Aircraft Wing Overlap Measurement Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Measuring the overlap between the rear edge of an aircraft wing and the front edge of a landing flap in wind tunnel tests is time-consuming and expensive due to the need for separate manual measurements and subsequent calculations for various positions and angles.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that directly measure the overlap by positioning sensors on the aircraft wing and landing flap to determine the difference in their positions relative to the longitudinal axis, eliminating the need for separate measurements and reducing errors through a digital calliper display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If separate manual measurements are used to determine positions XA and XB, then measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but measurement time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate measurement operations (measuring position XA of the rear edge and position XB of the front edge) into a single integrated measurement process. The measuring device simultaneously captures both positions and directly calculates the overlap O/L = XB - XA, eliminating the need for separate manual measurements and subsequent calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital measuring device as an intermediary between the physical components (wing and landing flap) and the measurement data. This device includes sensors or markers that detect positions and a calculation unit that computes the overlap, serving as a mediator that automates the measurement process and reduces manual intervention.
2Reliability
If multiple measurements are taken for all possible overlaps and positions, then complete data coverage is achieved, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measuring device provides direct digital readout of the overlap value. The calculation unit processes the measured positions XA and XB and immediately displays the computed overlap O/L, allowing for real-time verification and adjustment without requiring multiple repetitive measurements for validation.
3Ease of operation
If manual measurement and separate calculation are used, then equipment cost is low, but the process requires significant time and human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is designed to be self-sufficient by integrating both measurement and calculation functions within a single system. The device automatically computes the overlap O/L from the measured positions without requiring external calculation or manual data processing, making the system self-service and reducing the need for human intervention in the measurement process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a measuring device for measuring and displaying the overlap between a rear edge of an aircraft wing and a front edge of a landing flap fixed thereto. In accordance with the invention, only the difference in the positions of the rear edge of the aircraft wing and the front edge of the landing flap relative to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft is determined. For this purpose, a first sensor is positioned, as a reference of sorts, at one of the two positions, for example at the rear edge of the aircraft wing, and the display is then reset to zero or to another reference value. By positioning the second sensor, which is also rigidly connected to the calliper, at the other respective position, for example at the front edge of the landing flap, the difference between the front edge of the landing flap relative to the rear edge of the aircraft wing is established. This value, which directly indicates the overlap value, can now be read directly from the display of the calliper.