Wing-drive mechanism, vehicle employing same, and method for controlling the wing-drive mechanism and vehicle employing same
US6206324A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64C33/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A wing-drive mechanism is described that permits, with proper control, movement of a wing about multiple wing trajectories. The wing-drive is capable of independent movement about three rotational degrees of movement; movement about a flap axis is independent of movement about a yaw axis, and both are independent of changes in the pitch of the wing. Methods of controlling the wing-drive mechanism to affect a desired wing trajectory include the use of a non-linear automated controller that generates input signals to the wing-drive mechanism by comparing actual and desired wing trajectories in real time. Specification of wing trajectories is preferably also accomplished in real time using an automated trajectory specification system, which can include a fuzzy logic processor or a neural network. A vehicle that derives controlled motion as a whole from the wing-drive mechanism is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.