Tethered-Wing Traction System Windsock Folding Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tethered-wing traction systems face inefficiencies and uncertainties during deployment and refolding, particularly in stabilizing the traction wing before flight, which can lead to loss of trajectory or lift.
Innovation Solution
A process and system that includes a windsock folding step, where the leading edge is retained at a specific height on the stowing mast, and the trailing edge is reclosed, forming an air inlet that stabilizes the kite and allows for controlled inflation, using a control unit to manage folding and closure lines for dynamic stabilization and power provision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the traction wing is deployed directly without windsock folding, then the deployment process is shorter, but the stability and reliability of the traction wing before flight is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The windsock folding step is performed as a preliminary action before the main flight deployment. The leading edge is folded into a windsock configuration and retained at a specific height on the stowing mast, creating a stable, air-filled structure that ensures reliable inflation and trajectory control before the traction wing is fully deployed for flight.
2Force
If the leading edge is retained at a higher height on the stowing mast, then the traction wing can generate more lift, but the stability during the folding process is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The leading edge is first folded into a windsock configuration and retained at a specific height on the stowing mast before full deployment. This preliminary positioning at a controlled height provides structural stability during the folding process while still allowing the air-filled windsock to generate sufficient lift for subsequent flight operations.
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
This approach ensures stable and efficient deployment by preventing deflation and uncertainty, allowing the traction wing to maintain lift and trajectory during flight, and enables automated deployment without risk.
Implementation Method 1
the traction wing thus folded in the form of a windsock to act as a pocket which can be filled with air
Implementation Method 2
the leading edge forms an air inlet, whereas the trailing edge is closed sufficiently for the traction wing thus folded in the form of a windsock to act as a pocket which can be filled with air. This geometric configuration, which can advantageously be controlled dynamically by acting jointly on the guide line, on the folding lines and the closure lines, makes it possible to stabilize the traction wing
Data Source
AI summary
A process for deployment of a tethered-wing traction system, including a step of flight of a traction wing (5) relative to a stowing mast (4), and including, before the flight step, a step of windsock folding of the traction wing (5), wherein: the median area (15) of the leading edge (16) is retained relative to the stowing mast (4) at a first height on the stowing mast (4); the lateral portions (19) of the leading edge (16) are retained relative to the stowing mast (4) at a second height at least on the stowing mast (4), which is lower than the first height, the leading edge (16) forming a windsock air inlet with a circular opening; the leading edge (16) forming a windsock air inlet with a circular opening; the trailing edge (17) is reclosed by bringing the lateral portions (19) of the trailing edge (17) towards one another.