Multi-Wing Fixed-Wing Aircraft Asymmetric Decalage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed-wing flying devices face challenges in maintaining stable glide ratios in directions other than forward, experiencing instability at extreme yaw or sideslip angles due to uneven distribution of lift and center of gravity, making it difficult to fly in multiple directions without trim adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The configuration of two or more wings arranged around the center of area with protruding walls along their outer edges, disrupting airflow and shifting the center of lift to align with the center of area, enabling stable speed-seeking glide in multiple directions without trim adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional fixed-wing configuration is used with wings and horizontal tail, then forward flight stability is improved, but multi-directional flight capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing different decalage angles for different wings. Specifically, the first wing has a positive decalage angle while the second wing has a negative decalage angle, creating asymmetric aerodynamic characteristics that enable stable gliding in multiple directions (forward, backward, sideways) rather than only forward flight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the lifting surface into multiple independent wings (at least two wings) arranged in a spaced-apart configuration. Each wing can be independently configured with different decalage angles, allowing the system to achieve multi-directional stability through coordinated operation of separate wing elements rather than relying on a single conventional wing configuration
2Stability of the object's composition
If center of gravity is positioned to balance the craft, then stability in one direction is improved, but stability in multiple directions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different aerodynamic properties (decalage angles) to different wings. The first wing has positive decalage while the second wing has negative decalage, creating localized aerodynamic characteristics that collectively enable multi-directional stability without requiring complex center of gravity adjustments for each flight direction
3Stability of the object's composition
If negative decalage is applied to prevent pitch up, then pitch control is improved at one speed, but speed-seeking stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric decalage configuration where the first wing has positive decalage and the second wing has negative decalage. This asymmetric arrangement creates a balanced aerodynamic system that provides both pitch control and speed-seeking stability across multiple flight directions, overcoming the limitation of uniform negative decalage that only works at one specific speed
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
This configuration allows for sustainable speed-seeking glide stability in multiple directions, maintaining stability even when deviating from ideal glide speeds or slopes, and can recover from stalls by adjusting the leading edge airflow characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
The protruding wall of each wing is configured to disrupt airflow over, and optionally under, the wing when the wing is flying in front
Implementation Method 2
the difference in air pressure between air above and beneath the wings pushes the wings upward and causes the apparatus to lift
Data Source
AI summary
A fixed-wing flying apparatus, aircraft, airplane or device is provided which is capable of stably gliding in more than one direction such as backwards, frontward or sideways. The device comprises a plurality of wings arranged around the center of area and defining a space therebetween. Each wing includes an outwardly protruding wall along an outer edge of the wing, which disrupts airflow over the wing flying in front so it is less effective than the wing flying behind, facilitating temporary or long term sustainable speed-seeking glide stability in more than one forward direction without any trim or center of gravity adjustment. The plurality of wings can include two wings, three wings forming a triangle, or four wings forming a square or rectangle. The aircraft can be unpowered, powered, free-flight or controlled. A one-front airplane can also be constructed with very relaxed yaw stability.