Integrally Ribbed Rogallo Wing for Wind Energy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft wings are too heavy and costly for applications like wind turbines due to their dual skin structure, and traditional Rogallo wings require more maintenance and have a shorter lifespan compared to conventional wings.
Innovation Solution
A Rogallo wing design featuring an aerodynamic sheet with a curved trailing edge and folded edges forming integral ribs, constructed from a single sheet of material like aluminum, which provides strength and durability without internal ribs, and can be used in arrays to form a wind energy extraction apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional aircraft wing with dual skin structure is used, then strength and durability are improved, but weight increases and construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the lower skin from the conventional dual-skin wing structure, retaining only the upper skin as a single-skin configuration. This extraction of the lower skin reduces weight and construction complexity while the upper skin is designed with integrated ribs and curved trailing edge to provide sufficient structural strength for wind turbine applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating structural reinforcement at specific locations rather than throughout the entire wing. The curved trailing edge and integrated ribs are strategically positioned to provide local strength where aerodynamic loads are highest, allowing the rest of the single skin to remain thin and lightweight
2Strength
If a conventional aircraft wing with dual skin structure is used, then strength is improved, but manufacturing cost and construction time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the lower skin and internal rib structure entirely, the patent simplifies the manufacturing process to forming a single skin panel with integrated features. This eliminates the complex assembly operations required for dual-skin wings, reducing both construction time and labor costs while maintaining adequate strength through the single-skin design with curved trailing edge and integrated ribs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the skin and ribs into a single integrated structure. The ribs are formed as integral features of the upper skin itself rather than separate components, eliminating the need for separate rib assembly operations and reducing manufacturing complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If a traditional Rogallo wing with separate ribs is used, then construction simplicity is improved, but maintenance requirements increase and lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ribs with the skin to create an integrated single-skin structure where the ribs are formed as integral features rather than separate components. This eliminates the joints and connections between separate ribs and skin that are prone to failure in traditional Rogallo wings, significantly improving reliability and lifespan while maintaining construction simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating varying thickness and curvature in the single skin to provide localized structural reinforcement where needed. The curved trailing edge and integrated ribs create regions of increased structural strength at critical load points, improving overall reliability without requiring a completely thicker or more complex structure throughout
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 Rogallo wing design offers a lightweight, cost-effective, and low-maintenance solution for wind energy extraction, capable of withstanding strong winds and maintaining structural integrity, while eliminating the need for internal ribs and reducing construction complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A Rogallo wing, comprising an aerodynamic sheet (12) having a leading end (14) and a trailing edge (16). The trailing edge (16) is curved to form a sheet of increasing concavity away from the leading end (14).
Implementation Method 2
At least two folded edges (18, 20) extend between the leading edge (14) and the trailing edge (16) on opposed sides of the aerodynamic sheet (12). The two folded edges (18, 20) act as integral ribs of the Rogallo wing (10).
Data Source
AI summary
There is a Rogallo wing having an aerodynamic sheet having a leading end and a trailing edge. The trailing edge is curved to form a sheet of increasing concavity away from the leading edge. At least two folded edges extend between the leading end and the trailing edge are on opposed sides of the aerodynamic sheet, the two folded edges comprising integral ribs. A wind energy extraction apparatus comprises one or more concentrator wings that react with a flow of wind to induce a drop in static air pressure that is then used to drive one or more impellers and one or more power converters. The one or more concentrator wings are Rogallo wings.