Wing Connector Actuation for Servo-Free Swappable Wings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft systems require servos on wings or stabilizers for controlling flight control surfaces, which increase weight and complicate wing swapping or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A system that secures wings to an aircraft using a connector and actuator, eliminating the need for servos on the wings by utilizing a mouth-style control horn and spring-loaded pins for easy attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If servos are mounted on wings or stabilizers for controlling flight control surfaces, then control function is achieved, but weight increases and wing swapping becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the actuator from the wing structure and relocates it to the aircraft fuselage. The actuator remains stationary while controlling the flight control surface through a linkage system, eliminating the need for servos mounted on the wings themselves. This reduces wing weight and simplifies wing replacement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a linkage system as an intermediary between the stationary actuator and the flight control surface. This linkage mechanism transmits control forces from the fuselage-mounted actuator to the wing control surfaces without requiring direct motor mounting on the wing, resolving the contradiction between control functionality and wing weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If servos are mounted on each wing for independent control, then independent control capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal actuator design mounted on the fuselage that can control multiple flight control surfaces across different wings. This single actuator position provides independent control capability without requiring separate actuators on each wing, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control system into a stationary actuator portion (on fuselage) and a movable control surface portion (on wing). This segmentation allows the actuator to remain fixed while the control surfaces move independently, achieving independent control capability without duplicating actuators on each wing.
3Reliability
If traditional wing attachment methods are used, then secure connection is achieved, but wing swapping time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features and pre-positioned attachment points in the wing-root connector design. These features guide the wing into proper alignment during installation and enable rapid securement without complex alignment procedures, reducing wing swapping time while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic attachment system with movable locking mechanisms that can quickly transition between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic connector allows for rapid wing attachment and detachment while ensuring secure connection during flight, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and swapping speed.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods including: an assembly configured to maintain a wing on an aircraft, the assembly comprising: a connector configured to removably connect to a first portion of the wing; and an actuator having a mechanism configured to removably engage a second portion of the wing, the second portion of the wing is configured to be moveable; wherein the actuator is configured to control the second portion of the wing.