Controllable vortex generator
US6427948B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 30, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A controllable vortex generator for reducing aerodynamic drag when vortex generation is not desired. The vortex generator includes a fin having a fixed forward portion and an aft portion which is movable between deflected and undeflected positions. At least a portion of the fin is formed of a memory shape alloy. The fin is attached to a base mountable to a surface such as the wing skin of an aircraft. An electrical resistance heating element is bonded to the fin and a controllable source of electric power is connected to the element. When the fin is heated by the element to a temperature equal to or greater than the transformation temperature of the alloy, the movable portion of the fin will move from a deflected position to an undeflected position, thereby reducing drag caused by the vortex generator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.