Wing Tip Device Airflow Channel for Actuator Load Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft with movable wing tip devices face challenges in efficiently transitioning from a load-alleviating configuration back to a flight configuration, often requiring large and heavy actuators to counteract significant aerodynamic loads.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an airflow channel between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing tip device, which can be configured to open or close, utilizing aerodynamic forces to urge the wing tip device back into the flight configuration, potentially eliminating the need for an actuator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a large actuator is used to move the wing tip device from load-alleviating configuration back to flight configuration, then the wing tip device can be returned to flight configuration, but the actuator becomes larger and heavier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to return wing tip device to flight configurationVSAvoidactuator weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses aerodynamic forces generated by the wing itself during flight to counteract the weight and load of the wing tip device, enabling it to return to the flight configuration without requiring a heavy actuator. The airflow over the wing creates lift and pressure differential that naturally pushes the wing tip device back into position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The wing structure serves its own function of returning the wing tip device to flight configuration by utilizing the aerodynamic forces generated during normal flight operations. The system is self-actuating through aerodynamic loading rather than requiring an external powered actuator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to return wing tip device to flight configurationVSAvoidactuator volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The aerodynamic forces generated during flight serve as a counterbalancing mechanism that eliminates the need for a space-consuming actuator. The wing's aerodynamic profile creates sufficient force to return the wing tip device to its flight configuration position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The wing structure utilizes its own aerodynamic characteristics to perform the function of returning the wing tip device, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms and associated space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Weight of moving object

If aerodynamic forces are used to urge the wing tip device towards flight configuration, then actuator load capacity and weight are reduced, but the channel must be precisely configured to control airflow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator weightVSAvoidchannel configuration precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the aerodynamic parameters of the wing by incorporating an airflow channel that can be configured to control the flow of air over the wing surface. This channel configuration changes the pressure distribution and aerodynamic forces acting on the wing tip device, enabling it to return to flight configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by incorporating an airflow channel that directs air flow to generate aerodynamic forces. The channel is configured to create pressure differential and airflow patterns that exert force on the wing tip device to move it toward the flight configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 solution reduces the load capacity required for actuators, enabling weight and space savings by leveraging aerodynamic forces to efficiently return the wing tip device to the flight configuration, while maintaining stability and reducing flutter risks.

Implementation Method 1

when the wing tip device is in the load-alleviating configuration and the channel is in the open state, the aerodynamic loading on the wing tip device in flight urges the wing tip device towards the flight configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic loading: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentUS11358708B2Apparatus, aircraft and method for moving a wing tip device away from a load-alleviating configuration

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 AIRBUS OPERATIONS LTD

AI summary

An aircraft (1) including a fixed wing (7) and a wing tip device (9) moveably mounted thereon. The wing tip device (9) is movable from a load-alleviating configuration to a flight configuration. The wing tip device includes an airflow channel (88) extending between respective apertures (83, 84) on the upper surface and lower surface of the wing tip device. The channel (88) is configurable between an open state in which air can flow through the channel and a closed state in which the airflow through the channel (88), via the apertures (83, 84), is blocked. The channel (88) is configured such that when the wing tip device (9) is in the load-alleviating configuration and the channel (88) is in the open state, the aerodynamic loading on the wing tip device in flight urges the wing tip device towards the flight configuration.