Swing tip assembly rotation joint

A rotation joint and methods for rotationally coupling a swing tip assembly to a fluid-dynamic body are presented. A rotation plate configured to couple to the swing tip assembly comprises a slide ring comprising an open center, an upper slide surface, an inner slide surface, and a lower slide surface. An upper joint plate is slidably coupled to the upper slide surface and the inner slide surface is configured to couple the fluid-dynamic body. A lower joint plate is slidably coupled to the lower slide surface and the inner slide surface, and is coupled to the upper joint plate through the open center. The lower joint plate is configured to couple to the fluid-dynamic body.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to fluid-dynamic design. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to design of variable-sweep fluid-dynamic bodies.

BACKGROUND

Wing span limitations of commercial aircraft may be driven by airport gate and taxiway size restrictions. Lengthened wing spans may be used to increase performance of aircraft such as lift-to-drag related efficiency performance. Increasing aircraft wing span to increase aircraft performance may conflict with airport gate and taxiway size restrictions. For example, airport gate and taxiways built for one generation of aircraft may be too small for later generations of aircraft built with longer wing spans. The airport restrictions may prevent aircraft having larger wing spans for flying more efficiently from being utilized at airports with such airport restrictions.

SUMMARY

A rotation joint and methods for rotationally coupling a swing tip assembly to a fluid-dynamic body are presented. A rotation plate that can be coupled to the swing tip assembly comprises a slide ring comprising an open center, an upper slide surface, an inner slide surface, and a lower slide surface. An upper joint plate is slidably coupled to the upper slide surface and the inner slide surface and can be coupled the fluid-dynamic body. A lower joint plate is slidably coupled to the lower slide surface and the inner slide surface, and is coupled to the upper joint plate through the open center. The lower joint plate can also be coupled to the fluid-dynamic body.

The rotation joint allows a wing tip to rotate aft in order to facilitate a reduced wing span, e.g., during taxi and gate parking, and other applications. The rotation joint comprises a “donut” inner ring attached to the wing tip, clamped in place by upper and lower plates attached to a wing box structure. In addition, the wing tip can be rotated forward for high speed aerodynamic benefit, rotated part way aft for low speed aerodynamic benefit, and rotated further aft for taxi and gate parking.

In this manner, embodiments of the disclosure provide an ability to change a wing span of an aircraft. Thereby, the aircraft may be more efficient in flight with a larger wing span yet still be accommodated within existing airport restrictions.

In an embodiment, a rotation joint for rotationally coupling a swing tip assembly to a fluid-dynamic body comprises a rotation plate, an upper joint plate, and a lower joint plate. The rotation plate couples to a swing tip assembly, and comprises a slide ring comprising an open center, an upper slide surface, an inner slide surface, and a lower slide surface. The upper joint plate is slidably coupled to the upper slide surface and the inner slide surface, and is configured to couple to a fluid-dynamic body. The lower joint plate is slidably coupled to the lower slide surface and the inner slide surface, and is configured to couple to the upper joint plate through the open center, and is configured to couple to the fluid-dynamic body.

In another embodiment, a method for providing rotation of a swing tip assembly coupled to a fluid-dynamic body provides a rotation plate configured to couple to the swing tip assembly. The rotation plate comprises a slide ring comprising an open center, an upper slide surface, an inner slide surface, and a lower slide surface. The method further slidably couples an upper joint plate to the upper slide surface and the inner slide surface, the upper joint plate is operable to couple to a fluid-dynamic body. The method further slidably couples a lower joint plate to the lower slide surface and the inner slide surface, the lower joint plate is operable to couple to the fluid-dynamic body. The method further couples the lower joint plate to the upper joint plate through the open center.

In a further embodiment, a method for operating a rotation joint for a swing tip assembly coupled to a fluid-dynamic body slides an upper slide surface of a slide ring of a rotation plate on an upper slidable coupling to an upper joint plate coupled to the fluid-dynamic body. The method further, slides a lower slide surface of the slide ring on a lower slidable coupling to a lower joint plate coupled to the fluid-dynamic body. The method further, slides an inner slide surface of the slide ring on the upper slidable coupling to the upper joint plate and on the lower slidable coupling to the lower joint plate, the lower joint plate is coupled to the upper joint plate through an open center of the slide ring. The method, then configures a position of the swing tip assembly in a plane of the fluid-dynamic body by rotation of the rotation plate relative to the upper joint plate and the lower joint plate, the rotation plate is coupled to the swing tip assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses of the embodiments of the disclosure. Descriptions of specific devices, techniques, and applications are provided only as examples. Modifications to the examples described herein will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The present disclosure should be accorded scope consistent with the claims, and not limited to the examples described and shown herein.

