Aircraft Wing Tip Arresting System with Curved Hooks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arresting systems for foldable wing tip portions on aircraft lack precision and simplicity in engaging and disengaging, leading to potential instability and increased complexity in operation.
Innovation Solution
A C-shaped or U-shaped hook system with pivotally mounted leg portions and recesses, allowing for precise engagement and disengagement between the foldable wing tip portion and the fixed wing, featuring a curved contact surface for maximum friction and smooth operation, along with guiding structures for secure clamping and a locking device to prevent unintended release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch bolt engaging a corresponding bore is used to arrest the foldable wing tip portion, then the arresting device can secure the wing tip in the extended position, but the engagement lacks precision and may lead to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved contact surfaces on the hooks instead of point or line contacts. The first and second hooks feature curved outer surfaces that create continuous contact areas when engaged, providing precise positioning and stable arrestment of the foldable wing tip portion relative to the fixed wing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple engagement features into a unified hook system. The C-shaped or U-shaped hooks integrate the arresting function, positioning precision, and stability into a single engagement mechanism, where the curved surfaces of both hooks work together to achieve precise and reliable arrestment.
2Reliability
If existing arresting devices are used, then the foldable wing tip portion can be secured, but the engagement and disengagement processes are complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable hooks that can pivot between engaged and disengaged states. The first hook is pivotally mounted to the foldable wing tip portion and the second hook to the fixed wing, allowing dynamic engagement and disengagement through simple rotational motion rather than complex mechanical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a bolt that must be inserted into a bore, the patent inverts the concept by using hooks that can be quickly brought into engagement. The engagement is achieved by moving the hooks into contact with each other, and disengagement is achieved by separating them, simplifying the operation to basic relative motion.
3Reliability
If existing arresting devices are used, then the foldable wing tip portion can be secured, but the device structure becomes unnecessarily complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the arresting system into two separate but complementary components: a first hook attached to the foldable wing tip portion and a second hook attached to the fixed wing. Each hook is a simple C-shaped or U-shaped structure, and their combination provides the complete arresting function without requiring complex integrated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved contact surfaces of the hooks are designed to automatically provide friction and normal forces for stable engagement. The geometry of the hooks themselves creates the necessary mechanical interlocking and friction-based stability without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex fastening systems.
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
Enables precise and quick arrestment of the foldable wing tip portion relative to the fixed wing, providing a strong and stiff connection while minimizing the risk of disengagement under load, thus enhancing operational stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second hooks may have a curved outer surface such that the engaged first and second hooks have a circular or oval contour, when viewed in a cross section across the first and/or second hinge axes
Data Source
AI summary
A wing for an aircraft is disclosed having a fixed wing, and a foldable wing tip portion mounted to the fixed wing via a tip hinge rotatable about a tip hinge axis between an extended position and a folded position. An arresting device is provided that allows to arrest the foldable wing tip portion with respect to the fixed wing in a very precise position and at the same time can be engaged in a simple and quick manner, is achieved in that the wing includes an arresting system including a first hook mounted to the foldable wing tip portion and a second hook mounted to the fixed wing, wherein the first hook and the second hook are configured to be moved relative to one another between an arrested position, where the first and second hooks are engaged and relative movement of the first and second aircraft components is inhibited, and a release position, where the first and second hooks are disengaged and relative movement of the first and second aircraft components is allowed.