Aircraft Wing Plasma Actuator Airflow Control

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wing structures with movable wings require additional mechanisms for extending and controlling airflow, which increase the weight and complexity of aircraft, as they need both actuators for steering angles and mechanisms for forming slots between stationary and movable wings.

Innovation Solution

A wing structure incorporating a stationary wing, a movable wing with a constant slot, and at least one plasma actuator to control airflow through the slot, eliminating the need for an extending mechanism by using DBD-PAs to manage airflow and reduce weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If movable wings are used to control airflow, then airflow control capability is improved, but weight and device complexity increase due to requiring both steering actuators and extending mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow control capabilityVSAvoidweight of wing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical extending mechanism with a plasma actuator system. Instead of using motors, linkages, and mechanical components to extend and retract the movable wing, the invention uses plasma actuators to directly manipulate airflow through the slot, achieving the same airflow control function without the mechanical extending mechanism, thereby reducing weight and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the extending mechanism from the traditional movable wing system. By separating the airflow control function from the mechanical extension function, the invention eliminates the need for the extending mechanism while maintaining airflow control capability through plasma actuators alone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If movable wings are used to control airflow, then airflow control capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring both actuators for steering angles and mechanisms for forming slots

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow control capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of wing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical extending mechanism with a plasma actuator system. Instead of using motors, linkages, and mechanical components to extend and retract the movable wing, the invention uses plasma actuators to directly manipulate airflow through the slot, achieving the same airflow control function without the mechanical extending mechanism, thereby reducing weight and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The plasma actuator serves multiple functions: it controls airflow through the slot, replaces the extending mechanism, and works in conjunction with the steering actuator to provide comprehensive airflow control. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Weight of moving object

If plasma actuators are used to control airflow through the slot, then weight is reduced by eliminating the extending mechanism, but new technology complexity is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of wing structureVSAvoidcomplexity of plasma actuator system

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical extending mechanism with a plasma actuator system. Instead of using motors, linkages, and mechanical components to extend and retract the movable wing, the invention uses plasma actuators to directly manipulate airflow through the slot, achieving the same airflow control function without the mechanical extending mechanism, thereby reducing weight and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reduces the weight of the wing structure and aircraft by eliminating the need for an extending mechanism, improves airflow control, and enhances the efficiency of movable wings by using plasma actuators to manage airflow effectively.

Implementation Method 1

A practical application for a plasma actuator mounted on an aircraft wing is DBD-PA, which uses dielectric barrier discharges (DBD) to shape air flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric barrier discharge: Plasma

Data Source

PatentUS11208201B2Wing structure for an aircraft including plasma actuators for controlling air flow through a slot, and method of controlling the same

Publication Date: 2021.12.28 SUBARU CORP

AI summary

A wing structure for an aircraft includes a stationary wing, a movable wing and at least one plasma actuator. The movable wing is configured to have a slot between the movable wing and the stationary wing. The at least one plasma actuator is configured to control air flow through the slot.