Drag reduction riblets integrated in a paint layer
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorMatt H. Travis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A riblet forming system incorporates a print head with an array of print jets. A gantry supports the print head and is positioned and moved over an aerodynamic surface. A computer control system is connected for control of the gantry on a predetermined path over the aerodynamic surface and further connected to the print head to control the print jets to sequentially apply print dots from the array of print jets forming a riblet profile along the predetermined path.
Claims20
A riblet forming system comprising:
- a print head having an array of print jets;
- a gantry supporting the print head and adapted for positioning and motion over an aerodynamic surface;
- and,
- a computer control system connected for control of the gantry on a predetermined path over the aerodynamic surface and further connected to the print head controlling the print jets to sequentially apply print dots from the array of print jets forming a riblet profile along the predetermined path.
A riblet impression system comprising:
- an impression mold element;
- a gantry supporting the impression mold element and adapted the positioning and motion over an aerodynamic surface;
- and,
- a computer control system connected to and controlling the gantry on a predetermined path over the aerodynamic surface and further controlling the gantry vertically with respect to the aerodynamic surface to sequentially impress the impression mold element in a malleable paint layer on the aerodynamic surface forming a riblet profile along the predetermined path.
A riblet construction system comprising:
- a gantry adapted for motion over an aerodynamic surface on a predetermined path;
- a laser mounted to the gantry;
- a control system connected to the gantry, said gantry moving on the predetermined path responsive to the control system, said control system further connected to the laser, said laser cutting a riblet topology in a predeposited paint layer responsive to the control system.
A riblet stereo lithography system comprising:
- an agent applicator applying a stero lithographic agent on an aerodynamic surface;
- an activator trailing the agent applicator on a predetermined path over the aerodynamic surface, said activator activating the agent to create a riblet structure;
- and,
- a spray nozzle trailing the activator and flushing away non-activated material leaving riblet structure in place on the surface.
A method for forming riblets on an aerodynamic surface comprising:
- applying a paint layer to an aerodynamic surface;
- positioning an impression mold element having a negative profile mold of a riblet array prior to drying of the paint layer;
- lowering the impression mold element is into contact with the paint layer with sufficient pressure to imprint a riblet array in the paint layer;
- sequentially transition* the impression mold element over the paint layer on a predetermined path to create a riblet array.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.