Tandem Split Divergent Winglet for Induced-Drag Reduction and Light Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft winglets either compromise aerodynamic performance or fail to effectively shield anticollision lights from distracting flight crew, often requiring additional shielding that increases drag.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a tandem split divergent winglet with a forward sail and an aft sail, positioned in a staggered configuration to enhance aerodynamic interaction and block light from reaching the flight crew, thereby improving lift-to-drag ratio and reducing induced drag.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional winglet designs are used, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but anticollision lights still distract flight crew requiring additional shielding that increases drag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidlight interference to flight crew

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The winglet is divided into two separate sails (forward sail and aft sail) positioned in a staggered configuration. This segmentation allows each sail to be optimized independently - the forward sail blocks light while the aft sail maintains aerodynamic efficiency, resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic performance and light interference shielding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-plane winglet design to a three-dimensional staggered configuration where the forward and aft sails are positioned at different longitudinal locations. This dimensional arrangement creates effective light blocking while preserving aerodynamic performance through optimized positioning and interaction between the two sails.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If additional shielding is added to block light, then flight crew safety is improved, but drag increases and aerodynamic performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight interference to flight crewVSAvoidaerodynamic performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The forward sail serves multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks anticollision lights from reaching the flight crew, and it contributes to aerodynamic performance through its interaction with the aft sail. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate shielding structures that would increase drag.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the winglet into two sails with specific positioning, the invention achieves light blocking without requiring additional drag-inducing shielding structures. The staggered configuration allows the forward sail to perform the light-blocking function while the aft sail maintains aerodynamic efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a single sail winglet is used, then structure is simple, but aerodynamic interaction is insufficient and induced drag is higher

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewinglet structureVSAvoidinduced drag

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The winglet is segmented into two sails positioned in a staggered configuration, creating effective aerodynamic interaction between the sails. This segmentation reduces induced drag through improved vortex interaction while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through the use of two integrated sail components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The forward and aft sails are merged into a single integrated winglet assembly that works together to reduce induced drag. The combination of the two sails creates synergistic aerodynamic effects that are greater than a single sail could achieve alone, while the sails are positioned to minimize overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 tandem split divergent winglet design enhances aerodynamic performance by reducing induced drag and improves flight crew safety by blocking light interference without adding drag-inducing shielding.

Implementation Method 1

a tandem split divergent winglet for aircraft includes: a forward sail extending upwards from an outboard end of a wing of the aircraft... and an aft sail extending downwards from the outboard end of the wing... wherein the aft sail emanates partially from the forward sail and partially from the outboard end of the wing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic interaction: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentUS12434818B2Tandem split divergent winglet

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC

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.