摘要:
A system and method to control flight of an aircraft. The aircraft (101; 1001) having an engine (111; 1017) with a rotatably nozzle assembly (401) configured to create forward propulsion and yaw control of the aircraft (101; 1001). The engine exhaust (129c) passing through the nozzle (401) is redirected with a valve (419) disposed within the nozzle (401). Lift is created with a lift system (1009) carried by the wing (1007) of the aircraft (1001). Additional lift is created during flight with a retractable wing extension (1015) disposed within the wing (1007) of the aircraft (1001).
摘要:
A shape-change material includes a shape memory material layer (12) with an electrically conductive layer (14) on a surface of the shape memory material layer. The conductive material may be used to heat the shape memory material by electrical resistance heating. The conductive material (14) may be a primary heater, providing the heating to cause softening or shape change in the shape memory material (12), or may be a secondary heater in conjunction with a greater amount of heating from a primary heater, such as a conductive plate that provides electrical resistance heating to a surface of the shape memory material on an opposite side of the shape memory material (12) from the conductive material (14). One use for the shape-change material is as the skin material for a shape changing material.
摘要:
A shape-changing structure has a superelastic metal foam structural member that changes shape (morphs) to change configuration of the structure. The superelastic metal foam structural member changes shape while maintaining a continuous outer surface, with the continuous metal foam material inside the outer surface expanding, contracting, or otherwise changing shape. The superelastic metal foam material may be heated above a transition temperature to allow it to change shape, and then cooled to cause it to increase in strength, more easily maintaining its new shape. The superelastic metal foam material may be a suitable alloy, for example a nickel titanium alloy, that exhibits superelastic (pseudoelastic) behavior. The superelastic metal foam material may be a shape memory alloy material that returns to a set shape upon moderate heating. The superelastic metal elastic foam structural member may be heated either by an internal heat source or by external heating.
摘要:
A ducted fan air vehicle and method of operation is disclosed for obtaining aerodynamic lift and efficiency in forward fliglit operation without significantly impacting hover stability. One or more retractable wings (301) are included on the ducted fan air vehicle and are deployed during forward flight to provide aerodynamic lift. The wing or wings are retracted when the vehicle hovers to reduce the impact the wings have on stability in a wind. Each wing may conform to the curvature or profile of the vehicle when retracted, and may be constructed in one or more wing sections. The wing or wings may be deployed and retracted automatically or at the command of an operator. Each wing and related components may be integrated into the vehicle or may be detachable.
摘要:
A ducted fan air vehicle and method of operation is disclosed for obtaining aerodynamic lift and efficiency in forward fliglit operation without significantly impacting hover stability. One or more retractable wings (301) are included on the ducted fan air vehicle and are deployed during forward flight to provide aerodynamic lift. The wing or wings are retracted when the vehicle hovers to reduce the impact the wings have on stability in a wind. Each wing may conform to the curvature or profile of the vehicle when retracted, and may be constructed in one or more wing sections. The wing or wings may be deployed and retracted automatically or at the command of an operator. Each wing and related components may be integrated into the vehicle or may be detachable.
摘要:
An airfoil member (14) includes a geometric morphing device (18). The geometric morphing device (18) has an inflatable member (30). The inflatable member (30) has an exterior wall (32) and multiple inflated states. The exterior wall (32) includes a layer with one or more fibers embedded therein. The exterior wall (32) controls size, shape, and expansion ability of the geometric morphing device (18).
摘要:
A retractable airfoil assembly (20) augments the wing surface area (28) of an aircraft (22) enabling it to fly without stalling at reduced speeds during takeoff and landing. The airfoil assembly includes flexible sails (42, 44) and a furling mast (24) for extending and retracting the sails. The furling mast includes a furling drum mounted for clockwise and counterclockwise rotation on a static tube (50). The flexible sail assembly also includes guide tracks (80) located along a leading edge (101) or tailing edge (40) of the wings. The tracks guide the flexible sails during extension and retraction. A drive cable (26) extends and retracts the sails (42, 44) along the guide tracks and maintains tension in the sails while they are extended.
摘要:
The invention provides a wing structure for an aircraft, including a top skin (14) and a bottom skin (16) defining a primary wing surface, the surface having a width, a length, a leading edge (8) and a trailing edge (10); a flap (18) having a width smaller than the width of the wing surface and a length extending over a major portion of the wing length, the flap being hingedly joined adjacent to the trailing edge (10) of the wing, wherein the flap is capable of assuming two limit dispositions, a first disposition in which the flap extends substantially parallel to the bottom skin (16), and a second disposition extending towards the trailing edge (10) of the wing, at an obtuse angle. A method for slowing down the speed of flight of an aircraft is also provided.
摘要:
An airfoil member (14) includes a geometric morphing device (18). The geometric morphing device (18) has an inflatable member (30). The inflatable member (30) has an exterior wall (32) and multiple inflated states. The exterior wall (32) includes a layer with one or more fibers embedded therein. The exterior wall (32) controls size, shape, and expansion ability of the geometric morphing device (18).
摘要:
Several innovative systems for an aircraft, and aircraft incorporating them, are disclosed. Features include inboard-mounted engine(s) (24,25) with a belt drive system (84,99) for turning wing-situated propellers (8,9); compound landing gear integrating ski (29,114), pontoon and wheel (18,19,21) subcomponents; pivotal mounting armatures (6,7) for landing gear and/or propellers which provide a plurality of possible landing gear and/or propeller configurations; and a compound wing structure (14,15) featuring extendable wing panels (4,5) that permit the wing span of the aircraft to be nearly doubled while in flight. Aircraft incorporating such features will enjoy several safety advantages over conventional multi-engine aircraft and will be capable of modifications during flight which permit landings on any of snow, hard surfaces (runways) and water.