Movable Wing Tip Actuation via Distributed Linear Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing size and weight of wing tip devices pose challenges in providing a reliable moving mechanism for aircraft wing assemblies, particularly in terms of accommodating flight loads and maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of a wing assembly with multiple linear actuation devices mounted within the wing assembly to drive the movement of the wing tip device relative to the wing, allowing for efficient folding and unfolding of the wing tip device between flight and ground configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single linear actuation device is used to move the wing tip device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the size and power requirements of the actuator increase, constraining wing design space
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is divided into multiple linear actuation devices distributed along the span of the wing tip device. Each actuator handles a portion of the total movement load, reducing individual actuator size and power requirements while maintaining the capability to move the entire wing tip device between folded and unfolded configurations
2Length of stationary object
If the wing tip device is made larger to increase span for flight, then the flight performance is improved, but the ground manoeuvrability is degraded due to increased span
Solution Approach 1:
The wing tip device is designed with movable connections to the wing, allowing it to change configuration dynamically. During flight, the device extends to increase span for improved aerodynamic performance. During ground operations, the device folds back along the wing to reduce span, enabling better ground manoeuvrability and gate entry clearance
3Area of stationary object
If the actuation devices are mounted externally on the wing, then the installation space requirements are reduced, but the aerodynamic efficiency is degraded due to external protrusions
Solution Approach 1:
The linear actuation devices are mounted within the wing assembly structure, nested inside the wing box or integrated into the wing spar system. This internal mounting conceals the actuators within the wing's aerodynamic surface, eliminating external protrusions that would create drag, while still providing the necessary actuation force to move the wing tip device
4Weight of moving object
If the wing box depth is reduced to decrease weight, then the structural weight is reduced, but the space available for mounting actuation mechanisms is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation devices are positioned at specific locations along the wing span where space is most available, such as near the wing tip or at stations with sufficient local clearance. The mounting arrangement is adapted to the local structural features of the wing, utilizing available space within the wing box without requiring uniform depth throughout the entire wing structure
Data Source
AI summary
A wing assembly for an aircraft is disclosed having an actuation assembly configured to move a wing tip device between a flight configuration and a ground configuration. The actuation assembly includes at least two linear actuation devices mounted within the wing assembly. A wing and a wing tip device for the wing assembly, and an aircraft comprising the wing assembly, wing or wing tip, are also disclosed.