Embodiments of the disclosure may be described herein in terms of functional and/or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such block components may be realized by any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques and components related to aerodynamics, actuators, vehicle structures, fluid dynamics, flight control systems, and other functional aspects of systems described herein (and the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail herein. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with a variety of hardware and software, and that the embodiments described herein are merely example embodiments of the disclosure.

Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein in the context of a practical non-limiting application, namely, a rotation joint for an aircraft wing tip. Embodiments of the disclosure, however, are not limited to such aircraft wing tip applications, and the techniques described herein may also be utilized in other applications. For example but without limitation, embodiments may be applicable to a rotation joint for swing assemblies of hydrofoils, wind turbines, tidal power turbines, or other fluid-dynamic surface.

As would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this description, the following are examples and embodiments of the disclosure and are not limited to operating in accordance with these examples. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, embodiments of the disclosure may be described in the context of an exemplary aircraft manufacturing and service method100(method100) as shown inFIG. 1and an aircraft200as shown inFIG. 2. During pre-production, the method100may comprise specification and design104of the aircraft200, and material procurement106. During production, component and subassembly manufacturing108(process108) and system integration110of the aircraft200takes place. Thereafter, the aircraft200may go through certification and delivery112in order to be placed in service114. While in service by a customer, the aircraft200is scheduled for routine maintenance and service116(which may also comprise modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and so on).

Each of the processes of method100may be performed or carried out by a system integrator, a third party, and/or an operator (e.g., a customer). For the purposes of this description, a system integrator may comprise, for example but without limitation, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major-system subcontractors; a third party may comprise, for example but without limitation, any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator may comprise, for example but without limitation, an airline, leasing company, military entity, service organization; and the like.

As shown inFIG. 1, the aircraft200produced by the method100may comprise an airframe218with a plurality of systems220and an interior222. Examples of high-level systems of the systems220comprise one or more of a propulsion system224, an electrical system226, a hydraulic system228, an environmental system230, and a swing tip assembly rotation joint232. Any number of other systems may also be included. Although an aerospace example is shown, the embodiments of the disclosure may be applied to other industries.

Apparatus and methods embodied herein may be employed during any one or more of the stages of the method100. For example, components or subassemblies corresponding to production of the process108may be fabricated or manufactured in a manner similar to components or subassemblies produced while the aircraft200is in service. In addition, one or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination thereof may be utilized during production stages of the process108and the system integration110, for example, by substantially expediting assembly of or reducing the cost of an aircraft200. Similarly, one or more of apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination thereof may be utilized while the aircraft200is in service, for example and without limitation, to maintenance and service116.

FIG. 3is an illustration of an exemplary block diagram of a swing tip assembly system300(system300) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The system300may comprise a fluid-dynamic body302, a rotation joint304, a swing tip assembly306, an actuator308(swing tip actuator308), and a controller310.

The fluid-dynamic body302may be coupled to the rotation joint304, and may comprise a lifting surface and/or a control surface. The lifting surface may comprise, for example but without limitation, a wing, a canard, a horizontal stabilizer, or other lifting surface. The control surface may comprise, for example but without limitation, a slat, an elevator, a flap, a spoiler, an elevon, or other control surface. As mentioned above, embodiments may be applicable to hydrofoils, wind turbines, tidal power turbines, or other fluid-dynamic surface. Thus, an aerodynamic body and a fluid-dynamic body may be used interchangeably in this document.

The rotation joint304is configured to rotationally couple the swing tip assembly306to the fluid-dynamic body302to rotate the swing tip assembly306in a plane504(FIG. 5) of the fluid-dynamic body302. The rotation joint304comprises a “pinless” joint that relies on mating cylindrical surfaces316for transferring torsional, shear and bending loadings while maintaining a required stiffness. This allows for a lighter weight solution because design limits used for flight are generally sufficient to cover ground loading conditions. Surfaces of the mating cylindrical surfaces316are lined using low friction material. The rotation joint304is discussed in more detail below in the context of discussion ofFIGS. 9-14.

