Simple-Hinged Flap Active Flow Control Lift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-lift slotted flap systems on aircraft are complex, leading to increased drag, fuel consumption, and operating complexity, while simple-hinged flaps provide limited lift capabilities requiring high deflections.
Innovation Solution
Integration of multiple rows of active flow control (AFC) actuators into a simple-hinged flap system, with upstream and downstream AFC actuators positioned relative to airflow, to enhance lift performance and reduce drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional high-lift slotted flap systems are used, then lift capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow control function from the mechanical flap structure by introducing active flow control actuators that generate vortices to enhance lift. This separates the lift enhancement mechanism from the complex slotted flap geometry, allowing a simpler flap structure to achieve high-lift performance through added flow control elements rather than mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic actuators that ingest engine compressor air to generate controlled vortices over the flap surface. This pneumatic approach provides lift enhancement without requiring complex mechanical slotted flap systems, using fluid dynamics rather than mechanical complexity to achieve the desired aerodynamic performance
2Device complexity
If simple-hinged flaps are used, then device complexity is reduced, but lift capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds pneumatic flow control actuators to the simple-hinged flap structure. These actuators use engine compressor air to create vortices that enhance the lift capability of the otherwise simple flap, allowing the system to maintain mechanical simplicity while achieving high-lift performance through pneumatic assistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow parameters over the flap surface by introducing controlled vortices through pneumatic actuators. This modifies the boundary layer characteristics and pressure distribution, enabling the simple-hinged flap to generate significantly higher lift coefficients without changing the basic flap geometry or mechanics
3Force
If high flap deflections are used, then lift capability is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial deflection of the simple-hinged flap combined with active flow control to achieve high lift. Rather than relying on excessive deflection angles that would create high drag, the system uses moderate deflection with added vortex generation to achieve the same lift effect with lower drag penalties
4Force
If complex high-lift flap systems are used, then lift capability is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes use of engine compressor air that would otherwise be waste heat or exhaust, repurposing it for flow control and lift enhancement. This multi-functional use of existing engine resources provides high-lift capability without additional fuel consumption, as the pneumatic actuators draw from the engine's existing air supply rather than requiring separate power sources
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 AFC-assisted simple-hinged flap system achieves high-lift performance comparable to complex flap systems with reduced aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption, offering a simplified construction and improved control efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The upstream AFC actuators are collectively configured to emit a first outlet mass flowrate, and the downstream AFC actuators are collectively configured to emit a second outlet mass flowrate that substantially exceeds the first outlet mass flowrate, such that the first outlet mass flowrate preconditions a boundary layer around the simple-hinged flap when the winged aircraft is in flight
Data Source
AI summary
A simple-hinged flap assembly for a winged aircraft includes a simple-hinged flap having a leading airfoil section pivotably connected to a trailing airfoil section via a hinge, and an active flow control (AFC) actuator assembly. The assembly is connected to or integrally formed with the flap and includes upstream and downstream AFC actuators arranged in respective first and second rows, and collectively configured to provide first and second outlet mass flowrates. The downstream AFC actuators emit the second outlet mass flowrate at a rate that substantially exceeds the first outlet mass flowrate, such that the first outlet mass flowrate preconditions a boundary layer around the simple-hinged flap assembly. A winged aircraft includes a pneumatic power supply, fuselage, a wing connected to the fuselage, and the simple-hinged flap assembly.