Split Divergent Winglet Layout for Drag Reduction and Light Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft winglets do not effectively reduce induced drag while minimizing light interference from anticollision lights, which can distract flight crew and increase drag with shielding.
Innovation Solution
A tandem split divergent winglet design featuring a forward sail and an aft sail with staggered, divergent cant angles and orientations, where the forward sail blocks light from reaching the cockpit and enhances aerodynamic performance by reducing induced drag through non-linear wake interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional winglet designs are used, then induced drag is reduced, but light interference from anticollision lights reaches the cockpit causing distraction to flight crew
Solution Approach 1:
The winglet is divided into two separate sails (forward sail and aft sail) with different cant angles. The forward sail is canted at a first angle and the aft sail is canted at a second angle, creating distinct aerodynamic surfaces that work together to reduce induced drag while the forward sail positioned at a lower angle blocks light from reaching the cockpit
Solution Approach 2:
The two sails are configured with asymmetric cant angles relative to the wing chord line. The forward sail has a first cant angle and the aft sail has a second cant angle, creating an asymmetric arrangement that optimizes both aerodynamic performance for drag reduction and light blocking functionality
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding structures are added to block light, then light interference is prevented, but drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The forward sail serves dual functions: it acts as an aerodynamic surface contributing to lift generation and simultaneously functions as a light-blocking barrier. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate shielding structures, preventing light interference without additional drag penalty
Solution Approach 2:
The light-blocking function is merged with the aerodynamic surface (forward sail) rather than being implemented as a separate shielding structure. The forward sail's specific cant angle and positioning allow it to perform both aerodynamic and light-blocking roles simultaneously
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 winglet design improves lift-to-drag ratio and maximum lift capability while preventing light interference with the flight crew, enhancing safety and performance without adding drag from traditional shielding.
Implementation Method 1
the forward sail includes a geometry and an orientation configured to block light emitted from the integrated light from reaching a cockpit window of the aircraft
Implementation Method 2
enhances aerodynamic performance by reducing induced drag through non-linear wake interactions
Data Source
AI summary
A tandem split divergent winglet for an aircraft includes a forward sail extending from an outboard end of a wing of the aircraft having a cant angle in a first direction, and an aft sail extending partially from the forward sail and partially from the outboard end of the wing. The aft sail has a cant angle in a second direction opposite the first direction. For aircraft having a low wing, the forward sail includes an upwards cant angle and the aft sail includes a downwards cant angle. For aircraft having a high wing, the forward sail includes a downwards cant angle, and the aft sail includes an upwards cant angle. Light emitted from an integrated light formed within the aft sail is blocked from reaching a cockpit window of the aircraft by the forward sail.