Wing leading edge having vortex generators
AssigneeCessna Aircraft Company
InventorsGregory A. Rincker, Kenton A. Cleveland, James L. Hammer
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Abstract
An arrangement of devices as well as a method for improving the aerodynamics of an aircraft wing are disclosed. In embodiments, a plurality of vortex generators are attached in span-wise alignment on an deice boot along the wing's leading edge. The vortex generators are, in embodiments, constructed of a flexible material such that they are able to be expanded along with the boot during inflation and deflation thus mechanically involving the aerodynamic devices in the ice-shedding process.
Claims20
An aircraft wing, comprising:
- an deice boot;
- and
- a protrusion on said deice boot, said protrusion being adapted to minimize flow separation.
An aerodynamic device, said device comprising:
- a ramped upper face and two laterally converging sides;
- and
- said device is adapted such that it is able to be fixed onto and mechanically operational along with an deice boot on a leading edge of an aircraft wing.
A method of improving the aerodynamics of an aircraft wing, said method comprising:
- providing a flexible inflatable member;
- installing said flexible inflatable member along the leading edge of an aircraft for the purpose of preventing ice buildup by inflating and deflating said member;
- and
- attaching one or more aerodynamic devices to said inflatable member for the purpose of generating vortices.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.