Swing Wing Tip Device with Receiving Portion for Wingspan Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moveable wing tip devices for large passenger aircraft are complex due to the need for actuation of ancillary components, which complicates the wing structure and increases the risk of fouling between the swing wing tip device and the fixed wing during configuration changes.
Innovation Solution
A simplified wing structure is achieved by incorporating a swing wing tip device with a receiving portion between its upper and lower wing skins, allowing it to pivot rearward without fouling the fixed wing, eliminating the need for movable parts around the trailing edge and using a locking mechanism to secure spars during flight, thus reducing the wing span for ground operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a swing wing tip device is used to reduce wingspan for ground operations, then the aircraft can comply with airport clearance rules, but the wing structure becomes complex due to the need for movable panels and ancillary components
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed wing portion is nested within the receiving portion of the swing wing tip device when swung to the ground configuration. This nesting arrangement allows the swing wing tip to accommodate the fixed wing structure, eliminating the need for movable panels on the fixed wing and simplifying the overall wing structure while maintaining wingspan adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the fixed wing movable to avoid fouling with the swing wing tip, the invention inverts the approach by making the swing wing tip structure accommodate the fixed wing through the receiving portion. This reversal of the traditional approach eliminates the need for complex movable panels on the fixed wing.
2Reliability
If movable panels are added to the fixed wing to prevent fouling with the swing wing tip, then fouling is avoided, but the wing structure and actuation systems become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving portion of the swing wing tip device nests the fixed wing structure during ground operations, providing a built-in mechanism to prevent fouling without requiring additional movable panels or actuation systems on the fixed wing.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing wing tip device's receiving portion automatically accommodates the fixed wing structure when swung to the ground configuration, providing self-service fouling prevention without requiring external actuation systems or additional movable components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the swing wing tip device is swung rearwardly to reduce wingspan, then airport clearance compliance is achieved, but the risk of fouling with the fixed wing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving portion of the swing wing tip device is designed to nest the fixed wing structure when the swing wing tip is in the ground configuration, eliminating the fouling risk that would otherwise occur during rearward swinging for wingspan reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft including a wing 10 having a fixed wing 12 and a swing wing tip device 14 pivotably mounted about a pivot 16 at the tip of the fixed wing, wherein the swing wing tip device 14 is configurable between a flight configuration for use during flight and a ground configuration for use during ground-based operations, where the span of the aircraft wing is reduced. The swing wing tip device 14 includes a receiving portion 48 arranged such that in the ground configuration, portions of the upper wing skin and lower wing skin of the fixed wing which are exposed in the flight configuration are at least partially received within the receiving portion 48 of the swing wing 14.