Rotatable Wing Tip Joint Dual Hinge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotatable wing tips in aircraft create adverse aerodynamic effects due to exposed hinge mechanisms or creasing of flexible skins when rotated, especially at supersonic speeds.
Innovation Solution
A wing tip joint that rotates about two offset, substantially parallel hinge lines, using a linking member and actuators to maintain a large radius of curvature for the flexible skin, reducing creases and wrinkles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a flexible skin is used to cover the hinge mechanism when the wing tip is rotated, then the hinge mechanism is covered, but the flexible skin creases and wrinkles around the hinge mechanism creating adverse aerodynamic effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single hinge line to two offset parallel hinge lines, adding a dimensional element to the rotation mechanism. This dual-hinge configuration changes the geometry of skin deformation, maintaining a larger radius of curvature and reducing creases by distributing the rotational movement across two axes rather than one
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the hinge mechanism by introducing offset parallel hinge lines at different positions. This parameter modification alters the kinematics of the wing tip rotation, resulting in reduced skin curvature changes and fewer creases during rotation
2Device complexity
If the hinge mechanism is exposed when the wing tip is rotated, then the structure is simpler, but the exposed hinge mechanism creates adverse aerodynamic effects
Solution Approach 1:
By adding the offset parallel hinge line configuration, the patent resolves the aerodynamic problem without significantly increasing mechanical complexity. The dual-hinge system maintains structural simplicity while eliminating the need for complex flexible skin accommodations
3Device complexity
If the wing tip is rotated about a single hinge line, then the mechanism is simpler, but the flexible skin creases and wrinkles creating adverse aerodynamic effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a second hinge line offset from the first, transforming the rotation from a single-axis to a two-axis system. This dimensional addition redistributes the rotational kinematics, maintaining smoother skin geometry without requiring complex additional mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A joint for coupling a wing tip to a wing base includes a linking member that extends from a first end to a second end. The linking member first end is coupleable to the wing base, and the linking member second end is coupleable to the wing tip. The linking member defines first second hinge lines that are substantially parallel. The joint also includes at least one actuator. A first end of each at least one actuator is coupled to the linking member, and a second end of each at least one actuator is coupleable to one of the wing base and the wing tip. The at least one actuator is operable to rotate the wing tip about the first and second hinge lines between a first orientation and a second orientation relative to the wing base.