Movable Wingtip Retracting Mechanism for Hangar Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The wingspan of aircraft often restricts their movement into areas with limited dimensions, such as hangars with narrow entryways, necessitating a solution to temporarily reduce the wingspan without compromising structural integrity or flight performance.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising tracks and roller assemblies affixed to the wingtips and fixed wings, allowing the wingtips to be moved between an extended position and a stowed position under the fixed wing, utilizing a wingtip actuation assembly powered by pulleys and cables, and secured by latch pin assemblies for safe storage and flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the wingspan of an aircraft is reduced to enable entry into hangars with limited-width entryways, then the aircraft's ability to navigate restricted spaces is improved, but the structural integrity and aerodynamic performance during flight may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The wingtip is designed to be movable rather than fixed, transitioning between extended and retracted positions. The dynamic system includes tracks affixed to the fixed wing, roller assemblies that move within the tracks, and actuation mechanisms (hydraulic or electric) that enable controlled movement. This dynamic configuration allows the wingspan to be adjusted based on operational requirements while maintaining structural integrity during flight through the extended position.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing structure is segmented into fixed wing portions and movable wingtip portions. The wingtip can be independently moved relative to the fixed wing, allowing the wingspan to be reduced without affecting the main wing structure. This segmentation enables the aircraft to maintain its primary structural integrity while providing flexibility in wingspan configuration.
2Length of moving object
If upwardly-folding wingtips are used to temporarily reduce wingspan, then the aircraft can enter restricted spaces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of complex folding mechanisms that require multiple hinges and structural transformations, the invention uses a simpler dynamic system where the wingtip moves linearly along tracks. This reduces the complexity of the mechanical structure while achieving the same functional outcome of wingspan reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The wingtip is extracted as a separate movable component from the fixed wing structure. By detaching the wingtip movement function from the main wing structure, the system avoids the complexity of integrating folding mechanisms into the primary wing assembly, simplifying both the design and maintenance of the wingtip mechanism.
3Length of moving object
If the wingtip is moved under the fixed wing to shorten wingspan, then the aircraft can navigate through restricted spaces, but the ease of operation increases due to required actuation and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The wingtip actuation system is designed to be automatically controlled through flight control systems, reducing the need for manual intervention. The actuation mechanisms (hydraulic or electric) can be integrated with the aircraft's existing flight control systems, allowing pilots to command wingspan changes through standard controls without requiring complex manual operation of the actuation systems themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be integrated with existing flight control systems for automatic operation, provides mechanical advantage through the track and roller assembly design to reduce actuation forces, and can operate in both extended and retracted configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the operational complexity by leveraging existing aircraft systems rather than requiring dedicated manual controls.
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
Enables the aircraft to safely and securely shorten its wingspan, allowing it to navigate through restricted spaces while maintaining aerodynamic performance and structural integrity during flight.
Implementation Method 1
A wingtip actuation assembly is configured to translate the first roller assembly within the first track and the second roller assembly within the second track to move the wingtip between an extended position and a stowed position under the fixed wing
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for shortening a wingspan of an aircraft is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first track affixed to a fixed wing of the aircraft. A first roller assembly is affixed to a wingtip of the aircraft, with the first roller assembly moveably captured within the first track. A second track is also affixed to the fixed wing. A second roller assembly is affixed to the wingtip and is moveably captured within the second track. A wingtip actuation assembly is configured to translate the first roller assembly within the first track and the second roller assembly within the second track to move the wingtip between an extended position and a stowed position under the fixed wing.