Impact-absorbing wing connection system for model aircraft

• Main Authors: Levy, Alejandro Velasco, Palyka, Ildiko
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 30.07.2002

This invention can be used on model aircraft in combination with the tow-release mechanism described in our co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/413,199, filed Oct. 5, 1999, and/or with the automatic pilot system described in our co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/413,200, filed Oct. 5, 1999. The combination of these three systems produces a model glider that has no mechanically moving parts, yet it is able to take-off, fly, and land in a user-selected pattern, and it is sturdy and durable. An impact absorbing wing connection system for model airplanes and other flying toys of the type having a fuselage () and separate wings () that are to be inserted into wing slots () in the fuselage for flight. The friction between the touching surfaces of the wings and the wing slots is reduced by a low friction coating () over the wing roots () or by other friction reducing means so that a tight fit is preserved. The wings are oriented into their proper flying positions by their exact fit with the fuselage, and they are kept in these positions during normal flight by a set of non-elastic break-away links () which are attached to the wings and to the fuselage through a corresponding set of wing connecting members () and fuselage connecting members (), respectively. In case of a crash, the inertia forces of the wings are conveyed to the break-away links by the connecting members. The break-away links are calibrated so that they are strong enough to prevent any lateral movement of the wings under reasonable flying conditions but they break open under the forces of the crash, releasing the wings. The detachment of the wings absorbs most of the impact forces, protecting the aircraft from breaking.