Rotatable Winglets for Rotary Aircraft Speed-Hover Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary wing aircraft face a trade-off between hover capability and high-speed flight, as fixed wings reduce vertical-lift capacity when hovering but are necessary for increased speed, leading to a significant download force that compromises airlift capacity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of rotatably affixed winglets on wing pylons, which are passively or actively biased to rotate upward during high-speed flight, reducing download forces and maintaining aerodynamic benefit while minimizing interference with hover operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If fixed wings are installed on rotary wing aircraft, then high-speed flight capability is improved, but hover capability deteriorates due to download force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the wings rotatable rather than fixed. The wings can actively rotate between a horizontal position during high-speed flight to generate lift and a vertical position during hover to minimize download force. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the aircraft to adapt its wing orientation based on flight regime, resolving the contradiction between high-speed capability and hover performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the wings from fixed to variable. By actively rotating the wings through 90 degrees or more, the aerodynamic parameters (lift and drag coefficients) change dramatically between flight regimes. This parameter change allows the wings to provide aerodynamic benefit during cruise while minimizing interference during hover operations
2Productivity
If fixed wings are used to provide aerodynamic lift, then productivity is improved, but airlift capacity deteriorates due to reduced vertical-lift capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable wing mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of wing orientation to match flight requirements. During high-speed flight, wings are positioned horizontally to maximize aerodynamic lift and productivity. During hover, wings rotate vertically to minimize download force, preserving vertical-lift capacity and airlift capacity. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between productivity and airlift capacity
3Adaptability or versatility
If rotatable winglets are implemented, then adaptability is improved for different flight regimes, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by using active rotation mechanisms that allow the wings to adapt their orientation based on flight regime. This provides high adaptability for different operational requirements (hover, transition, cruise). The active control system monitors flight conditions and automatically adjusts wing orientation, achieving versatility while managing complexity through automated control rather than manual intervention
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
This solution enhances aerodynamic lift during high-speed flight while minimizing the impact on hover capability, allowing rotary aircraft to maintain effective airlift capacity and support various operational requirements.
Implementation Method 1
first and second flight assist wings passively rotatably coupled to the aircraft body
Implementation Method 2
first and second flight assist wings passively rotatably coupled to the aircraft body
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment includes a rotary aircraft, including: a main drive rotor; an aircraft body mechanically coupled to the main drive rotor; and first and second flight assist wings passively rotatably coupled to the aircraft body.