Retractable rounded trailing edge for circulation control wing
US4600172A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 9, 1984 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In a circulation control airfoil, the improvement comprises of a seprate and rounded compressed air supply duct, with a slot and ejector from which high velocity air can issue tangentially to its surface. The duct is supported by a hollow actuator arm which provides the blowing air as well as the torque required to retract or extend the rounded trailing edge of the wing and one or more hinged support brackets. The position of the hinge points being such that when the air supply duct is swung in the aft position then it joins the sharp trailing edge of the airfoil or its flap, and converts the airfoil to a STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) circulation control configuration with a rounded trailing edge. By exerting torque on the bell crank, the air supply duct can be swung forward, without much drag and be retracted in a cavity provided for it at the underside of the airfoil. With the rounded trailing edge recessed, the airfoil assumes to a conventional, low drag configuration for high speed cruise.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.