Wingtip Device Light Integration via Winglet Intersection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft lights mounted on the trailing edge of wings can generate significant drag due to insufficient space for recessing and the use of aerodynamic fairings, which may not effectively reduce drag in this region.
Innovation Solution
Positioning the aircraft light at the intersection of the upwardly and downwardly extending winglets, where airflow is already turbulent, allows for reduced drag by shielding the light from airflow and integrating it within the existing structure, with the light housed within a void formed by the winglet intersection and covered by an aerodynamic fairing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the aircraft light is mounted on top of the outer surface of the aircraft with an aerodynamic fairing, then the light can be positioned in regions with insufficient internal space, but the bulge generates significant localized drag
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft light is nested within the void space created by the intersection of the upwardly extending winglet and downwardly extending winglet. The light housing is positioned within this naturally occurring cavity, allowing the light to be integrated into the wingtip device without requiring additional external fairings that would generate drag.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the aircraft light is recessed into the leading edge of the wing, then drag is reduced, but there is insufficient space available in the trailing edge region to recess the light
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to recess the light in the traditional lateral direction at the trailing edge, the solution utilizes the vertical dimension by extending winglets upward and downward. This creates a three-dimensional void space at the wingtip that accommodates the light without requiring lateral recessing, effectively moving the problem from a two-dimensional constraint to a three-dimensional solution.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the downwardly extending winglet is designed to offset span decrease during flight, then aerodynamic efficiency is maintained, but the join region becomes more complex for light integration
Solution Approach 1:
The join region between the upwardly and downwardly extending winglets serves multiple functions: it provides structural connection for the aerodynamic efficiency, creates the void space for light integration, and establishes the mounting location for the aircraft light. By making the join region multi-functional, the design avoids adding separate structures that would increase complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wingtip device (1) comprising an upwardly extending winglet (2) and a downwardly extending winglet (4) is disclosed. The downwardly extending winglet (4) is connected to the upwardly extending winglet (2) at a join (6). An aircraft light (10) is located at the join (6) between the upwardly extending winglet (2) and the downwardly extending winglet (4).