Movable Wing Panel for Leakage Flow Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The air passages through apertures in aircraft wing skins lead to undesirable flow characteristics due to leakage flow from the high pressure lower wing surface to the low pressure upper wing surface, affecting aerodynamic efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of movable panels, such as sliding and hinged panels, that can occlude the apertures and accommodate the movement of slat tracks and anti-icing ducts, guided by tracks and biased to resist movement, to reduce leakage flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If apertures are provided in the wing skin for movable tracks and ducts, then the aerodynamic device can move and be supplied with hot air, but leakage flow occurs from the high pressure lower wing surface to the low pressure upper wing surface causing undesirable flow characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is divided into two functional zones: an inner aperture region that remains occluded by the panel to prevent leakage flow, and an outer region that accommodates the movable track and duct. This segmentation allows the aperture to serve both sealing and movement accommodation functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to accommodate the movement of the aerodynamic device while maintaining occlusion of the aperture. The panel can move with the track while still blocking the leakage path.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a fixed panel occludes the aperture, then leakage flow is reduced, but the movable track and duct cannot move through the aperture
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to accommodate the movement of the aerodynamic device while maintaining occlusion of the aperture. The panel can move with the track while still blocking the leakage path.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel has different functional regions: a primary occlusion surface that blocks the aperture to prevent leakage, and a secondary region with guides and interfaces that allow selective movement and accommodation of the track and duct components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the panel is made movable to accommodate track movement, then both leakage reduction and movement accommodation are achieved, but the device complexity increases with guides and biasing members
Solution Approach 1:
The panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it occludes the aperture to prevent leakage, guides the movement of the track, provides biasing force to maintain sealing contact, and interfaces with the movable aerodynamic device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding function and biasing function are merged into the panel structure itself through integrated guides and biasing members, rather than being separate components. The panel structure incorporates these features to reduce overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for improving flow characteristics around aircraft wings by obstructing air flow through an aperture formed in a wing skin for a movable duct or track are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a substantially rigid panel movable at least partially across the aperture for at least partially occluding the aperture and for accommodating movement of a slat track extending through the aperture. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hinged panel configured to swing outwardly from an outer side of the wing skin toward an open position to accommodate movement of an anti-icing duct extending through the aperture and to swing toward a closed position at least partially occluding the aperture.