Aircraft Wing Cover Panel Following Flow Body Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wing systems for aircraft require significant installation space to maintain a smooth aerodynamic surface when movable flow bodies like flaperons change positions, which can disrupt the wing's contour and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A wing system design featuring a movable flow body covered by a cover panel that follows its motion, supported by a lightweight framework structure, allowing for angular and translational adjustments without increasing the wing's installation space, and maintaining a closed contour even in neutral positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vane with a surface that conforms the surface of a flap body is used to maintain a smooth aerodynamic surface, then the aerodynamic characteristics are optimized, but the installation space required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the flow control function into two separate components: the flaperon (flow body) that provides the primary aerodynamic function, and the cover panel that maintains the smooth surface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the flaperon for flow control and the cover panel for surface continuity - without requiring the entire assembly to occupy large space.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover panel is positioned between the main wing body and the flaperon, effectively nesting it within the existing structural space. This nested arrangement allows the cover panel to follow the motion of the flaperon while utilizing the available space efficiently, avoiding the need for additional external installation space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the flaperon is made movable to provide both high lift and aileron functionality, then the versatility of the wing system is improved, but the complexity of the support structure and linkages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flaperon is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it acts as a high lift flap when deflected downward and as an aileron when deflected upward. The support structure and linkages are designed to accommodate both functions through a single pivot joint, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each function and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using separate control surfaces for high lift and aileron functions, the invention inverts the conventional approach by making the single flaperon movable in both directions. This inversion allows one component to replace multiple components, simplifying the support structure while achieving dual functionality.
3Reliability
If the cover panel follows the motion of the flow body to maintain a closed wing contour, then the aerodynamic performance is enhanced, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover panel acts as an intermediary element between the main wing body and the flaperon. It is movably coupled to the main wing body and swivably coupled to the first link, allowing it to follow the motion of the flaperon and maintain a smooth aerodynamic surface without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover panel is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to move and follow the contour changes caused by flaperon deflection. This dynamic adaptation maintains aerodynamic efficiency across different flight conditions without requiring complex active control systems, as the cover panel's motion is passively driven by the flaperon's movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A wing system (2) for an aircraft includes a movable flow body (6) and a cover panel (8), wherein the flow body (6) and the cover panel (8) both are movably supported on a main wing body (4). While the flow body (6) is actively driven into upwards or downwards deflected positions, the cover panel (8) is coupled with the flow body (6) to follow its motion. The cover panel covers a part of the flow body (6) and the main wing body (4) in order to provide a substantially continuous, closed outer contour.