Labyrinth barrier with members constructed of a shape memory material
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsTyler Emerson Berkey, Nicholas Page
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Abstract
A labyrinth barrier is disclosed and comprises two or more members each defining respective vertical axes. One or more of the members are constructed at least in part of a shape memory material having a first energy state and a second energy state. The members are oriented relative to one another by their respective vertical axes in an original state to create a flow pathway that restricts fluid flow in a direction transverse to the respective vertical axes. The members are urged towards one another to further restrict the flow pathway when the shape memory material transitions from the first energy state to the second energy state.
Claims20
A labyrinth barrier disposed along two opposing walls, the labyrinth barrier comprising:
- two or more members each defining respective vertical axes, wherein each member includes a proximate end and a distal end, and the proximate end of each of the members is attached to one of the two opposing walls, and wherein the members are oriented relative to one another by their respective vertical axes in an original state to create a flow pathway that restricts fluid flow in a direction transverse to the respective vertical axes;
- and
- an arm corresponding to one or more of the members that are constructed at least in part of a shape memory material having a first energy state and a second energy state, wherein a corresponding proximal end of the arm is fixedly attached to one of the two opposing walls and a corresponding distal end of the arm is fixedly attached to the distal end of a corresponding member and actuates as the shape memory material transitions from the first energy state to the second energy state to urge a distal end of the corresponding member towards the distal end of an adjacent member to further restrict the flow pathway when the shape memory material transitions from the first energy state to the second energy state.
A thrust reverser for an aircraft, comprising:
- a thrust reverser compartment comprising opposing walls;
- and
- a labyrinth barrier disposed along the two opposing walls of the thrust reverser compartment, the labyrinth barrier comprising:
- two or more members each defining respective vertical axes, wherein each member includes a proximate end and a distal end, and the proximate end of each of the members is attached to one of the two opposing walls, and wherein the members are oriented relative to one another by their respective vertical axes in an original state to create a flow pathway that restricts fluid flow in a direction transverse to the respective vertical axes;
- and
- an arm corresponding to one or more of the members that are constructed at least in part of a shape memory material having a first energy state and a second energy state, wherein a corresponding proximal end of the arm is fixedly attached to one of the two opposing walls and a corresponding distal end of the arm is fixedly attached to the distal end of a corresponding member and actuates as the shape memory material transitions from the first energy state to the second energy state to urge a distal end of the corresponding member towards the distal end of an adjacent member to further restrict the flow pathway when the shape memory material transitions from the first energy state to the second energy state.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.