The swing tip assembly306is configured to swing or rotate in the plane504of the fluid-dynamic body320in response to an actuation of the rotation joint304by the actuator308. The swing tip assembly306may comprise a tip of the fluid-dynamic body302. In one embodiment, the swing tip assembly306comprises a rotating wing tip306of a wing302(FIG. 4) of the aircraft200(FIG. 2). In other embodiments, the swing tip assembly306may comprise, for example but without limitation, a tip of a control surface, a tip of a lifting surface, or other portion of a structure that can swing/rotate in a plane of the structure.

The swing tip assembly306may comprise a moving panel318located near a stationary part610(FIG. 6) of the fluid-dynamic body302and configured to move before the swing tip assembly306is rotated. The moving panel318allows for a space envelope for a remainder of the swing tip assembly306to occupy while in a rotated state. The moving panel318may comprise, for example but without limitation, a folding panel in a folding configuration612(FIG. 6), a sliding panel in a sliding configuration726(FIG. 7A), or other movable surface configuration. The moving panel318is discussed in more detail in the context of discussion ofFIGS. 6 and 7Abelow.

The actuator308is configured to produce a rotating motion in response to an actuation command to actuate the rotation joint304for rotating the swing tip assembly306. The actuator308may comprise, for example but without limitation, a linear hydraulic actuator, a ball screw actuator, or other actuator that is capable of actuating the rotation joint304for rotating the swing tip assembly306.

The controller310may comprise, for example but without limitation, a processor module312, a memory module314, or other module. The controller310may be implemented as, for example but without limitation, a part of an aircraft system, a centralized aircraft processor, a subsystem computing module comprising hardware and/or software devoted to the system300, or other processor.

The controller310is configured to control the rotation joint304to swing/rotate the swing tip assembly306according to various operation conditions. The operation conditions may comprise, for example but without limitation, flight conditions, ground operations, or other condition. The flight conditions may comprise, for example but without limitation, take off, cruise, approach, landing, or other flight condition. The ground operations may comprise, for example but without limitation, air breaking after landing, taxing, parking, or other ground operation. The controller310may be located remotely from the rotation joint304, or may be coupled to the rotation joint304.

In operation, the controller310may control the rotation joint304by sending an actuation command from the actuator308to the rotation joint304, thereby swinging/rotating the swing tip assembly306in response to the actuation command as explained in more detail below in the context of discussion ofFIGS. 4-5. An actuation mechanism1700of the swing tip assembly system300that can be controlled by the controller310is explained in more detail in the context of discussion ofFIG. 17below.

The processor module312comprises processing logic that is configured to carry out the functions, techniques, and processing tasks associated with the operation of the system300. In particular, the processing logic is configured to support the system300described herein. For example, the processor module312may direct the rotation joint304to swing/rotate the swing tip assembly306based on various operation conditions.

The processor module312may be implemented, or realized, with a general purpose processor, a content addressable memory, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described herein. In this manner, a processor may be realized as a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, or the like. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices comprising hardware and/or software, e.g., a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a digital signal processor core, or any other such configuration.

The memory module314may comprise a data storage area with memory formatted to support the operation of the system300. The memory module314is configured to store, maintain, and provide data as needed to support the functionality of the system300. For example, the memory module314may store flight configuration data, rotation positions of the swing tip assembly306, or other data.

In practical embodiments, the memory module314may comprise, for example but without limitation, a non-volatile storage device (non-volatile semiconductor memory, hard disk device, optical disk device, and the like), a random access storage device (for example, SRAM, DRAM), or any other form of storage medium known in the art.

The memory module314may be coupled to the processor module312and configured to store, for example but without limitation, a database, and the like. Additionally, the memory module314may represent a dynamically updating database containing a table for updating the database, or other application. The memory module314may also store, a computer program that is executed by the processor module312, an operating system, an application program, tentative data used in executing a program, or other application.

The memory module314may be coupled to the processor module312such that the processor module312can read information from and write information to the memory module314. For example, the processor module312may access the memory module314to access an aircraft speed, a swing position of the swing tip assembly306, an angle of attack, a Mach number, an altitude, or other data.

As an example, the processor module312and memory module314may reside in respective application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The memory module314may also be integrated into the processor module312. In an embodiment, the memory module314may comprise a cache memory for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by the processor module312.

FIG. 4is an illustration of an exemplary perspective view of a swing tip assembly system400(system400) showing the rotating wing tip306in a high speed extended configuration404and in a rotated stowed configuration406during taxi or gate parking maneuvers according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The system400comprises the wing302as an example of the fluid-dynamic body302, the rotating wing tip306as an example of the swing tip assembly306, and the rotation joint304. Thus, the wing302and the fluid-dynamic body302may be used interchangeably in this document. Similarly, the rotating wing tip306and the swing tip assembly306may be used interchangeably in this document.FIG. 4may have functions, material, and structures that are similar to the embodiments shown inFIG. 3. Therefore, common features, functions, and elements may not be redundantly described here.

Increasing wing span using the rotation joint304ensures constant structural integrity whether the rotating wing tip306is in a locked out high speed extended configuration404in flight or the rotated stowed configuration406during taxi or gate parking maneuvers. The rotating wing tip306can also rotate in flight during different modes of flight such as low speed flight.

FIG. 5is an illustration of an exemplary perspective view of a swing tip assembly system500(system500) showing the rotating wing tip306in the high speed extended configuration404, in a low speed rotated swept back configuration502, and in a rotated stowed position406during taxi or gate parking maneuvers according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The rotating wing tip306may be deployed by the rotation joint304from the aerodynamic body302through a plurality of positions. The positions may begin by positioning the rotating wing tip306forward at the high speed extended configuration404and move through intermediate positions to the deployed position. The deployed position may comprise positioning the rotating wing tip306at, for example but without limitation, the low speed rotated swept back configuration502, the rotated stowed position406during taxing and gate parking maneuvers, or other deployed position.

The rotating wing tip306may be maintained in line with the wing302in the high speed extended configuration404without rotation during a high speed flight condition. The rotating wing tip306may also rotate forward to provide a high speed fluid-dynamic efficiency.

The rotating wing tip306rotates partially aft in the low speed rotated swept back configuration502to provide a low speed fluid-dynamic efficiency. The rotating wing tip306rotates aft in full rotation in the rotated stowed position406when the aircraft is on ground.

FIG. 6is an illustration of an exemplary perspective view of a swing tip assembly system600showing the rotation joint304and the moving panel318of the rotating wing tip306in a folding configuration612according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The rotation joint304is coupled to a wing spar602of the wing302and to the rotating wing tip306. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, the moving panel318is located near a stationary part610(fixed part610) of the wing302and is configured to fold before the rotating wing tip306is rotated. The moving panel318folds or rotates around a hinge ling606and drops below a trailing edge608of the rotating wing tip306before the rotating wing tip306is rotated.

FIG. 7is an illustration of a swing tip assembly system700(system700) showing more detail of the system600ofFIG. 6. The system700may comprise the wing302, the rotation joint304, and the rotating wing tip306. The rotation joint304is configured to rotate the rotating wing tip306around the pivot center604from the high speed extended configuration404, to a rotated stowed position406during taxi and gate operation in response an actuation command from the actuator308.

When the rotating wing tip306is not rotated, the moving panel318is in an up position710.

Before the rotating wing tip306is rotated, the moving panel318folds down in a folded down position712, and drops below the trailing edge608in response to a panel moving actuator702. The panel moving actuator702may comprise, for example but without limitation, a linear hydraulic actuator, a ball screw actuator, an electric actuator, or other actuation mechanism.

In a rotated position such as the low speed rotated swept back configuration502and the rotated stowed position406, a lock mechanism704may be coupled to the mating cylindrical surfaces316of the rotation joint304to secure the rotating wing tip306. In this manner, the lock mechanism704locks a position of the rotating wing tip306by locking a rotation position of a rotation plate940relative to an upper joint plate920and a lower joint plate960(FIG. 9). The lock mechanism704(lock actuator704) may comprise, for example but without limitation, a linear hydraulic actuator, a ball screw actuator, an electric actuator, or other actuation mechanism.

A navigation light706may be located near a separation section between the stationary part610of the wing302and the rotating wing tip306, and is configured to be exposed and activated upon rotation of the rotating wing tip306.

FIG. 7Ais an illustration of an exemplary perspective view of a swing tip assembly system700A (system700A) showing a rotation joint304and the moving panel318in a sliding configuration726according to an embodiment of the disclosure. System700A may have functions, material, and structures that are similar to the system700. Therefore common features, functions, and elements may not be redundantly described here.

When the rotating wing tip306is not rotated such as in the high speed extended configuration404, the moving panel318is at a closed position720.

