Wing with inflatable struts
OwnerTony Logoszinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An aerodynamic wing formed by a flexible canopy with integrated inflatable, elastically deformable members integrated into the lifting surface. Preferably, the elastically deformable member extends and contracts the lifting surface depending on forces experienced by the wing. In one embodiment, the wing comprises an inflatable leading edge kite.
Claims14
An aerodynamic wing comprising a leading edge, a trailing edge, a flexible canopy forming a lifting surface, and an elastically deformable member having a length integrated into the lifting surface, wherein the elastically deformable member extends and contracts the lifting surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the length of the elastically deformable member depending on lifting forces experienced by the wing, wherein the elastically deformable member and canopy are configured to impart a camber to the lifting surface, and wherein the elastically deformable member longitudinal axis is oriented substantially perpendicular to a lifting force developed by the lifting surface when subjected to an airflow having a direction and longitudinal axis is oriented substantially parallel with the airflow direction.
A method for controlling aerodynamic characteristics of a wing in response to applied forces, comprising the steps of:
- a) providing aerodynamic wing comprising a leading edge, a trailing edge, a flexible canopy forming a lifting surface, and an elastically deformable member having a length with a longitudinal orientation integrated into the lifting surface, wherein the canopy and elastically deformable member are configured to impart a camber to the lifting surface;
- b) subjecting said aerodynamic wing to an airflow having a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elastically deformable member to generate the lifting force substantially perpendicular to the elastically deformable member;
- c) increasing a force to the aerodynamic wing in response to the increased lifting force;
- d) deforming the elastically deformable member;
- and
- e) extending the lifting surface in response to the deforming of the elastically deformable member a direction substantially perpendicular to the length of the elastically deformable member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.