Title:
SYSTEM FOR VARYING A SURFACE CONTOUR
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO1999036313
Kind Code:
A9
Abstract:
Compliant mechanisms are arranged to enable airfoil and other structures to adapt their shapes to different flight conditions and thereby achieve optimum lift: drag ratios in plural flight conditions. The compliant mechanisms can be formed integrally whereby a compliant frame thereof, or the skin of the airfoil, undergo elastic or other deformation to produce the desired displacements in direct response to applied forces. In an airfoil context, shape changes can be effected by the leading and trailing edges of the entire airfoil system. In addition, the driver arrangements of the compliant mechanisms can be controlled individually to effect a desired surface contour throughout the length of the wing, illustratively a twist therein.
Inventors:
KOTA SRIDHAR (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US1999/000901
Publication Date:
October 07, 1999
Filing Date:
January 15, 1999
Export Citation:
Assignee:
KOTA SRIDHAR (US)
International Classes:
B63B1/24; B63B39/06; B63H25/38; B64C3/48; (IPC1-7): B64C3/48; B63H25/38
Download PDF: