Deployable wing for an aircraft
US10676172B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jun 9, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64C3/56
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for selectively increasing a wing area of an aircraft having a fuselage with an interior space includes an inflatable wing moveable between a stowed condition located in the interior space and a deployed condition located outside the interior space. The wing includes at least one inflatable spar. The inflatable spar is operatively coupled to a source of pressurized inflation fluid for selective inflation as the wing moves into the deployed condition. A plurality of reels is secured to the aircraft. A plurality of cables connects the wing to the reels. At least one reel is operable to unwind a selected cable to allow the wing to partially inflate to the deployed condition by ram air generated by movement of the aircraft as the inflatable spar is being inflated by the pressurized inflation fluid. A method for selectively increasing a wing area of an aircraft is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.