Aircraft Winglet Cover Plate Integration for Lower Blade Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing winglets with a lower blade are susceptible to accidental impacts, requiring a time-consuming and costly process to replace a separate and distinct structure after removal.
Innovation Solution
A winglet system with an integrally formed cover plate and couplers that remain secured to the winglet system even if the lower blade is removed, eliminating the need for a separate covering structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate and distinct covering structure is installed over the opening after lower blade removal, then the opening is covered, but the process becomes time and labor intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate is integrally formed with the upper blade and lower blade as a single unified structure, eliminating the need for separate installation of covering components. This merging of the cover plate with the blade assembly resolves the technical contradiction by providing opening coverage while eliminating the time-consuming separate installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover plate is pre-integrated with the upper and lower blades during manufacturing, so that the covering function is already in place before the lower blade is ever removed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for post-removal installation work, directly addressing the time and labor issue while ensuring the opening is always covered.
2Reliability
If a separate and distinct covering structure is used, then the opening is covered, but the installation process becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the cover plate with the upper and lower blades into a single manufactured assembly, the patent eliminates the need for separate procurement and installation of covering structures. This reduces overall manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable opening coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover plate serves multiple functions: it covers the opening, remains attached to the upper blade, and is part of the integral assembly with the lower blade. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If the cover plate remains coupled to the upper blade when the lower blade is separated, then the cover plate provides continuous coverage, but the cover plate must be integrally formed with both blades
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate is merged with both the upper blade and lower blade through integral formation, creating a unified structure. This integration ensures continuous coverage reliability while the design manages the structural complexity through purposeful unification of components that work together as a single system.
Data Source
AI summary
A winglet system is configured to be secured to a wing of an aircraft. The winglet system includes an upper blade, a lower blade, and a cover plate integrally formed with the upper blade and the lower blade. The cover plate covers an opening within a transition joint between the upper blade and the lower blade. The cover plate remains coupled to the upper blade if the lower blade is separated from the winglet system.