Self-contained traction wing with inflatable tip batten
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-contained wings with inflatable leading edges face challenges in maintaining tension and control of the trailing edge due to lack of rigidity, leading to performance degradation, especially with larger surface areas, as the wing tip batten bends under wind pressure, causing loss of lift and power.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an additional transverse batten between the central batten and the wing tip, closer to the wing tip than the central batten, which is also inflatable, to create a positive trailing edge and redirect tension, thereby maintaining wing shape and increasing surface area without increasing span or width, and using a common inflation system for all inflatable tubes for ease of deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the wing uses an inflatable leading edge without rigid supports, then the weight is reduced and storage is facilitated, but the trailing edge tension is lost and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wing structure is divided into multiple inflatable segments: the leading edge tube, central batten tube, and tip batten tubes. This segmentation allows each part to independently maintain its shape and tension, preventing the trailing edge from losing tension while keeping the overall structure lightweight and flexible for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses curved or arched inflatable structures (tubes and battens) instead of straight rigid elements. The inflatable tubes naturally form curved shapes that provide structural strength while maintaining flexibility. This curvature distributes stress more effectively and maintains the wing's aerodynamic profile without requiring heavy rigid supports.
2Area of moving object
If the wing increases surface area for more power, then lift and propulsion improve, but the wing tip batten bends under wind pressure causing loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The wing is divided into multiple inflatable segments including leading edge tubes, central batten tubes, and tip batten tubes. This segmentation allows each section to independently maintain its structural integrity and tension, preventing the wing tip from bending excessively even when the overall surface area is large. Each segment acts as an independent structural unit that resists deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines flexible inflatable material with internal air pressure to create a composite structural system. The inflatable tubes provide both flexibility for storage and structural rigidity when inflated, creating a composite effect that maintains wing shape stability across large surface areas without the weight penalty of fully rigid construction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wing uses manual gripping handles for control, then mechanical connection is avoided, but constant physical force is required to maintain grip and control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a harness as an intermediary element between the user and the wing. The harness connects to the wing at specific attachment points, serving as a mediator that transfers control forces without requiring the user to maintain constant manual grip. This allows the user to control the wing while reducing direct physical strain on the arms and hands.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing design includes self-adjusting features where the inflatable structure automatically maintains its shape and tension through internal air pressure. The wing essentially serves itself by maintaining its aerodynamic profile and structural integrity without constant user intervention, reducing the physical effort required to maintain control.
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 design effectively maintains trailing edge tension, increases surface area and lift, improves control and stability, and allows comfortable navigation without constant arm lift, while reducing weight and drag, especially beneficial for large-area wings.
Implementation Method 1
a structure with a sail defined by a leading edge formed by an inflatable tube
Implementation Method 2
a fabric surface arranged in the form of a wing or a sail which, interacting with the wind, allows a user whose feet rest on a board to move via the force of the wind
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained traction wing which is intended to be used in combination with a gliding device capable of interacting with the feet of a user, is controlled by the user via manual gripping mechanism placed on the wing, and has a structure having a sail defined by a leading edge formed by an inflatable tube, and a trailing edge, the structure being symmetrical in relation to a central batten. The half wings located on either side of the central batten, each comprise at least one additional transverse batten between the central batten and the end of the wing. The additional transverse batten is closer to the end of the wing than to the central batten and comprises an inflatable tube structure, having a length provided to create a positive trailing edge.