Adaptive pneumatic wings for flying devices with fixed wings
US6347769B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 19, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64C3/30
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Modules that can be impinged upon by compressed air are arranged in front of and behind a box-shaped spar, whereby the modules have an airtight top skin and an airtight bottom skin and first plates that can transmit thrust are disposed therebetween. Each first plate has a console on each side. The console extends along the entire length of a profile of a wing. One to two flexible tubes that are airtight and only slightly extensible are inserted between two such consoles. When the tubes are subjected to pressure, they cause the first plates to move substantially parallel to each other and provide the wing with a desired camber. An aerodynamic profile is defined by rigid sheeting, whereby the sheeting is secured to the top skin, bottom skin, and the sheet in an articulated manner by the second plates that are provided with hinges. An on-flow edge of the wing has two airtight and only slightly-extensible flexible tubes, which, when inflated in an appropriate manner, provide the on-flow edge with the required shape. An off-flow edge of the wing is open.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.