Reconfigurable porous technology for fluid flow control and method of controlling flow
US6866233B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 3, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 15, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 7, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/10
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to a reconfigurable porous technology for fluid flow control system and more particularly to reconfigurable porosity fluid flow control system for vehicles such as aircraft, missiles, ground and water vehicles to improve the performance of such vehicles. The present invention further relates to a method of operating the reconfigurable fluid flow control system.In one embodiment, the present invention includes a reconfigurable porosity system for fluid flow control on the surface of an aircraft, missile, water-craft or ground vehicle comprising a porous outer skin comprising individual pores; individually addressable valves corresponding and connected to the individual pores for opening and closing the pores; and a pneumatic system for connecting the pores wherein fluid from a high pressure area of the porous outer skin can be directed to a low pressure area of the porous outer skin by opening and closing the individually addressable valves. In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method of fluid flow control using reconfigurable porosity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.