Integrally Ribbed Rogallo Wing for Wind Turbines

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional aircraft wings are too heavy and costly for applications like wind turbines, and traditional Rogallo wings require more maintenance and have a shorter lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A wind energy extraction apparatus using Rogallo wings with a single sheet of material, folded edges acting as integral ribs, supported by cables, and integrated into a wind turbine design to create a strong, lightweight, and inexpensive structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a conventional aircraft wing with two skins is used, then strength and durability are improved, but weight increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewing strengthVSAvoidwing weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a single thin-walled skin structure instead of conventional two-skin construction. The thin skin is reinforced through geometric design (curved leading edge, tapered trailing edge) and support elements (ribs, cables) to achieve adequate strength while minimizing weight. This flexible shell approach allows the wing to maintain structural integrity under aerodynamic loads without the mass penalty of dual skins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction combining a thin skin with supporting ribs and cable systems. The skin itself may be constructed from composite materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, while the integrated rib and cable structure creates a composite framework that distributes loads efficiently, achieving both strength and weight reduction goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a conventional aircraft wing with two skins is used, then strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewing strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The wing is divided into modular components including the skin, ribs, and cable support systems. These segmented elements can be manufactured separately and assembled more easily than a monolithic two-skin structure, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining overall strength through the integrated support framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single thin-walled skin simplifies manufacturing compared to two-skin construction by eliminating the need to manufacture, align, and join two separate skin panels. The thin skin can be formed more easily and integrated with the rib and cable support system in a streamlined manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If a traditional Rogallo wing with conical single sail-fabric is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but maintenance requirements increase and lifespan decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidwing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a thin-walled skin structure that maintains the manufacturing simplicity of single-sail Rogallo wings while improving durability. The enhanced design incorporates support ribs and cable systems that reinforce the thin skin, preventing the degradation and maintenance issues associated with traditional fabric-based Rogallo wings while preserving ease of construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

By combining the thin skin with a supportive rib and cable framework, the patent creates a composite structure that exceeds the reliability of traditional Rogallo wings. This composite approach allows the use of durable materials in the support structure that protect and reinforce the skin, extending lifespan and reducing maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Weight of moving object

If a single skin Rogallo wing design is used, then weight and manufacturing cost are reduced, but structural strength and durability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewing weightVSAvoidwing strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The thin-walled skin provides weight reduction while the integrated rib and cable support system compensates for the reduced inherent strength of a single thin layer. The support structure creates a framework that distributes aerodynamic loads, allowing the thin skin to function effectively at reduced weight without sacrificing structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The composite construction of thin skin combined with reinforced ribs and cables creates a structure where the weak elements (thin skin) are compensated by strong supporting elements. This composite approach achieves the weight benefits of single-skin design while attaining the strength requirements through the integrated support framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 provides a durable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective solution for wind energy extraction, capable of withstanding strong winds while maintaining structural integrity and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an aerodynamic sheet (12) which has a leading end (14) and a trailing edge (16)... The two folded edges (18, 20) act as integral ribs of the Rogallo wing (10)... to increase the intake area of the generator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic lift: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

The two folded edges (18, 20) act as integral ribs of the Rogallo wing (10)... The increasing concavity between the leading edge (14) and the trailing edge (16) also imparts significant strength to the wing panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStructural reinforcement through geometry: Geometry

Implementation Method 3

The Rogallo wing (10) may be supported by a leading edge cable (32) and a trailing edge cable (30)... The cables are tensioned, a full wing is created

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 4

a flow of wind reacts with the one or more concentrator wings (42) to induce a drop in static air pressure that is then used to drive one or more impellors (44) and one or more power converters (72)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind power: Wind Power

Implementation Method 5

a spar assembly that extends longitudinally to the blades and which is adjustably mounted to the rings of the support ring assemblies. The spar assembly has a passage through which fluid upstream of the rotor blades can be injected into a diffuser section of the turbine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffuser effect: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP2310262B1Integrally ribbed rogallo wing array

Publication Date: 2018.03.14 SLINGSHOT WIND ENERGY SYST

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

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 impellors and one or more power converters. The one or more concentrator wings are Rogallo wings.