Cellular support structures used for controlled actuation of fluid contact surfaces

US7931240B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Techno-Sciences, Inc. · US
• University of Maryland · US

Inventors

• Curt S. Kothera · Crofton, US
• Benjamin K. S. Woods · College Park, US
• Norman M. Wereley · Potomac, US
• Peter Chen · Plainsboro, US
• Edward A. Bubert · College Park, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 16, 2007
• Grant date: Apr 26, 2011
• Expiry date: Jan 19, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T50/30
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An assembly for controlling a vehicle, including a fluid contact surface constructed and arranged to act against a fluid passing over the fluid contact surface; and a support structure coupled to the fluid contact surface. The support structure is constructed and arranged to expand or contract between a first position and a second position, such that a first dimension of the support structure changes during movement of the support structure between the first position and the second position, while a second dimension of the support structure remains substantially constant during the movement of the support structure between the first position and the second position.