Abstract: The present invention belongs to the morphing wing, the capability and mobility of the wing to adapt according to the flying conditions. Morphing wings are adaptable wing applications that were emerged in response to the requirements for variable lift and drag forces at different phases of flight. It is a system that allows changing the wing aspect ratio, wing airfoil, airfoil camber ratio, wing reference area, and even the angle of attack in different sections of the wing. The morphing wing features are very attractive technology for UAV. Morphing wing features on UAVs improves payload ratio, reduces take-off distance and landing distance, take-off with limited runway clearance and efficient altitude change at lower engine RPMs, higher cruise speeds, lower stall speeds, and lower drag if necessary, all of which save energy and time. The aspect ratio of the airplane can be changed by varying the morphing angles f1 and f2.The chord wise morphing is used to increase the wing area. The second stage of morphing can be used as a winglet to reduce the parasite drag. 3 Claims and 4 Figures
Description:Field of the Invention
The present invention belongs to the morphing wing, the capability and mobility of the wing to adapt according to the flying conditions. This feature allowing the planes or UAVs have a advanced aerodynamic and fuel efficient leading to increase in its loiter and cruse time. Any type of mission profile can be achieved through it adapting nature which reduces the efforts of having multi planes for multi purposes.
Background of the Invention
Morphing is originated from meta-morphose word. Morphing is defining as the ability of certain wing which can change its geometrical form during flight. Morphing concept is inspired from bird wings that able to change its wing depends on different surrounding. Such wing will enable the aircraft to accommodate multiple flight regimes and obtain better flight performance. Morphing technique has been introduced since Wright Brothers that mainly used for roll control. They implemented the wing warping method to alter the wing twist condition that consequently provides roll control for their aircraft. Morphing is also defined as a set of technology that increases a vehicle performance by manipulating certain characteristics to match the aircraft state to the environment and current mission. Such wing concept has big potential to improvise the aircraft performance for multiple mission flight. Based on previous studies, there are several geometrical parameters that produce morphing wings, each of these morphing concepts has particular influence on of the aircraft's aerodynamics. Our morphing wing is based on the bio-mimicry of the bird's wing with stages delivered based on different configurations of the fight conditions such as take-off, landing, cruise, and also extreme weather conditions. It is both span and cord-wise expanding and contrasting mechanics which match the actual bird feather and wing moment. Morphing is originated from meta-morphose word. Morphing is defining as the ability of certain wing which can change its geometrical form during flight.
Morphing concept is inspired from bird wings that able to change its wing depends on different surrounding. Such wing will enable the aircraft to accommodate multiple flight regimes and obtain better flight performance. Morphing technique has been introduced since Wright Brothers that mainly used for roll control. They implemented the wing warping method to alter the wing twist condition that consequently provides roll control for their aircraft. Morphing is also defined as a set of technology that increases a vehicle performance by manipulating certain characteristics to match the aircraft state to the environment and current mission. Such wing concept has big potential to improvise the aircraft performance for multiple mission flight
Based on previous studies, there are several geometrical parameters that produce morphing wings, each of these morphing concepts has particular influence on of the aircraft's aerodynamics.
This morphing wing is based on the bio-mimicry of the bird's wing with stages delivered based on different configurations of the fight conditions such as take-off, landing, cruise, and also extreme weather conditions. It is both span and cord-wise expanding and contrasting mechanics which match the actual bird feather and wing moment.
Further, the description and comparison of other patents related to the morphing wings are presented. One of those is the patent of Morphing aircraft US8888035B2, it achieves multi-modality location and camouflage for payload emplacement The morphing aircraft includes a substantially cylindrical fuselage including a shape configured as a packaging container with a first end and a second end A set of wings is coupled to the fuselage The set of wings includes a first position where the set of wings is extended outwards from the fuselage and a second position where the set of wings is retracted inwards towards the fuselage A tail is coupled to the second end of the cylindrical fuselage The tail includes a first position where the tail is extended outward from the fuselage and a second position where the tail is retracted inward towards the fuselage A propeller is mounted to the first end of the fuselage An engine is mechanically coupled to the propeller The engine is enclosed within the fuselage and powers the propeller. The morphing wing, WO2013192483A1 for an aircraft wing structure consists of a top surface, a bottom surface, a leading edge, a trailing edge, a tip, and a root ribs. The patent, US7321185B2 provides multi stable twisting devices for morphing. In US8056865B2, the flexible skin is attached to the first side and the second side of the structure.
