Wing Leading Edge Slat Gap and Suction System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft wing leading edge slats transition from laminar to turbulent boundary layers due to disruptions caused by their edges, leading to inefficiencies in airflow management at low speeds.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an upper and lower surface gap between the leading edge slat and the main wing part, with a suction system connected to these gaps to maintain laminar airflow by removing air near the edges, and optionally using teeth or castellated shapes to ensure alignment and prevent gap closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the leading edge slat is positioned in the retracted position alongside the main part, then the wing structure is compact and streamlined, but the edges of the slat disrupt the boundary layer and cause transition from laminar to turbulent flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful effect by creating gaps between the slat edges and the main part surfaces, separating the slat from the continuous surface that causes boundary layer disruption. This allows the slat to be retracted without directly contacting the main part surfaces, thereby eliminating the harmful edge effects while maintaining aerodynamic shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements including gaps and suction channels between the slat and main part. These intermediaries act as mediators that prevent direct contact and disruption of the boundary layer, while still allowing the slat to function aerodynamically when retracted.
2Productivity
If the leading edge slat is deployed to increase angle of attack, then low speed performance is improved, but the complexity of the movable structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the slat structure into distinct components with independent gaps on upper and lower surfaces, allowing the slat to move independently while maintaining aerodynamic effectiveness. This segmentation enables the slat to be deployed for low speed performance without increasing overall structural complexity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If gaps are created between the slat and main part, then boundary layer disruption is prevented, but additional components such as suction channels and seals are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components: the gaps serve both to prevent boundary layer disruption and to define suction channels; the seals simultaneously close off gaps and maintain pressure differentials. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving the desired aerodynamic benefits.
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
Prevents the transition from laminar to turbulent boundary layers, reducing airflow disruptions and maintaining efficient airflow by suctioning air near the edges, thereby enhancing wing performance at low speeds.
Implementation Method 1
the wing has an upper surface channel downstream of the upper surface gap and a lower surface channel downstream of the lower surface gap, and in that the wing comprises a suction system connected to each channel and arranged to suck the air contained in the channel
Data Source
AI summary
A wing comprising a fixed main part and a leading edge slat with upper and lower surface rear edges. The wing main part has an upper surface wall, which extends downstream and in alignment with the upper surface rear edge, and a lower surface wall, which extends downstream and in alignment with the lower surface rear edge. The wing has an upper surface gap between the end of the upper surface rear edge and the end of the upper surface wall and a lower surface gap between the end of the lower surface rear edge and the end of the lower surface wall. The wing has an upper surface channel downstream of the upper surface gap and a lower surface channel downstream of the lower surface gap. The wing comprises a suction system connected to each channel and arranged to suck the air contained in the channel.