Rotatable Wing Extensions for Aircraft Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft wing extensions increase the wingspan and efficiency during flight but result in a larger storage footprint when not in use, limiting the number of aircraft that can be stored in spatially constrained facilities.
Innovation Solution
The development of rotatable wing extensions that can fold inboard to reduce the wingspan when not in use, utilizing a hinge assembly with a revolute joint and a lockable pin actuator to transition between flight and stow positions, allowing the wing extensions to fold over or under the pylon assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed wing extensions are mounted outboard of the pylons to increase wingspan, then flight efficiency and range are improved, but the storage footprint of the aircraft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wing extension is made dynamically configurable through a rotatable joint that allows it to transition between an extended flight position and a retracted stow position. This dynamic capability enables the wing extension to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, providing increased wingspan during flight while minimizing storage footprint when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing extension is designed as a separable component that can be independently rotated relative to the pylon assembly. This segmentation allows the wing extension to be decoupled from the fixed wing structure, enabling it to be positioned in different configurations (extended or retracted) without affecting the integrity of the main wing structure.
2Area of stationary object
If wing extensions are made rotatable to reduce storage footprint, then storage capacity is improved, but the structural complexity and reliability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable wing extension system is divided into distinct functional components: the wing extension itself, the rotatable joint mechanism, and the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed, analyzed, and maintained, reducing the overall system complexity despite the added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and secure the wing extension in its extended flight position through mechanical self-locking features. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex active control systems and continuous monitoring, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Area of stationary object
If the wing extension folds over the pylon assembly in the stow position, then storage footprint is reduced, but the risk of interference with pylon operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates preliminary locking actions that secure the wing extension in its extended position before pylon operations commence. This preliminary action prevents the wing extension from inadvertently moving into positions that would interfere with pylon operations, thereby eliminating the harmful interference while maintaining the space-saving folded configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable joint acts as an intermediary mechanism between the wing extension and the pylon assembly. This intermediary provides controlled movement and positioning capabilities, allowing the wing extension to be precisely positioned in the folded configuration without interfering with pylon operations, while still achieving reduced storage footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
A propulsion and lift system for an aircraft includes a wing having an outboard end and a pylon assembly coupled to the outboard end of the wing. The propulsion and lift system also includes a wing extension rotatably coupled to the outboard end of the pylon assembly. The wing extension is rotatable between a flight position in a flight mode and a stow position in a storage mode. The wing extension folds inboard in the stow position, thereby reducing a wingspan of the aircraft in the storage mode.