Removable Winglet Coupling to Missile Launcher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Military aircraft face challenges in improving fuel efficiency and range during non-combat missions, as existing winglet solutions either compromise missile launcher functionality or require permanent modifications to the aircraft.
Innovation Solution
Removable winglets configured to couple with missile launchers, featuring an airfoil and couplers that match missile couplers, allowing for quick attachment and detachment, thereby adapting the aircraft for non-combat missions without affecting missile launch capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If permanent winglet modifications are made to the aircraft wings, then fuel efficiency is improved, but aircraft adaptability for different mission types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The winglet is designed to be removable and reconfigurable, allowing the aircraft to dynamically adapt between combat and non-combat configurations. The coupler system enables quick attachment and detachment of winglets based on mission requirements, transforming a static modification into a dynamic, mission-specific solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The winglet system is segmented into separate components (winglet body, couplers, mounting interface) that can be independently attached or detached. This segmentation allows the aircraft to have winglets only when needed for fuel efficiency during non-combat missions, while maintaining full combat capability when winglets are removed.
2Ease of manufacture
If missile launchers are permanently modified to accommodate winglets, then winglet integration is simplified, but missile launcher functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The missile launcher coupling interface is designed with multi-functionality to serve both missile retention and winglet attachment purposes. The same coupling mechanism that secures missiles during combat missions is universally used to attach winglets during non-combat missions, eliminating the need for separate modification systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling interface dynamically switches between two functional states: securing missiles during combat missions and attaching winglets during non-combat missions. This dynamic versatility allows the missile launcher to adapt its function based on mission type without permanent modifications that would compromise either capability.
3Loss of energy
If winglets are permanently attached to wings, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but operational flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The winglet attachment system transitions from static permanent attachment to dynamic removable attachment. During non-combat missions, winglets are attached to reduce vortex drag and improve aerodynamic efficiency. During combat missions, winglets are removed to restore full operational flexibility and missile launch capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the attachment state parameter of the winglet from fixed to variable. By controlling whether the couplers are engaged or disengaged, the aircraft can change aerodynamic parameters (drag reduction) and operational parameters (missile launch capability) based on mission requirements.
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 solution significantly increases aircraft range by up to 30% and reduces fuel consumption, while maintaining the ability to launch missiles from designated stations, by reducing vortex drag without permanent modification to the wings.
Implementation Method 1
The winglet includes an airfoil that reduces vortex drag
Data Source
AI summary
A winglet is configured to be removably coupled to a missile launcher that is secured to a wing of an aircraft. The winglet includes an airfoil, and one or more couplers configured to removably couple to a coupling interface of the missile launcher.