Aircraft Wing Plug Layout for Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mixed drive systems for aircraft, such as those combining reciprocating and jet engines, are not readily adaptable for commercial passenger aircraft, and hybrid-electric propulsion systems offer efficiency benefits but require innovative configurations to be effectively implemented.
Innovation Solution
Aircraft wings are modified with a plug portion to accommodate a distributed hybrid-electric propulsion system, where the combustion powerplant is positioned inboard and the electric powerplant is positioned outboard, with batteries and fuel tanks also positioned accordingly, resulting in a longer wingspan and reduced horsepower requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hybrid powertrain system is integrated into an existing aircraft, then fuel efficiency and operational flexibility are improved, but structural complexity and integration challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wing is divided into multiple segments including a first wing portion, a plug portion, and a second wing portion. This segmentation allows the hybrid powertrain system to be integrated in a modular fashion, with each segment designed and tested independently before assembly, thereby managing structural complexity while achieving operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides aerodynamic lift, houses the hybrid powertrain system, and incorporates a removable plug portion for maintenance and reconfiguration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures, thereby managing overall system complexity while enhancing versatility.
2Ease of repair
If a removable plug portion is incorporated into the wing, then maintenance access and system reconfiguration are improved, but structural integrity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wing is segmented into removable portions including a plug portion that can be detached from the main wing structure. This segmentation provides direct access to internal components for maintenance while allowing the plug to be manufactured and tested separately, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug portion is designed to nest within the wing structure when installed, creating a compact integrated appearance. When removed, it provides access to internal components. This nesting approach maintains structural integrity during operation while enabling easy maintenance access, and allows the plug to be manufactured as a separate, simpler component.
3Weight of moving object
If outboard positioning of powerplants is implemented, then weight distribution and aerodynamic efficiency are improved, but structural support requirements and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wing is divided into segments that can independently support powerplant installations at outboard positions. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for its specific load requirements, and enables modular manufacturing where each segment can be produced and tested separately before final assembly, thereby reducing overall manufacturing difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing structure incorporates localized reinforcement and specialized support structures at the outboard positions where powerplants are mounted. This local quality approach provides the necessary structural support exactly where needed without requiring increased complexity throughout the entire wing structure, thereby facilitating easier manufacturing while achieving optimal weight distribution.
Data Source
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AI summary
The aircraft includes a fuselage and at least one wing extending from the fuselage. The wing includes first and second original portions and a plug portion positioned between the first and second original portions. A propulsion system is positioned on the at least one wing. The propulsion system includes at least one electric powerplant and at least one combustion powerplant. Each powerplant delivers power to a respective air mover for propelling the aircraft. The electric powerplant and/or the combustion powerplant is positioned outboard from the plug portion. A method for retrofitting an aircraft includes segmenting a wing of an aircraft into two original portions, positioning a plug portion between the two original portions, and connecting the plug portion to one of the two original portions, the first nacelle and/or the second nacelle.