Lego Flap Hinge Model

Animation of Flap Hinge Operation

This is a model of a flap hinge that I constructed from LEGO's on November 4, 2001. An airplane would typically have four flap hinges -- one on each of the inboard and outboard edges of each wing flap. This model includes a narrow radial cross-section of the flap and the rear portion of the wing.

This hinge is thought to resemble those used in many modern jet airliners, but I have no specific knowledge to that effect.

The mechanism has some interesting properties:

1. When retracted, its frontal cross-section is small, thus minimizing drag.
2. When extended, the overall length of the wing increases.
3. When extended, there is a gap between the flap and the wing.
4. Extension is constrained exclusively with hinges. (There are no cams, slides or guides.)

The pieces used in this model come from LEGO #9754 , the Dark Side Developer Kit, with the possible exception of two smooth dark gray 1×4 pieces located near the top front of the flap cross-section, which help prevent the top of the flap from interlocking with the bottom of the wing.

Here are some more photos:

Close-up of Partially Extended Hinge

Reverse Angle Close-up of Retracted Hinge

Reverse Angle Close-up of Extended Hinge

Lego Kit from which the Pieces Came

Click here to let me know what you think.

Anders Johnson, last modified $Date: 2002/02/05 $