Dynamic adjustment of wing surfaces for variable camber

US8447445B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Dan Onu · Redmond, US
• John D. Winter · Houston, US
• Candy L. Carr · Everett, US
• Paul M. Vijgen · Everett, US
• Gary A. Emch · Arlington, US
• Michael E. Renzelmann · Woodinville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 18, 2009
• Grant date: May 21, 2013
• Expiry date: Mar 4, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T50/40
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The movable surfaces affecting the camber of a wing are dynamically adjusted to optimize wing camber for optimum lift/drag ratios under changing conditions during a given flight phase. In a preferred embodiment, an add-on dynamic adjustment control module provides command signals for optimum positioning of trailing edge movable surfaces, i.e., inboard flaps, outboard flaps, ailerons, and flaperons, which are used in place of the predetermined positions of the standard flight control system. The dynamic adjustment control module utilizes inputs of changing aircraft conditions such as altitude, Mach number, weight, center of gravity (CG), vertical speed and flight phase. The dynamic adjustment control module's commands for repositioning the movable surfaces of the wing are transmitted through the standard flight control system to actuators for moving the flight control surfaces.