Segmented High-Lift Wing Connecting Assembly for Longer Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wing assemblies with high-lift devices face challenges in providing a mechanically robust and lightweight design that allows for an increased path length of movement between retracted and extended positions, often requiring guiding levers that can lead to metastable positions and increased drag.
Innovation Solution
A wing assembly configuration that connects the high-lift device to a fixed wing portion through a first and second connecting element, where the high-lift device is non-rotatably connected to the second connecting element, allowing for a well-defined trajectory without a guiding lever, and distributes load transfer over two portions, enhancing mechanical robustness and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a guiding lever is used to define the trajectory of the high-lift device, then the trajectory is well-defined, but the path length of movement is limited and metastable positions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting assembly is segmented into a first connecting element and a second connecting element with an intermediate portion. The first connecting element connects to the fixed wing portion, the second connecting element connects to the high-lift device, and the intermediate portion provides a connection point between them. This segmentation allows the high-lift device to achieve a longer movement path (up to 45 degrees) without requiring a guiding lever, eliminating metastable positions while maintaining well-defined trajectory through the coordinated motion of the segmented elements.
2Device complexity
If the high-lift device is connected to the second connecting element at one point, then the structure is simpler, but bending loads are concentrated
Solution Approach 1:
The second connecting element has different functional portions: a first end portion for rotational connection to the first connecting element, an intermediate portion for connection to the first portion of the high-lift device, and a second end portion for connection to the second portion of the high-lift device. This local differentiation allows loads to be distributed across two separate connection points on the high-lift device, reducing concentrated bending loads while maintaining structural simplicity. The intermediate portion specifically serves as a load distribution point without adding overall structural complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the high-lift device is positioned further into the wing to minimize drag, then drag is reduced, but the mechanical robustness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting assembly uses a two-element configuration with an intermediate portion, transforming the movement from a simple single-axis rotation to a more complex multi-dimensional trajectory. This dimensional change in the movement path allows the high-lift device to be positioned further into the wing structure for drag reduction while the coordinated motion of the first and second connecting elements maintains mechanical robustness and well-defined trajectory control throughout the extended range of motion.
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 configuration enables an increased path length for high-lift device movement, up to 45°, minimizes drag, and reduces bending loads, resulting in a mechanically robust and lightweight assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the first connecting element is rotatably connected to the fixed wing portion, the second connecting element is rotatably connected to the second end portion of the first connecting element
Data Source
AI summary
A wing assembly is disclosed having a fixed wing portion, a high-lift device, and a connecting assembly movably connecting the high-lift device to the fixed wing portion, such that the high-lift device is movable between a retracted position and at least one extended position. The connecting assembly includes a first connecting element, which extends from a first end portion, at which the first connecting element is rotatably connected to the fixed wing portion, to a second end portion, and a second connecting element, which extends from a first end portion, at which the second connecting element is rotatably connected to the second end portion of the first connecting element, to a second end portion.