Variable Camber Segmented Control Surface for Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control surface designs face challenges in achieving increased control authority at slower speeds without incurring excessive drag at higher speeds, often requiring complex flap systems that are mechanically and electrically complex, costly, and prone to mechanical failure.
Innovation Solution
A variable camber segmented control surface system utilizing a single degree of freedom rotary actuation shaft to adjust the camber of airfoils or hydrofoils, comprising hingeably connected segments that allow for bi-directional camber variation, minimizing the need for secondary actuators and maintaining minimal drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the size of the control surface is increased to provide more control authority at slower speeds, then control authority is improved, but drag is increased at higher speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The control surface employs variable camber capability through a single rotary actuator that changes the curvature of the airfoil sections. This dynamic shape change allows the control surface to provide increased control authority at slow speeds by increasing camber, while maintaining minimal drag at high speeds by reducing camber, thus resolving the contradiction between control authority and drag across different speed regimes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the control surface by varying the camber of individual airfoil sections through rotary actuation. By adjusting the camber parameter dynamically, the system achieves high control authority when needed without permanently increasing the control surface area, thereby avoiding continuous drag penalties at high speeds
2Reliability
If conventional flap systems are used to vary control surfaces, then control authority is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The control surface is divided into multiple independent airfoil sections, each capable of varying its camber independently through individual rotary actuators. This segmentation allows complex control surface behavior to be achieved through simple, identical modular units, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high control authority
Solution Approach 2:
Each airfoil section serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, generates aerodynamic force, and can independently vary its camber for control. The single rotary actuator mechanism performs multiple functions including actuating the airfoil section, defining the camber geometry, and serving as a pivot point, thereby reducing the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A variable camber wing for mounting to a vehicle chassis has an actuator shaft and a static pin extending from the chassis. The wing's nose segment defines a proximal edge and a distal edge and has a channel therethrough between the proximal and distal edges, an arcuate aperture therethrough aft of the channel, and a second aperture therethrough aft of the arcuate aperture. The wing has a first linkage defining a clevis on a proximal end and hingeably connected to the nose segment. The clevis can rotatably engage with the static pin extending through the arcuate aperture. A second linkage defines a second clevis on a proximal end and a distal edge. The second linkage is configured to hingeably connect to the first linkage.