Partial-Profile Pivoting Wing for Foldable Stable Flight Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivot-wing-based aircraft lack a wide range of flight states that are easy to implement and stable to operate with regard to the overall center of gravity.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting wing designed as a partial airfoil, where individual partial airfoils can be pivoted together or apart to form a complete airfoil, converting thrust into lifting force, allowing for flexible flight modes between conventional airplane and helicopter/multicopter characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional wing structure is used, then the wing provides sufficient structural strength, but the wing cannot be folded and stored on the aircraft fuselage
Solution Approach 1:
The wing is divided into multiple partial-profiles (first partial-profile, second partial-profile, etc.) that can be independently folded relative to each other. Each partial-profile can be rotated about its own longitudinal axis to achieve the folded configuration, allowing the wing to be compacted for storage while maintaining structural integrity through the interconnected folding mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic foldable structure. The partial-profiles are equipped with folding mechanisms that allow them to rotate between extended and folded positions. This dynamic capability enables the wing to adapt between flight and storage configurations while maintaining sufficient structural strength through the mechanical reinforcement of the folding joints.
2Volume of moving object
If the wing is made foldable to reduce storage space, then the wing can be stored on the fuselage, but the structural strength and rigidity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The wing is segmented into multiple partial-profiles that can be independently folded. This segmentation allows the wing to be compacted into a small volume for storage on the fuselage, while the interconnected nature of the segments with reinforced folding joints maintains sufficient structural strength to withstand operational loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanisms incorporate reinforcement elements and mechanical designs that preemptively compensate for the stress concentrations that would otherwise occur at the folding joints. The structural design anticipates the loading conditions and incorporates sufficient material and geometric reinforcement to maintain strength despite the folded configuration.
3Ease of manufacture
If the wing is designed as a single rigid profile, then the manufacturing is simple, but the wing cannot be folded and requires more storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The wing is divided into multiple partial-profiles that can be manufactured separately using standard techniques, then assembled with folding mechanisms. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity for each individual component while enabling the overall foldable functionality. The partial-profiles can be produced using conventional wing manufacturing processes, reducing the complexity compared to a completely custom foldable design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple partial-profiles are merged into a single integrated wing structure through the folding mechanisms and structural connections. This merging approach allows the wing to achieve foldability while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for each component, as the partial-profiles can be manufactured using standard techniques and then assembled into the functional whole.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the wing uses a complex foldable mechanism, then the wing can be folded for storage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex foldable mechanism is segmented into multiple independent folding joints, each connecting adjacent partial-profiles. This segmentation allows the overall complex function to be achieved through multiple simple, identical folding mechanisms rather than a single complicated system. Each joint uses the same basic rotation and reinforcement design, reducing the overall complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanisms are designed with universal applicability across all partial-profiles, with each joint using the same basic design and reinforcement principles. This multi-functionality approach reduces complexity by creating a standardized system that can be replicated throughout the wing structure, rather than designing unique mechanisms for each folding point.
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3d
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pivoting wing (1) for an aircraft (13), characterised in that the pivoting wing (1) is designed as a partial profile pivoting wing, wherein the partial profile pivoting wing is assembled from individual partial profiles when these partial profiles are pivoted together.