Before the rotating wing tip306is rotated, the moving panel318in the sliding configuration726slides on a roller716supported by tacks718to a slided position722in a low speed rotated swept back configuration502, or in a slided position724in a rotated stowed position406during taxi or gate parking maneuvers.

FIG. 8is an illustration of an expanded top view800of a portion of the swing tip assembly system700ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 9is an illustration of a cross sectional view900of the swing tip assembly system700ofFIG. 7taken along a line A-A708. The rotation joint304comprises mating cylindrical surfaces920,940and960(316inFIG. 3), and is coupled to the rotating wing tip306. The rotation joint304rotates the rotating wing tip306in the plane504(FIG. 5) of the wing302.

The mating cylindrical surfaces920,940and960comprise an upper fixed joint plate920, an inner mid rotation joint plate940, and a lower fixed joint plate960. The inner mid rotation joint plate940is coupled to the rotating wing tip306and is configured to rotate the rotating wing tip306in the plane504of the wing302in response to an actuation command. The upper fixed joint plate920is clamped to the inner mid rotation joint plate940and is coupled to the wing302and secures the inner mid rotation joint plate940in place. The lower fixed joint plate960is also clamped to the inner mid rotation joint plate940and is coupled to wing302and secures the inner mid rotation joint plate940in place.

FIG. 10is an illustration of an exemplary perspective view of mating cylindrical surfaces920/940/960of the rotation joint304of the swing tip assembly306according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The mating cylindrical surfaces920/940/960comprise the upper fixed joint plate920(upper joint plate920), the inner mid rotation joint plate940(rotation plate940), and the lower fixed joint plate960(lower joint plate960). The rotation plate940is coupled to the swing tip assembly306at the swing tip assembly side1004(tip side) and to the fluid-dynamic body302at the fluid-dynamic body side1006(wing box side). A lower access cover plate1002is coupled to the lower joint plate960to allow access to the rotation joint304.

The rotation plate940couples to the swing tip assembly306, and comprises a slide ring1008comprising an open center1010, an upper slide surface1012, an inner slide surface1014, and a lower slide surface1016.

The upper joint plate920is slidably coupled to the upper slide surface1012and the inner slide surface1014, and couples to the fluid-dynamic body302.

The lower joint plate960is slidably coupled to the lower slide surface1016and the inner slide surface1014, and is coupled to the upper joint plate920through the open center1010, and couples to the fluid-dynamic body302.

The rotation joint304is configured to rotationally couple the swing tip assembly306to the fluid-dynamic body302.

In operation, a position of the swing tip assembly306is configured in the plane504(FIG. 5) of the fluid-dynamic body302by rotation of the rotation plate940relative to the upper joint plate920and the lower joint plate960. In this manner, the upper slide surface1012of the slide ring1008of the rotation plate940slides on an upper slidable coupling1018to the upper joint plate920coupled to the fluid-dynamic body302. The lower slide surface1016of the slide ring1008slides on a lower slidable coupling1020to the lower joint plate960coupled to the fluid-dynamic body302. The inner slide surface1014of the slide ring1008slides on the upper slidable coupling1018to the upper joint plate920and on the lower slidable coupling1020to the lower joint plate960.

FIG. 11is an illustration of exemplary perspective views of the upper joint plate920of the rotation joint304ofFIG. 10. The upper joint plate920comprises a contoured upper face928, a mating face930for coupling to the lower joint plate960, low friction wear faces922, and lightening pockets932. The lightening pockets932are placed on the upper joint plate920where the upper joint plate920mates with the lower joint plate960. The low friction wear faces922are placed between the rotation plate940, the upper joint plate920, and the lower joint plate960. The low friction wear faces922may comprise, for example but without limitation, Karon lining, or other low friction wear strip material.

FIG. 12is an illustration of exemplary perspective views of the rotation plate940of the rotation joint304ofFIG. 10. The rotation plate940comprises the lightening pockets932, actuation mount lug944, locking pin locations946, and the low friction wear faces922.

FIG. 13is an illustration of exemplary perspective views of the lower joint plate960of the mating cylindrical surfaces316of the rotation joint304ofFIG. 10. The lower fixed joint plate960comprises, the lightening pockets932, a mating face964for coupling to the upper joint plate920, the low friction wear faces922, a leading edge support tab968, and a lower closure panel rebate970.

