Patent · US Active

Cable-actuated variable area fan nozzle with elastomeric seals

US9021813B2 · kind B2 · utility

9Cited by
13References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 6, 2011
Grant dateMay 5, 2015
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 8, 2033

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02T50/60
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus installed on an aircraft, comprising: a sleeve or duct having a trailing lip area; a plurality of petals arranged side by side with gaps therebetween, one end of each petal being attached or pivotably coupled to the lip area; and a plurality of elastomeric seals configured and disposed to close the gaps between adjacent petals. Each elastomeric seal comprises a first portion that moves with a portion of a first petal that is in contact therewith, a second portion that moves with a portion of a second petal that is in contact there, and a third portion which is stretched as the first and second petals move further apart from each other. Petal deflection is actuated by a system comprising a flexible member, a motor, a shaft driven by the motor, and an arm projecting from the shaft. One end of the flexible member is attached to the arm, the flexible member being movable to deflect the petals inward in response to a shaft rotation.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.