Shape morphing fuselage for an aerocar
US9561698B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 2014 |
| Grant date | Feb 7, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64C37/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A shape morphing fuselage and method of transitioning an aerocar from a land mode to a flight mode are disclosed. The fuselage includes a plurality of flexible frame members and tensile skin extending between the plurality of flexible frame members as well as an actuation system configured to bend the plurality of flexible frame members between a contracted configuration associated with a flight mode and an expanded configuration associated with a land mode. The fuselage can also include a hatch pivotable about an axis of one of the flexible frame members in the expanded configuration and configured to open for deployment and retraction of wings for the aerocar.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.