Rotatable Wing Arrangement for Independent Bank-to-Turn Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air vehicle designs lack efficient mechanisms for independently controlling wing rotation relative to the body during flight, which limits maneuverability and stability, particularly in executing turn maneuvers without affecting the vehicle's roll orientation.
Innovation Solution
An air vehicle with a rotatably mounted wing arrangement and a distinct actuation mechanism that allows for controlled rotation about the longitudinal axis, independent of the direction control system, using a sleeve and aerodynamic elements like ailerons or a drive mechanism to induce rolling moments and generate lift forces for maneuvering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wing arrangement is fixed to the body, then the structure is simple and stable, but the vehicle cannot execute bank-to-turn maneuvers independently of body roll
Solution Approach 1:
The wing arrangement is segmented from the body through the introduction of a rotatable mounting mechanism. The wings are mounted on a rotating platform that can independently rotate relative to the body, allowing the wing orientation to be changed without rotating the entire vehicle body. This segmentation enables independent control of wing bank angle from body roll angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing mounting structure is made dynamic by introducing a rotatable joint or platform between the wings and the body. This allows the wing arrangement to change its orientation dynamically during flight, enabling bank-to-turn maneuvers where the wings can be banked independently of the body's roll orientation. The dynamic mounting mechanism includes rotational degrees of freedom that permit independent wing rotation.
2Measurement precision
If the direction control arrangement controls both body orientation and wing position, then the control system is simple, but the vehicle cannot perform precise bank-to-turn maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into separate control loops: one for body orientation control and another for wing rotation control. This allows independent adjustment of body roll and wing bank angle, enabling precise control of bank-to-turn maneuvers. The segmented control architecture permits different control surfaces and actuators to be optimized for their specific functions.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary control mechanism is introduced between the direction control arrangement and the wing arrangement. This intermediary consists of the rotatable mounting platform and its associated actuation system, which mediates between body orientation commands and wing position commands. The intermediary allows decoupling of body roll control from wing bank control, enabling precise independent adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If the wing arrangement rotates with the body during turn maneuvers, then the control mechanism is simple, but the vehicle experiences unwanted roll orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is segmented into independent rotational components: the body can roll independently while the wing arrangement rotates independently on its mounting platform. This segmentation allows the body to maintain a stable roll orientation while the wings execute the necessary bank angle changes for turn maneuvers. The independent rotational degrees of freedom prevent unwanted coupling between body roll and wing bank.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable mounting platform acts as an intermediary that isolates the body from direct wing rotation effects. When the wings need to bank for a turn, they rotate on the platform without forcing the body to roll. The intermediary mechanism absorbs the rotational differences, allowing the body to maintain its original roll orientation while the wings achieve the required bank angle for maneuvering.
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
Enables fast, efficient, and controllable bank-to-turn maneuvers with minimal roll orientation change of the vehicle body, enhancing maneuverability and allowing for precise homing missions.
Implementation Method 1
using a sleeve and aerodynamic elements like ailerons or a drive mechanism to induce rolling moments and generate lift forces for maneuvering
Implementation Method 2
induce rolling moments and generate lift forces for maneuvering
Data Source
AI summary
An air vehicle is provided, including a body having a longitudinal axis, a wing arrangement rotatably mounted to the body with respect to the longitudinal axis, a direction control arrangement for controlling the direction of motion of the body, and an actuation mechanism operable for selectively and controllably rotating the wing arrangement with respect to the body through at least a desired first angular displacement about the longitudinal axis. Methods for operating air vehicles are also provided.