FIG. 14is an illustration of an exemplary perspective view of a swing tip assembly system1400(system1400) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The system1400comprises the rotation joint304coupled to the fluid-dynamic body302by a structure such as the wing spar602, and coupled to the swing tip assembly306by a structure such as a wing tip spar1402. The rotation joint304comprises the upper joint plate920, the rotation plate940, and the lower joint plate960as the mating cylindrical surfaces316and a lower access cover plate1002coupled to the lower joint plate960as explained above.

The swing tip assembly306can be rotated from an extended position such as the high speed extended configuration404(FIG. 4) to a deployed position by the rotation plate940in response to an actuation of the actuator308as explained above. For example but without limitation, the deployed position may comprise, the low speed rotated swept back configuration502, the rotated stowed configuration406, or other deployed position suitable for operation of the system1400.

FIG. 15is an illustration of an exemplary flowchart showing a process1500for providing rotation of the swing tip assembly306coupled to the fluid-dynamic body302according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The various tasks performed in connection with process1500may be performed mechanically, by software, hardware, firmware, computer-readable software, computer readable storage medium, or any combination thereof. It should be appreciated that process1500may include any number of additional or alternative tasks, the tasks shown inFIG. 15need not be performed in the illustrated order, and the process1500may be incorporated into a more comprehensive procedure or process having additional functionality not described in detail herein.

For illustrative purposes, the following description of process1500may refer to elements mentioned above in connection withFIGS. 1-14. In practical embodiments, portions of the process1500may be performed by different elements of the system300such as: the fluid-dynamic body302, the rotation joint304, the swing tip assembly306, the actuator308, the controller310, the moving panel318, the lock actuator704, etc. It should be appreciated that process1500may include any number of additional or alternative tasks, the tasks shown inFIG. 15need not be performed in the illustrated order, and the process1500may be incorporated into a more comprehensive procedure or process having additional functionality not described in detail herein.

Process1500may begin by providing a rotation plate such as a rotation plate940operable to couple to a swing tip assembly such as the swing tip assembly306, and comprising a slide ring such as the slide ring1008comprising an open center such as the open center1010, an upper slide surface such as the upper slide surface1012, an inner slide surface such as the inner slide surface1014, and a lower slide surface such as the lower slide surface1016(task1502).

Process1500may continue by slidably coupling an upper joint plate such as the upper joint plate920to the upper slide surface1012and the inner slide surface1014, the upper joint plate920operable to couple to a fluid-dynamic body such as the fluid-dynamic body302(task1504).

Process1500may continue by slidably coupling a lower joint plate such as the lower joint plate960to the lower slide surface1016and the inner slide surface1014, the lower joint plate960operable to couple to the fluid-dynamic body302(task1506).

Process1500may continue by coupling the lower joint plate960to the upper joint plate920through the open center1010(task1508).

Process1500may continue by coupling the lower joint plate960and the upper joint plate920to the fluid dynamic-body302(task1510).

Process1500may continue by coupling the rotation plate940to the swing tip assembly306(task1512).

Process1500may continue by configuring the rotation plate940to rotate the swing tip assembly306in a plane such as the plane504of the fluid-dynamic body302(task1514).

FIG. 16is an illustration of an exemplary flowchart showing a process1600for operating the rotation joint304for the swing tip assembly306coupled to the fluid-dynamic body302, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The various tasks performed in connection with process1600may be performed mechanically, by software, hardware, firmware, computer-readable software, computer readable storage medium, or any combination thereof. It should be appreciated that process1600may include any number of additional or alternative tasks, the tasks shown inFIG. 16need not be performed in the illustrated order, and the process1600may be incorporated into a more comprehensive procedure or process having additional functionality not described in detail herein.

For illustrative purposes, the following description of process1600may refer to elements mentioned above in connection withFIGS. 1-14. In practical embodiments, portions of the process1600may be performed by different elements of the system300such as: the fluid-dynamic body302, the rotation joint304, the swing tip assembly306, the actuator308, the controller310, the moving panel318, the lock actuator704, etc. It should be appreciated that process1600may include any number of additional or alternative tasks, the tasks shown inFIG. 16need not be performed in the illustrated order, and the process1600may be incorporated into a more comprehensive procedure or process having additional functionality not described in detail herein.

Process1600may begin by sliding an upper slide surface such as the upper slide surface1012of a slide ring such as the slide ring1008of a rotation plate such as the rotation plate940on an upper slidable coupling such as the upper slidable coupling1018to an upper joint plate such as the upper joint plate920coupled to the fluid-dynamic body302(task1602).

