Movable Wing Fairing Joint for Low-Drag High-Lift Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fairing arrangements for aircraft high-lift mechanisms are inefficient in managing aerodynamic drag, noise, and structural complexity, particularly during high-speed and low-speed operations, and require additional sealing and reinforcement frames.
Innovation Solution
A fairing arrangement with a movable wing side fairing connected via a 5-degree of freedom joint to a flap side fairing, allowing relative movements that control the position of the wing side fairing, minimizing drag and noise, and reducing the need for additional sealing and reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the wing side fairing is rigidly fixed to the wing, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the aerodynamic drag and noise increase during high-speed operations
Solution Approach 1:
The wing side fairing is transformed from a rigid fixed structure to a dynamic movable structure. The fairing can rotate about a vertical axis and translate laterally, allowing it to adapt its position during high-speed operations to minimize aerodynamic drag and noise while maintaining structural simplicity through the movable mounting mechanism.
2Reliability
If additional sealing and reinforcement frames are added, then the sealing performance is improved, but the structural complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid sealing frames with flexible elastomer sealing elements. These elastomer seals provide effective sealing between the fairing and the wing structure without requiring additional reinforcement frames, thereby maintaining sealing performance while reducing structural complexity and weight.
3Ease of manufacture
If the fairing structure is simplified, then the manufacturing ease is improved, but the ability to manage aerodynamic drag and noise deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The simplified fairing structure achieves ease of manufacture through a movable mounting mechanism with rotational and lateral degrees of freedom. This dynamic design allows the fairing to be produced as a single piece or simple assembly that can move to optimize aerodynamic performance, reducing drag and noise without complex internal structures.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the wing side fairing is made movable with multiple degrees of freedom, then the aerodynamic performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable mounting mechanism provides rotational freedom about a vertical axis and lateral translation capability through a mechanically coupled joint system. This dynamic configuration allows the fairing to achieve optimal aerodynamic positions while the joint mechanism manages the complexity through standardized mechanical connections between the fairing and wing structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A functionally improved fairing arrangement (26) for a high-lift mechanism (20) of an aircraft (10) has been described. The high-lift mechanism (20) includes a flap (22) to be arranged at a trailing edge (16) of an aircraft wing (12) and a mounting and guiding mechanism (24) for the flap (26). The fairing arrangement (26) comprises a flap side fairing unit (28) and a wing side fairing unit (30). The flap side fairing unit (28) comprises a flap side fairing (32) for covering an aft part of the mounting and guiding mechanism (24) and a flap side fairing mount (34) for mounting the flap side fairing (32) to the flap (22). The wing side fairing unit (30) comprises a wing side fairing (36) for covering a forward part of the mounting and guiding mechanism (24) and a wing side fairing mount (38) for mounting the wing side fairing (36) to the wing (12). The wing side fairing mount (38) is configured for movably connecting the wing side fairing (36) to the wing (12), preferably such that the wing side fairing (36) is rotatable around an axis (39) directed at least partially in a vertical direction. A fairing joint (80) couples the flap side fairing (32) and the wing side fairing (36) in order to transfer movements of the flap side fairing (32) to the wing side fairing (36). Hence, a lateral or rotational movement of the wing side fairing (36) is controlled by the flap side fairing (32).