Aircraft Wing Tip Fairing with Actuating Element Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to allocate enough space for movable devices on high aspect ratio wings, especially at the wing tip section, while meeting aerodynamic requirements for efficient aircraft operation, particularly when the wing has a foldable tip section.
Innovation Solution
A wing design featuring a fairing with an opening that connects the exterior and interior, allowing a movable device to be arranged externally while shielding internal components, and a drive mechanism to move the device between retracted and extended positions, with an actuating element extending through the opening to connect the drive mechanism and the movable device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If movable devices are arranged along the entire wing including wing tip section, then lift and flight control are improved, but space allocation becomes insufficient and aerodynamic requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is divided into two sections: a first section arranged in the interior of the fairing and a second section arranged in the exterior of the fairing. This spatial division allows the connecting assembly to extend through the fairing wall, effectively utilizing both internal and external spaces to accommodate the movable device while maintaining aerodynamic fairness.
Solution Approach 2:
The fairing acts as an intermediary structure that shields the drive mechanism and first section of the actuating element from the external environment. The fairing with its opening allows controlled interaction between the internal drive system and the external movable device, resolving the conflict between space constraints and aerodynamic requirements.
2Volume of moving object
If a foldable wing tip section is used, then space efficiency is improved, but the complexity of arranging movable devices and connecting assemblies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is segmented into a first section and a second section, with the first section housed in the fairing interior and the second section extending to the movable device in the fairing exterior. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate foldable wing tip sections while maintaining a manageable connecting assembly structure.
3Ease of operation
If the fairing is designed with an opening for the actuating element, then the movable device can be connected to the drive mechanism, but aerodynamic fairness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The opening in the fairing is strategically positioned and dimensioned to accommodate only the necessary portion of the actuating element (the second section), while the majority of the actuating element (first section) remains shielded within the fairing. This localized opening minimizes disruption to the fairing's overall aerodynamic shape while enabling the required mechanical connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A wing for an aircraft including a wing tip section with an inboard section, a fairing in which an opening connecting an exterior of the fairing and an interior of the fairing is formed and which is mounted to the inboard section of the wing tip section, a movable device arranged in the exterior of the fairing, a connecting assembly movably connecting the movable device to the wing tip section such that the movable device is movable between a retracted position and at least one extended position, and a drive mechanism. The connecting assembly includes an actuating element, which extends through the opening and includes a first section, which is arranged in the interior of the fairing and is drivingly coupled to the drive mechanism, and a second section, which is arranged in the exterior of the fairing and coupled to the movable device.