Polymer Foam Actuator for Adjustable Aircraft Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerodynamic systems for aircraft and projectiles face limitations in adjusting surface characteristics efficiently, as mechanical systems disrupt airflow and are often unreliable and costly, especially when considering storage and launch constraints.
Innovation Solution
A deployable surface system utilizing a polymer foam adaptive actuator that adjusts shape, size, and orientation to modify aerodynamic properties, allowing for efficient extension and retraction of control surfaces without disrupting airflow, and can be stowed for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical systems are used to adjust control surfaces, then surface characteristics can be modified, but airflow is disrupted and aerodynamic efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems with a dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) system. The DEA uses electrostatic forces to deform the control surface, eliminating mechanical linkages, gears, and moving parts that disrupt airflow. This substitution maintains surface adjustment capability while preserving aerodynamic efficiency by using a field-based actuation mechanism instead of mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation parameter from mechanical force to electrical field strength. By applying voltage to the dielectric elastomer, the control surface can be adjusted continuously without mechanical contact. This parameter change enables surface modification while avoiding the airflow disruption caused by mechanical systems, as the DEA can be actuated remotely through electrical signals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical systems are used for surface adjustment, then control surfaces can be modified, but reliability decreases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical actuation systems with a dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) system. The DEA uses electrostatic forces to deform the control surface, eliminating mechanical linkages, gears, and moving parts that disrupt airflow. This substitution maintains surface adjustment capability while preserving aerodynamic efficiency by using a field-based actuation mechanism instead of mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric elastomer actuator is a self-contained system that converts electrical energy directly to mechanical deformation without requiring external mechanical actuators, linkages, or maintenance. The elastomer material itself performs the actuation function, reducing the number of components that can fail and eliminating the need for complex mechanical maintenance, thereby improving reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If canards are configured to stow inside or flush with the projectile, then storage and launch constraints are met, but deployment mechanisms become mechanically complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical deployment mechanisms with dielectric elastomer actuators that can be integrated into the canard structure itself. The DEA can be collapsed or folded into a compact stowage configuration and then inflated or expanded to the operational canard shape using electrical actuation, eliminating complex mechanical deployment systems while maintaining stowage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dielectric elastomer membrane that can be configured in different states. When stowed, the elastomer film is collapsed or folded into a compact form that fits within the projectile. When deployed, electrical actuation causes the film to expand or deform into the functional canard shape, providing a simple yet effective deployment mechanism without complex mechanical structures.
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 solution enhances aerodynamic efficiency by minimizing mechanical disruptions, improving reliability, and reducing costs by allowing for smooth adjustments and stowage of control surfaces, optimizing performance across varying flight speeds and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an adaptive actuator including a polymer foam
Implementation Method 2
The shape, size, position, and/or orientation of the adaptive actuator may be adjusted
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for systems having deployable elements according to various aspects of the present invention comprise a system including a deployable surface and an adaptive actuator including a polymer foam. In one embodiment, the system comprises a vehicle including a deployable wing comprising an exterior surface. The exterior surface may be adjusted by adjusting the shape, size, position, and/or orientation of the adaptive actuator.