Wing Moveable Lift Modifying Portion Gap Elimination

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wing designs with a fixed lift generating portion and a moveable lift modifying portion suffer from aerodynamic inefficiencies due to gaps along the extension direction, which create vortices and reduce overall performance.

Innovation Solution

The wing incorporates a moveable lift modifying portion with propulsion devices that extend to the wing tip, forming an aerodynamic profile, eliminating the gap and enhancing lift generation by modifying the airflow, with features like inclined wing tip edges and smooth transitions to reduce drag and improve aerodynamic performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a moveable lift modifying portion is connected to the fixed lift generating portion, then lift modification capability is improved, but a gap is formed in the extension direction which causes vortices and reduces aerodynamic performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelift modification capabilityVSAvoidvortices from gap
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The propulsion device is configured to extend in the spanwise direction (along the extension direction of the wing) to a position that reaches or exceeds the tip end of the fixed lift generating portion. This dimensional extension eliminates the gap in the spanwise direction, preventing vortex formation while preserving the moveable connection for lift modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the moveable lift modifying portion extends to the wing tip forming an aerodynamic profile, then aerodynamic performance is enhanced and lift is increased, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidmoveable wing tip end portion
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The propulsion device serves multiple functions: it provides thrust for flight, acts as the moveable lift modifying portion, forms the wing tip end portion with aerodynamic profile, and eliminates the gap that would cause vortices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving aerodynamic benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The propulsion device is merged with the moveable lift modifying portion and the wing tip end portion structure. Instead of being separate components, they are integrated into a single unified structure that performs multiple aerodynamic and propulsive functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the moveable wing tip edge portion is inclined with respect to the thrust direction, then planform area is reduced and induced drag is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinduced dragVSAvoidinclined wing tip edge
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The inclination angle of the moveable wing tip edge portion is optimized to balance aerodynamic performance and manufacturing ease. The angle is set to reduce induced drag while remaining within manufacturable ranges, representing an optimized parameter that satisfies both aerodynamic and manufacturing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration enhances aerodynamic performance by eliminating gaps, reducing induced drag, and increasing lift generation, while maintaining stability and efficiency across various flight states.

Implementation Method 1

the moveable wing tip end portion comprises an aerodynamic profile... the aerodynamic profile preferably causes a non-uniform pressure distribution at zero angle of attack between upper and lower side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic profile: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

the aerodynamic profile preferably causes a non-uniform pressure distribution at zero angle of attack between upper and lower side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure distribution: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

the lift distribution can be advantageously modified while reducing the induced drag due to edge circulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduced drag: Drag

Implementation Method 4

the moveable lift modifying portion comprises at least one propulsion device configured to generate a thrust force along a thrust direction for powering the aerial vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThrust force: Jet

Data Source

PatentEP4361026A1wing
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 ARCHER AVIATION INC
  • EP4361026A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4361026A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4361026A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A wing (1) comprises: a fixed lift generating portion (2) extending along an extension direction of the wing (1); a moveable lift modifying portion (3) which is moveably, preferably pivotably, more preferably about a pivot axis (P) along the extension direction of the wing (1), connected to the fixed lift modifying portion (2), wherein the moveable lift modifying portion (3) comprises at least one propulsion device (31) configured to generate a thrust force along a thrust direction for powering the aerial vehicle, preferably a plurality of propulsion devices (31) arranged along the extension direction. In order to enhance the aerodynamic performance, the at least one propulsion device (31) forms a moveable wing tip end portion (4) located at a tip side along the extension direction of the wing (1), the moveable wing tip end portion (4) comprising an aerodynamic profile, which is in particular part of a winglet.