Apparatus and methods for varying inlet lip geometry of a jet engine inlet
US6910327B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 28, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/0536
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for varying inlet lip geometry of a inlet formed at forward end portion of a jet engine housing. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a variable camber skin portion hingedly coupled to the forward end portion of the housing. The apparatus also includes a linkage assembly coupled to the forward end portion and the skin portion. The linkage assembly operates to rotate the skin portion relative to the forward end portion and to alter a curvature of the skin portion to thereby configure the skin portion into a corresponding one of a plurality of configurations. The plurality of configurations include at least a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the skin portion forms a rounded inlet lip portion extending forwardly of the inlet. In the second configuration, the linkage assembly and the skin portion are retracted within a recessed area in the housing to form an aerodynamically smooth outer surface of the housing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.