Two-Element Wing Connecting Assembly for Longer High-Lift Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wing assemblies face challenges in providing a mechanically robust and lightweight design that allows for an increased path length of high-lift devices between retracted and extended positions, often resulting in limited maximum angles and potential metastable positions.
Innovation Solution
A wing assembly configuration featuring a first and second connecting element, with the high-lift device connected to intermediate portions of the second connecting element, and a subassembly guiding the second connecting element, eliminating the need for a guiding lever, allowing for increased path length and defined trajectory without metastable positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional connecting assembly with a single connecting element is used, then the structure is simple, but the path length of the high-lift device is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into multiple segments (first connecting element with first and second end portions, second connecting element with first, second end portions and intermediate portion). This segmentation allows the high-lift device to traverse a longer path while maintaining structural manageability and avoiding excessive complexity in the overall assembly.
2Ease of operation
If the maximum angle of the high-lift device is increased, then the lift performance is improved, but the risk of metastable positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting assembly is designed with multiple rotatable connections that enable continuous, smooth motion of the high-lift device through its range of movement. The mechanism ensures that the device can reliably achieve maximum angles (e.g., 40-45 degrees) without getting trapped in metastable positions, as the rotational joints maintain dynamic control throughout the motion path.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the high-lift device is positioned further into the wing component, then drag is minimized, but the mechanical robustness becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting assembly utilizes multi-dimensional rotational movements at various joints to position the high-lift device further into the wing component when retracted. This dimensional approach allows the device to achieve a more streamlined position for drag reduction while the distributed rotational mechanisms maintain mechanical robustness and control.
4Manufacturing precision
If a guiding lever is added to define the trajectory, then the path is well-defined, but the weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting assembly defines the trajectory of the high-lift device through the inherent geometry and rotational constraints of its own components (first and second connecting elements with their respective joints), rather than requiring a separate guiding lever. This self-defining mechanism reduces weight while maintaining precise trajectory 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
The configuration enhances mechanical robustness and reduces weight by distributing loads, enabling higher maximum angles and minimizing drag, particularly in retracted positions, while maintaining a well-defined trajectory.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting assembly comprises a first connecting element, which extends from a first end portion, at which the first connecting element is rotatably connected to the fixed wing portion, to a second end portion, and a second connecting element, which extends from a first end portion, at which the second connecting element is rotatably connected to the second end portion of the first connecting element, to a second end portion.
Implementation Method 2
The wing assembly further comprises a subassembly, which is attached to the fixed wing portion and to the second connecting element and which guides the second connecting element such that for each position of the first connecting element a position of the second connecting element is predefined.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wing assembly (5) comprising a fixed wing portion (7), a high-lift device (9), and a connecting assembly (11) movably connecting the high-lift device (9) to the fixed wing portion (7), such that the high-lift device (9) is movable between a retracted position and at least one extended position, wherein the connecting assembly (11) comprises a first connecting element (13), which extends from a first end portion (17), at which the first connecting element (13) is rotatably connected to the fixed wing portion (7), to a second end portion (19), and a second connecting element (15), which extends from a first end portion (21), at which the second connecting element (15) is rotatably connected to the second end portion (19) of the first connecting element (13), to a second end portion (25), wherein the second connecting element (15) comprises an intermediate portion (23), which is arranged between the first end portion (21) of the second connecting element (15) and the second end portion (25) of the second connecting element (15), and wherein a first portion (27) of the high-lift device (9) is connected to the intermediate portion (23) of the second connecting element (15) and a second portion (29) of the high-lift device (9) is connected to the second end portion (25) of the second connecting element (15). The invention further relates to a wing (3) and an aircraft (1).