Folding wing for aircraft

US8876039B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Stark Aerospace, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Jacob G. Lubenow · Seattle, US
• Andrew S. McComas · Tumwater, US
• Jeremy A. Zanzig · Woodland, US
• Jeffrey Gerhart · Kent, US
• Alan R. Klug · Seattle, US
• Jonathan Clark · San Francisco, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 2, 2012
• Grant date: Nov 4, 2014
• Expiry date: Oct 18, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64U20/65
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A folding wing for an aircraft comprises first and second inboard wing sections, and first and second outboard wing sections. The first and second inboard wing sections rotate about a centerline hinge, and a centerline spring applies force to the first and second inboard wing sections to rotate the first and second inboard wing sections from a stowed position to a deployed position. At least one of the first and second inboard wing sections translates along the axis of rotation of the first and second inboard wing sections as they move from the stowed to the deployed positions. The first and second outboard wing sections rotate between the stowed and the deployed positions about first and second outboard hinges.