Ram air inflated wing
US6837463B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 9, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 4, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 9, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64C2031/065
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A wing for a traction kite, etc comprises a plurality of cells formed by chordwise-extending ribs (3), valved openings (6) to the cells allowing ram air to inflate the wing. By changing the initial cut-out of the material forming the cells near wing tips (7, 8), compared with that of the cells central to the wing, it is possible to alter the aerodynamic forces at wing tips (7, 8). This allows attachment of flying lines (9, 10) to wing tips (7, 8) only, despite the wing having no framing to maintain its spanwise shape under the loading of flying lines (9, 10). The increased aerodynamic forces at wing tips (7, 8) are achieved by making the aerofoil profiles of the cells progressively more reflexive towards wing tips (7, 8), by giving wing tips (7, 8) a residual twist increasing their angle of incidence, by placing the centres of pressure of the cells near wing tips (7, 8) somewhat forward of the pivot line of the wing, etc.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.