Aerodynamic brake system and method
US11014646B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 18, 2019 |
| Grant date | May 25, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 26, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/40
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An aerodynamic brake includes a rigid panel having a panel leading edge portion and a panel trailing edge portion. The panel trailing edge portion is pivotably coupled to a vehicle body. The aerodynamic brake also includes a flexible sheet having a sheet lower edge portion coupled to the vehicle body, and a sheet upper edge portion coupled to the panel leading edge portion. The aerodynamic brake further includes a panel actuator configured to pivot the rigid panel between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the rigid panel is located proximate the vehicle body and covers the flexible sheet in a folded state. In the deployed position, the panel leading edge portion is pivoted away from the vehicle body and the flexible sheet is in an open state exposable to an oncoming airflow for generating aerodynamic drag for slowing the vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.