Method and apparatus for controlling airflow with a leading edge device having a flexible flow surface
US6796534B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 10, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64C3/48
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for controlling airflow with a leading edge device having a flexible flow surface. In one embodiment, the airfoil includes a first portion having a first flow surface and a second flow surface facing opposite from the first flow surface. The second portion of the airfoil has a leading edge and is movably coupled to the first position. The second portion can move between a first position and a second position offset from the first position by an angle of from about 45° to about 90° or more. The second portion includes a flexible flow surface having a first shape when the second portion is in the first position and a second shape different than the first shape when the second portion is in the second position. A guide structure can be coupled between the first portion and the second portion. In another embodiment, the airfoil can have inbound and outbound leading edge portions with an inbound guide structure having a first mechanical arrangement and an outbound guide structure having a second mechanical arrangement different than the first.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.