The model presented here resembles to bio-mimicry and will be using the fundamental natural mechanics of flying and with our understanding and application modern morphing have been obtained by the experimental and analytical studies.
Summary of the Invention
The main goal in developing the morphing wing technology was to create a wing structure that combined both strength and flexibility. This was essential to ensure that the wing could change its shape and configuration easily and without causing any damage to the structure, both when it was stationary and when it was in flight. To achieve this balance of strength and flexibility, we utilized a range of materials and design techniques to create a wing structure that could withstand the various loads and stresses it would experience in flight. By focusing on both the strength and flexibility of the wing structure, we were able to achieve the desired morphing capabilities, giving the aircraft the ability to change its wing shape and configuration to optimize performance in different flight conditions and weather conditions. In conclusion, our main target was to build a wing structure that was both strong and flexible, allowing us to achieve the morphing capabilities we sought while ensuring that the wing could withstand the demands of flight without causing any damage to the structure.
Morphing wing technology refers to the ability of an aircraft's wings to change their shape in flight to improve aerodynamic performance and efficiency. This is achieved through the use of materials such as shape memory alloys, smart materials, or actuators that allow the wings to alter their shape based on various flight conditions. The goal of morphing wing technology is to provide increased maneuverability, better fuel efficiency, and reduced noise during flight.
It is a wing structure that can change shape in flight to optimize its aerodynamic performance. It involves the use of materials and actuators that allow the wing to change its shape and adapt to different flight conditions, improving its efficiency and nimbleness Morphing wings are used in some military and experimental aircraft to enhance their performance, reduce weight and increase stealth capabilities.
Brief Description of Drawings
The invention will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures wherein:
Figure1: Morphing wing assembly
Figure 2: Actuator Assembly
Figure 3: Flow over Morphing wing
Figure 4: Assembled Morphing wing UAV
Detailed Description of the Invention
The morphing wing developed by our team is inspired by the design and functionality of bird wings. The design of the wing is based on the principle of bio-mimicry, where the structure and mechanics of the wing are modeled after the natural movements and features of a bird's wing. The wing is equipped with a system that allows it to change its shape in real-time, adapting to different flight conditions and weather conditions. This includes take-off, landing, cruise, and extreme weather conditions such as turbulence and heavy wind. The morphing wing is capable of both span-wise and chord-wise expansion and contraction, mirroring the way that a bird's feathers and wing move in response to the conditions. This innovative design provides improved efficiency, stability, and control for the aircraft, making it possible to fly in a wider range of conditions with enhanced performance.
This morphing wing technology includes a pre-installed servo mechanism at the junction points of the wing sections. This mechanism allows the wing to extend and contract in response to the commands given by the pilot or by the computer system that is connected to the servo mechanism. The servo mechanism is designed to provide quick and precise control of the wing shape, allowing it to change its configuration in real-time. To ensure that the wing operates as intended, our team conducted a series of structure and flow analyses at different angles and in different wind conditions. These analyses helped to validate the design and optimize the performance of the wing, ensuring that it can handle the demands of various flight conditions and weather conditions. By incorporating the servo mechanism and conducting these analyses, the morphing wing technology delivers enhanced efficiency, stability, and control for the aircraft, making it possible to fly in a wider range of conditions with improved performance.
