Aerodynamic Microstructure Color Applications for Glint Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft microstructures, such as riblets, used to reduce drag and improve aerodynamics, often cause unwanted optical and aesthetic effects like glint due to their geometry, which can affect the appearance and visibility of aircraft.
Innovation Solution
The application of sub-microstructures with a color application on or within aerodynamic microstructures, such as riblets, to control reflectivity and optics, allowing for customized optical and aesthetic effects by varying the spacing and geometry of sub-microstructures to manage glint and reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If aerodynamic microstructures such as riblets are used to reduce drag, then fuel savings and reduction in carbon-dioxide emissions are achieved, but unwanted optical effects such as glint and high reflectivity occur that affect the aesthetic appearance of the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coatings or pigments to the aerodynamic microstructures to change their optical properties. By incorporating color applications, the microstructures maintain their drag-reducing geometric features while achieving desired aesthetic appearances and reduced unwanted reflectivity or glint effects through optical absorption and scattering properties of the color materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining the aerodynamic microstructure geometry with color-containing materials or coatings. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of aerodynamic performance (drag reduction) and optical performance (aesthetic appearance, controlled reflectivity) by integrating both functional requirements into a unified structure
2Object-generated harmful factors
If low reflectivity optical coatings such as flat black paint are applied to control appearance, then glint and reflectivity are reduced, but the aerodynamic properties of the microstructures are negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coating application to only cover specific portions of the microstructure where optical control is needed, rather than completely filling or coating the entire microstructure. This selective segmentation maintains the aerodynamic functionality of the microstructure geometry while achieving the desired optical appearance in visible areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the microstructure - the geometric shape is maintained for aerodynamic performance while localized color applications or surface treatments are applied only to specific regions to control reflectivity and appearance, allowing each part to serve its primary function without compromising the other
3Object-generated harmful factors
If decals are applied to alter reflectivity and appearance, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the aerodynamic properties of the microstructures are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds color applications or pigmented materials within the microstructure geometry itself, nesting the optical control function inside the aerodynamic structure. This nested approach ensures that the color application becomes an integral part of the microstructure rather than a separate overlay, maintaining aerodynamic continuity while achieving aesthetic goals
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 approach enables the reduction of glint and enhancement of the aircraft's appearance by controlling reflectivity and optics, providing a customized aesthetic and optical effect that improves the aircraft's visual appeal while maintaining aerodynamic benefits.
Implementation Method 1
control reflectivity and optics, allowing for customized optical and aesthetic effects by varying the spacing and geometry of sub-microstructures to manage glint and reflections
Implementation Method 2
The microstructure can be either transparent or partially transparent
Data Source
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AI summary
Color applications for aerodynamic microstructures 300 are disclosed herein. One disclosed example apparatus includes an aerodynamic microstructure 300 of a vehicle, sub-microstructures 312, 314, 316 superimposed on the aerodynamic microstructure, and a color application defined on or within the microstructure.