Compact aircraft wing folding systems and methods
US8387913B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 9, 2011 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An aircraft wing is equipped with asymmetric wing folding hinges to achieve a highly compact folded footprint. One or more of the hinges is advantageously placed at angle with respect to an aircraft centerplane such that the wing tips can fold over the centerplane without touching each other. Preferred aircraft have hinge angles that differ by several degrees such that one wing tip lies in front of the other in a folded configuration. Other asymmetries such as asymmetric hinge placement and asymmetric hinge seam length can be used concomitantly to enhance the compactness of the folded aircraft. Special application to wide span aircraft, high aspect ratio aircraft, and flying wing aircraft is contemplated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.