Articulated fin/wing control system
US5186420A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 8, 1991 |
| Grant date | Feb 16, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/10
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An articulated control surface is provided for hydrodynamic control utilig a moldable control surface. The central surface is shaped by contracting and elongating wire bundles fabricated with shape-memory alloys located in an adjacent cooling chamber. The shape-memory alloys contract when heated via an applied electric current and elongate when cooled, i.e., the electric current is removed. A pair of wire bundles is anchored inside the cooling chamber. Each bundle is routed over several pulleys in such a manner that a lateral movement is produced at the actuator end of the wire. A pair of bundles act in opposition to maintain dynamic tension at the actuator end. Cooling flow to opposing wire bundles is controlled independently to enhance response time and reduce power requirements. The actuator is a post extending from the cooling chamber to the trailing edge structure of the control surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.