Movable Discontinuity Vortex Generator for Lift Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vortex generators on aerodynamic surfaces improve performance in one flight regimen but penalize performance in other operational conditions, limiting their effectiveness across various aircraft operations.
Innovation Solution
A movable discontinuity on the lifting surface that can act as a vortex generator by controlling airflow through strategically placed openings and a conduit, allowing activation as a vortex generator or integration into the surface, leveraging pressure gradients for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed vortex generators are installed on the aerodynamic surface to improve performance in one flight regimen, then the effectiveness of the aerodynamic surface is improved in that specific condition, but the performance is penalized in other operational conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the vortex generator movable rather than fixed. The discontinuity can move between different positions on the aerodynamic surface, allowing it to adapt to different flight conditions. The movable discontinuity is actuated by a control system that adjusts its position based on operational requirements, enabling the vortex generator to optimize performance across multiple flight regimens rather than being optimized for a single condition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a movable discontinuity is introduced to act as a movable vortex generator, then adaptability to different flight conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle through the passive actuation mechanism. The control system automatically actuates the movable discontinuity based on flight conditions without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors operational parameters and autonomously adjusts the discontinuity position, reducing the need for complex manual control mechanisms while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the movable discontinuity to serve multiple functions. The same discontinuity structure can operate as a vortex generator in different positions, and the control system can manage various flight conditions using a unified mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
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 lift and control efficiency by re-energizing the boundary layer, allowing operation at higher angles-of-attack without airflow separation, improving maximum take-off and landing weights, noise reduction, and control surface efficiency while adapting to different flight conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A vortex generator on an aerodynamic surface typically is a small vane or bump that creates a vortex flowing over the surface. Vortex generators delay separation of the airflow from the surface and delay aerodynamic stalling of the surface
Implementation Method 2
The boundary layer normally thickens as it moves along the aircraft surface, reducing the effectiveness of trailing-edge control surfaces. Vortex generators can be used to remedy this problem, among others, by re-energizing the boundary layer allowing the airfoil to operate at higher angles-of-attack without airflow separation
Implementation Method 3
As the two openings are spanwise separated a given distance, when the openings are open, due to the aforementioned pressure gradient, an airflow goes along the conduit. An internal air current is created by pressure difference between two 'trailing edge' span positions with openings.
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting device including: a movable discontinuity (1) located in a surface of the lifting device, the movable discontinuity (1) being movable between: an active position in which the movable discontinuity (1) acts as vortex generator, and a passive position in which the movable discontinuity (1) is integrated into the surface of the lifting surface, a conduit (2) located in the spanwise direction of the lifting surface and in communication with the movable discontinuity (1), the lifting surface including openings (3) in its surface spanwise distant from each other in communication with the conduit (2), the movable discontinuity (1) and the conduit (2) being configured such that when an airflow goes through the conduit (2), this airflow activates the movable discontinuity (1) to act as a vortex generator of the lifting surface.