Passive Vortex Generator Panel for Low-Drag Aircraft Control Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft aerodynamic systems for re-energizing streamflow in control surfaces face issues with drag penalties during cruise conditions due to permanent fixed systems and maintenance complexities with active hide/unhide systems, while current manufacturing limitations result in a rigid transition zone between fixed and movable parts.
Innovation Solution
A flexible panel system with variable deflection angles and a pointed movable end, allowing aerodynamic elements to automatically change positions from hidden to active vortex generators based on aircraft conditions, eliminating the need for maintenance and reducing drag penalties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed aerodynamic elements are used to re-energize streamflow, then control surface efficiency is improved, but drag penalty increases during cruise conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic element is designed to dynamically change its configuration from a flat state during cruise to a curved state during maneuvering. The element is attached to the control surface such that it remains flat relative to the control surface during cruise, minimizing drag, and automatically curves into a vortex generator shape when the control surface is deflected, activating re-energization only when needed.
2Loss of energy
If active hide/unhide systems are used for aerodynamic elements, then drag penalty is avoided, but maintenance complexity and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for external actuators, sensors, or control systems by using the control surface deflection itself to trigger the activation of the aerodynamic element. When the control surface is deflected, the aerodynamic element automatically curves into its active vortex generator configuration through its attachment geometry, and returns to flat when the control surface returns to neutral, providing self-activating functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the complex actuation mechanisms from the system entirely. Instead of using motors, linkages, or control systems to hide and unhide the aerodynamic element, the design extracts the activation function and embeds it directly into the geometric relationship between the aerodynamic element and the control surface, simplifying the overall system.
3Productivity
If aerodynamic elements are placed in the transition zone between fixed and movable parts, then re-energization is achieved, but the rigid manufacturing limitations restrict design flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic element is designed as a thin, flexible component that is attached to the control surface. This flexible construction allows the element to assume different shapes - remaining flat during cruise and curving into a vortex generator during maneuvering - without requiring complex rigid structures or specialized manufacturing processes for the transition zone.
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 system effectively re-energizes streamflow by activating aerodynamic elements only when needed, avoiding drag penalties and maintenance requirements, while maintaining efficiency without occupying critical space.
Implementation Method 1
The system for re-energizing streamflow in control surfaces of aircrafts... the surface when bended, it will create an edge shape who will act as a vortex generator
Implementation Method 2
These aerodynamic elements that act as vortex generators can be divided in two types: fixed systems and hide/unhide system. The fixed systems used to re-energize the streamflow consist on the generation of a small quantity of lift with a small flat aerodynamic element
Data Source
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AI summary
The system for re-energizing streamflow in control surfaces of aircrafts, comprising a panel (1) provided with at least one aerodynamic element (2) movable at least between a rest position, where the at least one aerodynamic element (2) does not protrude from the panel (1), and a use position, where the at least one aerodynamic element (2) protrude from the panel (1), acting as a vortex generator, wherein said at least one aerodynamic element (2) is a die-cut portion of said panel (1) that is hinged to the rest of said panel (1). It permits to provide a system for re-energizing streamflow that combines the advantages of the fixed and hide/unhide systems, providing a passive hide/unhide system.