed fuselage configuration acts as a counterweight system that balances aerodynamic forces across the wing span. By distributing mass and control surfaces along the span, the aircraft maintains better aerodynamic balance and stability in turbulent conditions, allowing it to operate with low wing loading while reducing vulnerability to turbulence through improved structural distribution rather than increased weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Stability of the object's composition

If distributed spoilers are used to control span-wise lift distribution, then flight stability is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight stabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spoilers are integrated with the wing structure itself rather than being separate, independently mounted components. This merging of the control surface with the primary wing structure reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to control span-wise lift distribution. The spoilers utilize the existing wing framework, eliminating the need for additional complex support structures and simplifying the control system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enhances flight stability and control authority, reduces catastrophic failure risks, and expands the operating envelope, enabling more reliable year-round operations with existing battery technology.

Implementation Method 1

A gust alleviation control system using distributed spoilers on the wing to actively control span-wise lift distribution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic lift distribution: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

Existing fixed wing High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) systems are vulnerable to turbulence in the troposphere

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Implementation Method 3

combined with fuselages and elevators, maintains aerodynamic derivatives and flight envelope protection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic force: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentUS12583583B2High-altitude pseudo satellite control

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 VOLTITUDE LTD

AI summary

A High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) aircraft is disclosed for maintaining the span-wise shape of the wing and maintaining total bending and torsion loads. The aircraft including at least one aeroelastic span loaded fixed wing having an aspect ratio greater than 15 and wing loading less than 6 kg/m2, the wing having a plurality of spoilers distributed across the span of the wing and each spoiler being chordwise located adjacent the center of pressure of the wing. The HAPS aircraft further includes a control system for controlling the spoilers, and sensors which determine the amount of lift at points or regions along the wing span, the pitch and roll at points or regions along the wing span, the bending and torsional strain at points or regions along the wing span, or the absolute speed and roll and pitch angle of the wing.