Process1600may continue by sliding a lower slide surface such as the lower slide surface1016of the slide ring1008on a lower slidable coupling such as the lower slidable coupling1020to a lower joint plate such as the lower joint plate960coupled to the fluid-dynamic body302(task1604).

Process1600may continue by sliding an inner slide surface such as the inner slide surface1014of the slide ring1008on the upper slidable coupling1018to the upper joint plate920and on the lower slidable coupling1020to the lower joint plate960, the lower joint plate960coupled to the upper joint plate920through an open center such as the open center1010of the slide ring1008(task1606).

Process1600may continue by moving a moving panel such as the moving panel318located near a fixed part such as the fixed part610of the fluid-dynamic body302before the swing tip assembly306is rotated (task1608). The moving panel318may comprise a folding panel configured to fold in the folding configuration612, a sliding panel configured to slide in the sliding configuration726, or other movable surface configuration configured to move.

Process1600may continue by configuring a position of the swing tip assembly306in a plane such as the plane504of the fluid-dynamic body302by rotation of the rotation plate940relative to the upper joint plate920and the lower joint plate960, the rotation plate940coupled to the swing tip assembly306(task1610).

Process1600may continue by maintaining the swing tip assembly306in line with the fluid-dynamic body302in a high speed extended configuration such as the high speed extended configuration404without rotation during a high speed flight condition (task1612).

Process1600may continue by rotating the swing tip assembly306forward to provide a high speed fluid-dynamic efficiency (task1614).

Process1600may continue by rotating the swing tip assembly306partially aft in a low speed rotated swept back configuration such as the low speed rotated swept back configuration502to provide a low speed fluid-dynamic efficiency (task1616).

Process1600may continue by rotating the swing tip assembly306aft in full rotation to provide a rotated stowed configuration such as the rotated stowed configuration406when an aircraft such as the aircraft200is on ground (task1618).

Process1600may continue by locking the position (of the swing tip assembly306) by locking a rotation position of the rotation plate940relative to the upper joint plate920and the lower joint plate960(task1620).

FIG. 17is an illustration of an exemplary actuation mechanism1700of a swing tip assembly system300according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The actuation mechanism1700comprises the rotation joint304, the swing tip actuator308, the lock actuator704, a swing selector valve1702, a motor operation isolation valve1704, a manual release1706, a latch selector valve1708, a swing sensor1712, and a moving plate sensor1714.

In operation, the actuation mechanism1700can be controlled by the controller310to rotate the swing tip assembly306. An actuation command from the actuator308is sent to the rotation joint304, thereby swinging/rotating the swing tip assembly306in response to the actuation command. The lock actuator704locks the rotation plate940in a rotation position relative to the upper joint plate920and the lower joint plate960when actuated. The manual release1706is configured to manually unlock the lock actuator704(latches) that lock the rotation plate940, followed by driving fluid into a retract side of the lock actuator704(latches) with, e.g., a hand pump (not shown). When the lock actuator704(latches) are retracted, the swing tip assembly306may be moved, e.g., by hand.

In this way, embodiments of the discloser provide a rotating joint that allows the wing tip to rotate aft in order to facilitate a reduced wing span during taxi and gate parking. In addition, the wing tip can be rotated forward for high speed aerodynamic benefit, rotated part way aft for low speed aerodynamic benefit, and rotated further aft for taxi and gate parking. Thus, embodiments provide an ability to change the aircraft wing span allowing the aircraft be more efficient in flight with larger wing span yet still be accommodated within existing airport restrictions.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future.

Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.

In this document, the terms “computer program product”, “computer-readable medium”, “computer readable storage medium”, and the like may be used generally to refer to media such as, for example, memory, storage devices, storage unit, or other non-transitory media. These and other forms of computer-readable media may be involved in storing one or more instructions for use by the processor module312to cause the processor module312to perform specified operations. Such instructions, generally referred to as “computer program code” or “program code” (which may be grouped in the form of computer programs or other groupings), when executed, enable the system300.

As used herein, unless expressly stated otherwise, “operable” means able to be used, fit or ready for use or service, usable for a specific purpose, and capable of performing a recited or desired function described herein. In relation to systems and devices, the term “operable” means the system and/or the device is fully functional and calibrated, comprises elements for, and meets applicable operability requirements to perform a recited function when activated. In relation to systems and circuits, the term “operable” means the system and/or the circuit is fully functional and calibrated, comprises logic for, and meets applicable operability requirements to perform a recited function when activated.