Morphing Wing Segmented Feathers for UAV Adaptability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current morphing wing technologies are complex, expensive, and unsuitable for unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), which limits their flexibility and adaptability for varying mission requirements, unlike biologically inspired systems that offer insights into performance balancing.
Innovation Solution
A morphing wing design for UAVs featuring a jointed leading edge with a main pivot and wrist joint, allowing wings to change configuration between extended and tucked positions through a servo linkage and actuation system, with overlapping feathers and cambered sections for aerodynamic control, and adjustable sweep angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If variable sweep wing geometries are deployed to achieve varying performance objectives, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wing is divided into multiple independently controllable segments including spanwise sections and feather elements. Each segment can be actuated separately to achieve different wing configurations, allowing complex adaptability through modular control rather than moving the entire wing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing structure incorporates dynamic elements such as movable feathers, adjustable spanwise sections, and variable camber capabilities that allow the wing to continuously change its geometry during flight to optimize performance for different mission requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable sweep wing geometries are deployed to achieve varying performance objectives, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the wing into modular sections and feather elements, the manufacturing process is simplified compared to traditional variable sweep wings. Each module can be manufactured independently using standard fabrication techniques, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The design replaces complex mechanical variable sweep mechanisms with a system of individually actuated feathers and spanwise sections. This substitution uses simpler actuation systems for each element rather than requiring complex mechanical linkages for entire wing sections, reducing manufacturing costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable sweep wing geometries are deployed to achieve varying performance objectives, then adaptability is improved, but control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wing control system is segmented into independently controllable elements (feathers, spanwise sections) that can be actuated by individual motors or actuators. This segmentation simplifies control logic compared to traditional variable sweep systems, as each element can be controlled independently based on flight conditions without complex inter-element mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing configuration system incorporates sensors and control algorithms that automatically adjust feather and spanwise section positions based on detected flight conditions, reducing the need for manual pilot intervention and simplifying the overall control process.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to an adaptable wing (112, 114) having a variable geometry for influencing aerodynamic performance, the wing (112, 114) comprising a jointed leading edge having a main pivot (116), and a wrist joint (118), with a wing arm (126, 128) therebetween, and a distal wing hand (122, 124) depending from the wrist joint (118); the wing (12, 114) being reciprocally actuable, via the main pivot (116) and wrist joint (118), between a first state having an extended wing planform and a second state having a tucked wing planform.