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US 12,570,395 B2Granted
Winglet control surfaces and methods for use therewith
AssigneeREGENT Craft Inc.
InventorsBradley C. Buskirk, Brett C. Peters
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Various control surfaces are disclosed that can cause a side force along a lateral axis running through a center of mass of a craft when the control surfaces are deployed in a same direction. The side force can be created without creating a yawing moment on the craft. The control surfaces can be on a winglet of the craft. Also disclosed are a split-flap control surface and stand-alone ailerons.
Claims20
A craft comprising:
- a body defining a longitudinal axis;
- and
- a wing defining a lateral axis, the wing comprising first and second winglets comprising respective winglet effectors positioned to cause a side force along the lateral axis when the winglet effectors are deployed in a same direction, wherein the lateral axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and runs through a center of mass of the craft, and wherein the side force is toward the center of mass of the craft so as to not cause a yawing moment on the craft.
A craft comprising:
- a body defining a longitudinal axis;
- a wing defining a lateral axis;
- and
- port and starboard control surfaces positioned to cause a side force along the lateral axis when the port and starboard control surfaces are deployed in a same direction, wherein the lateral axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and runs through a center of mass of the craft, and wherein the side force is toward the center of mass of the craft so as to not cause a yawing moment on the craft.
1 more element
A method comprising:
- performing, in a craft comprising a body defining a longitudinal axis, a wing defining a lateral axis, and first and second control surfaces positioned to cause a side force along the lateral axis when the first and second control surfaces are deployed in a same direction, wherein the lateral axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and runs through a center of mass of the craft, and wherein the side force is toward the center of mass of the craft so as to not cause a yawing moment on the craft:
- determining a need to apply the side force along the lateral axis;
- and
- actuating the first and second control surfaces to apply the side force along the lateral axis.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.