Tiltrotor Wing Pivot Stow Ring for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tiltrotor aircraft occupy a large footprint when not in use, necessitating an improved storage mode to reduce their footprint during storage on aircraft carriers or other confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A wing pivot apparatus that includes a stow ring rotatably mounted to the fuselage, with forward and aft wing attach assemblies and connecting assemblies that are selectively securable to fore-aft beams, and an actuator to reversibly rotate the wing between flight and stowed orientations, allowing the wing to be parallel to the fuselage in storage mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the wing is kept in a fixed position perpendicular to the fuselage, then the aircraft maintains flight capability, but the aircraft occupies a large footprint during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The wing is made dynamically reconfigurable through a pivot apparatus that allows it to rotate between a flight orientation (perpendicular to fuselage) and a stowed orientation (parallel to fuselage). This dynamic positioning system resolves the contradiction by enabling the wing to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, minimizing footprint during storage while maintaining flight capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing structure is divided into multiple segments with independent attachment points (forward and aft wing attach assemblies) that can be selectively secured to the fuselage at different positions. This segmentation allows the wing to be reconfigured from a fixed perpendicular position during flight to a parallel stowed position during storage, resolving the footprint versus adaptability contradiction.
2Area of stationary object
If the wing is rotated to reduce footprint, then storage efficiency improves, but the structural complexity of the wing support system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wing pivot apparatus merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the stow ring provides both the rotational pivot point and structural support, while the forward and aft connecting assemblies work together as a coordinated system to enable wing rotation and locking. This merging reduces overall complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The stow ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the rotational pivot for the wing, provides structural support during both flight and stowed configurations, and includes locking mechanisms to secure the wing in different positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing structural complexity while enabling footprint reduction.
3Reliability
If multiple connecting assemblies are used to rotate the wing, then the wing can be secured in flight orientation, but the number of components and potential failure points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assemblies are pre-positioned on the fuselage at specific locations corresponding to the flight orientation. Before the wing needs to be secured, these locking mechanisms are already in place and ready to engage with the connecting assemblies, ensuring reliable securing without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting assemblies are designed to automatically engage with the lock assemblies when the wing is rotated to the flight orientation. The gravitational force and structural geometry cause the connecting assemblies to naturally align and lock into place, reducing the need for additional actuators or complex control systems while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A wing pivot apparatus for rotating a wing between a flight orientation and a stowed orientation relative to a fuselage of a tiltrotor aircraft. The apparatus includes a stow ring that is rotatably mounted to the fuselage. Forward and aft wing attach assemblies are coupled respectively to forward and aft spars of the wing and are coupled to the stow ring. Forward and aft connecting assemblies are coupled respectively between the forward and aft wing attach assemblies and the stow ring and are selectively securable respectively to first and second fore-aft beams of the fuselage. A plurality of lock assemblies selectively secures the connecting assemblies to the fore-aft beams of the fuselage when the wing is in the flight orientation. An actuator coupled to the fuselage is operable to reversibly rotate the wing between the flight orientation and the stowed orientation.