The wing undergoes a two-stage morphing process, with all stages (1e and 1f) linked to the continuous structure (1a). The extent of morphing in each stage ranges from zero to 180 degrees, as depicted in Figure 1. Second stage morphing (1c) is attached to the actuator assembly (2)and the actuator assembly is connected to the first stage morphing mechanism figure(1).The morphing mechanism (1d) for the second stage is connected to the end of the first stage figure (1).Rib (1a) of the wing carry through structure is assembled to the fuselage (3) of uav.The angle can be changed by using actuator connected to the mechanism figure 1.One end of the actuator (2) is connected to the stage (1c) as shown in the figure(1) The isometric view of the actuator used in the morphing wing is shown in figure2.Morphing wing is attached to the fuselage (3) and empennage (4, 5) also connected to the rear fuselage as shown in the figure(4).The morphing wing provides better aerodynamic efficiency figure(3) compared to the conventional wing structure. The morphing mechanism is used to change the morphing angles at different flight speeds. Morphing wing (1) used to provide stability and control of uav.The mechanism facilitates span wise extension and retraction of the wing in two stages
In the design of our morphing wing technology, we have taken a structural approach that leverages the use of smart and flexible materials for the wing frame and wing box. This choice was made to ensure that the wing can withstand both structural and air loads, while still being able to change its shape and move in response to the commands from the pilot or computer system. To achieve this balance of strength and flexibility, we have utilized carbon fiber to a significant extent in the construction of the wing. The use of carbon fiber provides a high level of tensile strength, allowing the wing to flex and bend as needed while maintaining its structural integrity. Through extensive experimentation, we have confirmed that this material choice enables the wing to meet the demands of the various flight conditions and weather conditions it will encounter. In conclusion, our use of smart flexible materials and the extensive experimentation we have conducted have enabled us to create a morphing wing structure that is both strong and adaptable, delivering improved performance for the aircraft.
To aid in the understanding and further development of the morphing wing technology, a pre-assembled model has been created using 3D printing technology. This model serves as a representation of the wing and its various components, allowing for a better understanding of the design and its functionality. Additionally, this model provides a platform for conducting experimental aerodynamics studies to validate the design and improve the performance of the wing. The 3D printed model provides a clear and quick way to visualize the various components of the morphing wing, allowing for more effective collaboration and communication between team members and stakeholders. This model is an important tool for advancing the development of the morphing wing technology, helping to bring it closer to implementation in practical applications. In conclusion, the 3D printed model provides a valuable resource for understanding and experimenting with the morphing wing, and serves as a crucial step in its development and advancement.
The primary objective of our morphing wing project was to design and build a wing structure that would be strong, yet flexible, so that the wing could change its shape without suffering any damage to its structure, both while stationary and in flight. The goal was to create a wing that could morph in response to the commands from the pilot or computer system, yet still maintain its structural integrity and performance. To achieve this, careful consideration was given to the choice of materials and the design of the wing frame and wing box, ensuring that it would have the necessary strength to withstand the various loads it would encounter in flight, while also being flexible enough to change its shape. Through extensive experimentation and analysis, we have confirmed that our design meets these requirements, delivering a wing that is capable of morphing with ease, while maintaining its structural stability and performance. In conclusion, our main target was to build a morphing wing that could deliver improved performance and efficiency, while also being structurally sound and safe.
3 Claims and 4 Figures , Claims:The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims:
Claims:
1. A MORPHING WING FOR UAV comprising
(a) The Morphing of the wing (1) is done in two stages and all stages(1e,1f) are connected to the carry through structure (1a).The degree of morphing in each stage varies from zero to 1800 figure (1)
(b) The second stage of wing morphing (1c) is affixed to the actuator assembly (2), and this actuator assembly is linked to the first stage morphing mechanism.
(c) The morphing mechanism (1d) for the second stage is linked to the extremity of the initial stage. The rib (1a) of the wing carry through structure is assembled to the fuselage (3) of uav.
(d) The actuator (2) is attached to the stage (1c). The morphing wing is attached to the fuselage (3) and empennage (4, 5) which is connected to the rear fuselage.
2. As per the claim 1, the morphing wing provides better aerodynamic efficiency compared to the conventional wing structure
3. As per the claim1, the wings (1) is used to provide stability and control of UaV and facilitates span extension and retraction of the wing in two stages.
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 202341066779-REQUEST FOR EARLY PUBLICATION(FORM-9) [05-10-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-10-05 |
| 2 | 202341066779-FORM-9 [05-10-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-10-05 |
| 3 | 202341066779-FORM FOR STARTUP [05-10-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-10-05 |
| 4 | 202341066779-FORM FOR SMALL ENTITY(FORM-28) [05-10-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-10-05 |
| 5 | 202341066779-FORM 1 [05-10-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-10-05 |
| 6 | 202341066779-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI(FORM-28) [05-10-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-10-05 |
| 7 | 202341066779-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI [05-10-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-10-05 |
| 8 | 202341066779-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION(S) [05-10-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-10-05 |
| 9 | 202341066779-DRAWINGS [05-10-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-10-05 |
| 10 | 202341066779-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [05-10-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-10-05 |