Wing Fold Controller for Dynamic Wingspan Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft designs face challenges in reducing fuel burn per seat-mile and accommodating longer wingspans, which are more efficient but often exceed taxiway and gate spacing limitations, necessitating a method to control wingspan dynamically for improved fuel efficiency and operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A wing fold system controlled by a wing fold controller that automatically transitions wingtips between flight and folded positions based on aircraft status and environmental conditions, allowing for reduced wingspan during ground operations while maintaining efficiency during flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the wingspan is extended to improve fuel efficiency, then fuel burn per seat-mile is reduced, but the aircraft cannot accommodate taxiway spacing and gate location limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The wingtip is designed to be movable between extended and folded positions, allowing the wingspan to dynamically adapt to different operational conditions. During flight, the wingtip extends to maximize fuel efficiency, while during ground operations, it folds to accommodate airport infrastructure limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing is divided into a fixed portion and a movable wingtip portion. This segmentation allows the main wing structure to remain fixed while the wingtip can be independently folded or extended, providing flexibility without compromising the overall wing structure.
2Use of energy by moving object
If winglets are added to improve fuel efficiency without increasing wingspan, then fuel burn is reduced, but the efficiency gain is less than that provided by extending wingspan
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding static winglets, the patent implements a dynamic wingtip folding mechanism that provides greater efficiency improvements. The movable wingtip can fully extend to maximize aspect ratio and fuel efficiency, surpassing the benefits of fixed winglets while maintaining a cleaner overall wing design.
3Ease of operation
If the wingtip folding system is fully automated to reduce crew workload, then operational simplicity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wingtip folding system is designed to automatically sense aircraft status (ground or flight mode) and autonomously transition the wingtip to the appropriate position. The system monitors its own state through sensors and actuates the folding mechanism without requiring manual intervention, effectively serving itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor aircraft status and wingtip position, providing feedback to the controller. This feedback loop enables the system to make real-time decisions about when to fold or extend the wingtip, ensuring safe and appropriate operation in different flight conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Illustrative embodiments may provide for an apparatus and method of controlling the folding of a wing. The apparatus may include a sensor, an actuator, and a wing fold controller. The method may include receiving a status of at least one of an aircraft and a wing fold system of the aircraft by the wing fold controller of the wing fold system. The method may also include receiving an automated command by the wing fold controller in response to receiving the status. The method may also include operating the wing fold system by the wing fold controller based on the automated command and the status. The method may also include transitioning a wingtip of a wing of the aircraft to one of a flight position and a folded position by an actuator of the wing fold system in response to commands from the wing fold controller.