Adjustable Trim Line for Kite Angle of Attack Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional leading edge inflatable (LEI) kites face challenges in aerodynamic control, angle of attack adjustment, and safety, particularly in depowering and relaunching, due to limitations in their four-line control systems and lack of dynamic tension adjustment in fifth line systems.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable trim line system is introduced, secured to the leading edge of the kite, allowing users to vary and mechanically fix the trim line length while in flight, enhancing control over the kite's angle of attack and projected area through a user-adjustable length device, such as a friction cleat or pulley arrangement, independent of the steering lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the aspect ratio of the wing is increased to improve aerodynamic efficiency, then the lifting force is improved, but the ability of the kite to be relaunched is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the trim line length adjustable while in flight. The user can dynamically change the trim line length to modify the kite's aerodynamic characteristics and angle of attack, allowing the kite to transition between high-efficiency cruise configuration and low-altitude relaunch configuration. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining high aspect ratio for efficiency and being able to relaunch when needed.
2Speed
If the width of the wingtip is increased to improve turning speed, then the turning performance is improved, but the distance between the front line attachment and steering line attachment increases, reducing control range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the control functions into independent components: steering lines for directional control and a separate trim line for angle of attack adjustment. This segmentation allows the wingtip width to be optimized for turning speed without compromising control range, as the trim line provides an additional control dimension that can compensate for the increased distance between attachments.
3Power
If conventional depower methods are used by restraining front lines or steering lines, then the power exerted by the kite is reduced, but the lines become tangled and relaunching becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the depower function from the traditional four-line control system by introducing a separate trim line that can be independently adjusted. This allows the user to depower the kite by adjusting the trim line length without having to restrain the steering lines or front lines, thereby avoiding line tangling and maintaining the ability to relaunch the kite easily.
4Ease of operation
If the relative length between steering lines and front lines is adjusted to change angle of attack, then the trim control is improved, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the trim line length adjustable while in flight through a user-adjustable length device. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the user to optimize the angle of attack for different flight conditions without requiring a complex mechanical control system, as the adjustment can be made manually or through simple mechanical means.
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
This system provides improved aerodynamic control, allowing for precise adjustment of the kite's angle of attack and projected area, enabling better handling, safety, and performance characteristics, including depowering and relaunching capabilities, while minimizing line tangles and improving user control over the kite's position in the wind window.
Implementation Method 1
a user-adjustable length device, such as a friction cleat or pulley arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A kite control system including an aerodynamic wing with a leading edge and first and second opposing wingtips, a control device, a first steering line secured to the first wingtip and the control device, a second steering line secured to the second wingtip and the control device, and a trim line secured to the leading edge substantially between the opposing wingtips, wherein the trim line has a user adjustable length device that allows the user to adjust and mechanically fix the length of the trim line while the aerodynamic wing is in flight.