US 12,479,569 B2
Aircraft wing assembly including high lift device with an overlapped connection point
Peter Kelly, Bristol (GB)
Assigned to Airbus Operations Limited, Bristol (GB)
Filed by Airbus Operations Limited, Bristol (GB)
Filed on Nov. 29, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/522,419.
Claims priority of application No. 2217919 (GB), filed on Nov. 29, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0174351 A1, May 30, 2024
Int. Cl. B64C 9/02 (2006.01); B64C 3/18 (2006.01); B64C 9/24 (2006.01); B64C 13/50 (2006.01)
CPC B64C 9/02 (2013.01) [B64C 3/185 (2013.01); B64C 9/24 (2013.01); B64C 13/50 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An aircraft wing assembly comprising:
a wing box comprising:
an upper surface;
a lower surface;
a leading-edge structure connecting the upper surface to the lower surface and secured to the upper surface at a connection point;
a drive mechanism secured to the wing box; and
a high lift device mounted to the drive mechanism, wherein the drive mechanism is configured to move the high lift device between a retracted position and an extended position in use; and
wherein the high lift device overlaps the connection point when the high lift device is in the retracted position;
wherein the leading-edge structure is connected to the upper surface by one or more fasteners at the connection point; and
wherein, in overlapping the connection point when in the retracted position, the high lift device extends over the upper surface, such that the one or more fasteners, the connection point, and at least a portion of the upper surface are covered by the high lift device.