Vortex generator arrangement, flow control system and method for controlling a flow on a rudder surface

US10279894B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED · DE

Inventors

• Bruno Stefes · Hamburg, DE
• Wolfgang Eilken · Hamburg, DE
• Erich Paul · Hamburg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 23, 2016
• Grant date: May 7, 2019
• Expiry date: Mar 17, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T50/10
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A vortex generator arrangement for an aircraft comprising a surface section forming a flow surface interacting with a flow surrounding the aircraft in operation, wherein the surface section comprises an opening, a vortex generator movable between a retracted position and an extended position, a retainer for holding the vortex generator in the retracted position, a biasing structure for biasing the vortex generator towards the extended position and a release for releasing the vortex generator from the retainer such that the vortex generator can be moved towards the extended position. Further, a sealing membrane is provided completely sealing the opening when the vortex generator is in the retracted position. The vortex generator is movable through the membrane from the retracted position to the extended position. Furthermore, a flow control system, an aircraft and a method of controlling flow are described and claimed.