US3836099A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Airfoil camber change system
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1973-09-28
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Granted: 1974-09-17
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Expires: 1993-09-28
Abstract
Abstract An airfoil camber change system for changing the camber of the leading or trailing edges of airfoils. The system includes a flexible continuous upper surface, a lower surface comprising a plurality of slidable overlapping segments and one or more actuation mechanisms. The actuation mechanism includes a plurality of bell cranks and links that are operatively connected to the upper and lower airfoil surfaces. A primary actuator is provided to drive the actuation mechanisms. When the system is driven the actuation mechanism changes the camber profile and maintains proper separation and support of the upper and lower surfaces. The profile is changed by bending the upper constant length surface and shortening the lower surface by increasing the overlap of the slidable overlapping segments.
Inventors
- 👤 Neill E O
- 👤 W Brennan
- 👤 G Kriechbaum
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 14:00
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64C; B64C3/00; B64C3/38; B64C3/44; B64C3/48
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
160 words
An airfoil camber change system comprising: a. an upper airfoil surface made of continuous flexible material; b. a lower airfoil surface comprising a plurality of overlapping segments; c. at least one actuation mechanism for simultaneously changing the camber of said upper and lower surfaces; d. said actuation mechanism including a plurality of elongated spacer means each having one end rotatably mounted on said upper surface and having the other end respectively rotatably mounted on a plurality of first pivot members respectively connected to said plurality of overlapping segments of said lower surface; e. a plurality of bell cranks respectively rotatably mounted on said plurality of first pivot members; f. first means operatively interconnecting adjacent bell cranks and adjacent segments; g. second means for actuating said bell cranks to slide said overlapping segments with respect to each other; whereby h. during actuation of said second means the camber change of said upper surface is about the same as said lower surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
160 words
An airfoil camber change system comprising: a. an upper airfoil surface made of continuous flexible material; b. a lower airfoil surface comprising a plurality of overlapping segments; c. at least one actuation mechanism for simultaneously changing the camber of said upper and lower surfaces; d. said actuation mechanism including a plurality of elongated spacer means each having one end rotatably mounted on said upper surface and having the other end respectively rotatably mounted on a plurality of first pivot members respectively connected to said plurality of overlapping segments of said lower surface; e. a plurality of bell cranks respectively rotatably mounted on said plurality of first pivot members; f. first means operatively interconnecting adjacent bell cranks and adjacent segments; g. second means for actuating said bell cranks to slide said overlapping segments with respect to each other; whereby h. during actuation of said second means the camber change of said upper surface is about the same as said lower surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
The system of claim 1 wherein: a. one leg of each of said plurality of bell cranks being operatively connected to said second means; b. said first means comprises a plurality of links; and c. the other leg of said bell cranks being respectively operatively connected to said plurality of links.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 2 wherein: a. said second means comprises a plurality of links respectively connecting said one legs of adjacent bell cranks.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
78 words
The system of claim 1 wherein: a. said upper surface includes a plurality of spaced apart second pivot members; b. said one ends of first and second adJacent elongated spacer means being rotatably mounted on one of said second pivot members; c. said one ends of third and fourth adjacent elongated spacer means being rotatably mounted on another of said second pivot members; whereby d. said plurality of elongated spacer means form a plurality of triangular support structures.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 1 wherein: a. said plurality of bell cranks are sequentially of decreasing size.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 1 wherein: a. each of said plurality of first pivot members are connected to the leading edge of the overlapping segment to which it is connected.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-09-16 | 1978-03-18 | 1978-09-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-16 | 1982-03-18 | 1982-09-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-16 | 1986-03-18 | 1986-09-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |