Spring-Biased Shutter Mechanism for Wing Deployment Openings

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Solution Overview

Problem

The deployment of wings from airborne bodies, such as precision armaments, often results in exposed openings that detract from the aerodynamic performance by creating dynamic gaps during wing deployment and convergence, which hampers the achievement of optimal cruising capacity and extended gliding ranges.

Innovation Solution

A shutter mechanism using flap assemblies biased by springs that cover the wing deployment openings, moving angularly to conform to the fuselage outline and track varying opening lengths, thereby minimizing aerodynamic disruption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If wings are deployed from the airborne body, then lift force is improved for extended range, but openings are exposed that deteriorate aerodynamic performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelift forceVSAvoidaerodynamic performance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A shutter mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the deployed wings and the external environment. The shutter covers the openings created by wing deployment, mediating between the need for wing exposure (for lift) and the need to maintain aerodynamic performance (by covering openings). This resolves the contradiction by introducing a third element that allows both conditions to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If wings are folded into the airborne body, then compact packaging is achieved, but aerodynamic performance is compromised during deployment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging volumeVSAvoidaerodynamic drag
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter mechanism serves as a mediator that allows the system to transition between compact packaging and aerodynamic flight states. When wings are folded, the shutter maintains the streamlined外形; when wings deploy, the shutter covers the openings to minimize drag. This enables the system to achieve both compact volume and acceptable aerodynamic performance at different operational phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 shutter mechanism effectively reduces the negative impact on aerodynamic performance by minimizing exposed openings during wing deployment and convergence, enhancing the overall aerodynamic efficiency and stability of airborne bodies.

Implementation Method 1

the flap component of the flap assembly is biased by at least one spring, to an angular motion around an axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3010798B1Shutter mechanism for covering a wing deployment opening
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 RAFAEL ADVANCED DEFENSE SYST LTD
  • EP3010798B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3010798B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3010798B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A shutter mechanism for covering a wing's spreading opening formed in an airborne body and a method for covering such opening while implementing the shutter mechanism, wherein the shutter comprises at least one flap assembly, and wherein from the instant that a deployed wing of the airborne body passed and moved over it, it is biased by traction of at least one springy element to an angular motion around an axis, unto a condition where the flap component of the assembly is positioned so that it is substantially conformal to the outline of the outer surface of the fuselage of the airborne body and while it covers the opening through which the wing passed in its motion; and from an instant that the wing returned and connected to the flap component of the assembly, the flap is biased to an angular motion counter the spring, to the state that the wing returns and is relocated on its top surface.