Passive Lifting Structure Profile Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting structures in fluid flows face challenges in determining the most suitable profile based on orientation, have significant on-board mass due to actuators, and incur high manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A lifting structure that deforms elastically between two states, adapting its profile passively in response to fluid flow orientation changes without actuators or complex control systems, utilizing a stop system and pivoting connections to prevent excessive deformation and maintain maximum curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If actuators and control systems are used to control segment pivoting movements, then the profile of the lifting structure can be modified to a desired shape, but the on-board mass increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting structure uses the fluid flow itself to drive the pivoting movements of segments through pressure differential actuators. The fluid flow generates pressure differences that automatically move segments to optimal positions without requiring external power sources or complex control systems, thereby reducing on-board mass while maintaining profile adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional active mechanical control systems with a passive fluid-mechanical system. Instead of using powered actuators and electronic control systems, the invention uses fluid dynamic pressure differences to directly actuate segment movements, substituting a complex mechanical control system with a simpler fluid-mechanical response system
2Shape
If actuators and control systems are used to control segment pivoting movements, then the profile of the lifting structure can be modified to a desired shape, but the manufacturing and maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting structure uses the fluid flow itself to drive the pivoting movements of segments through pressure differential actuators. The fluid flow generates pressure differences that automatically move segments to optimal positions without requiring external power sources or complex control systems, thereby reducing on-board mass while maintaining profile adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional active mechanical control systems with a passive fluid-mechanical system. Instead of using powered actuators and electronic control systems, the invention uses fluid dynamic pressure differences to directly actuate segment movements, substituting a complex mechanical control system with a simpler fluid-mechanical response system
3Adaptability or versatility
If it is difficult to determine the most suitable profile depending on orientation, then the lifting structure cannot adapt optimally to fluid flow conditions, but with active control systems the adaptation is possible at the cost of increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting structure uses the fluid flow itself to drive the pivoting movements of segments through pressure differential actuators. The fluid flow generates pressure differences that automatically move segments to optimal positions without requiring external power sources or complex control systems, thereby reducing on-board mass while maintaining profile adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional active mechanical control systems with a passive fluid-mechanical system. Instead of using powered actuators and electronic control systems, the invention uses fluid dynamic pressure differences to directly actuate segment movements, substituting a complex mechanical control system with a simpler fluid-mechanical response system
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
The lifting structure autonomously adapts its profile to fluid flow conditions, reducing on-board mass and costs by eliminating the need for actuators and control systems, while maintaining optimal lift and minimizing aerodynamic drag.
Implementation Method 1
the lifting structure is configured to deform elastically, over at least a part of the lifting structure, between the first state in the absence of external stress and the second state in the presence of external stress induced by the fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a supporting structure (46) which is positioned in a fluid flow (44) and characterised in that it is configured to be elastically deformed, on at least one portion of the supporting structure (46), between a first idle state in the absence of external stress and a second deformed state in the presence of external stresses caused by the fluid flow (44) due to a change in the orientation of the supporting structure (46) and/or the fluid flow (44). The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising at least one such supporting structure (46).