Flight control mechanisms and methods of operating aircraft with flight control mechanisms
US10704496B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF05D2220/90
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Provided are flight control mechanisms, such as omnidirectional thrust mechanisms (OTMs), and methods of using such mechanisms. These mechanisms may be positioned in wings, tails, or other components of aircraft. A mechanism may comprise a center member and top and bottom panels. The center member may comprise two curved segments joint at a center edge. The top and bottom panels may be independently pivotable relative to the center member. At high speeds, the top panel and/or the bottom panel may be pivoted outward to change the lift, drag, roll, and/or other flight conditions. The mechanism may also include a gas nozzle to direct compressed gas to the center member. The center member and/or the top and bottom panels redirect this gas resulting in forces in one of four directions, which are used for controlling the aircraft at low speeds, down to hover.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.