Ducted fan having aerodynamic features
First Claim
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1. A duct for a ducted fan of an aircraft, the ducted fan being configured to generate a thrust, the duct comprising:
- a. a duct body, said duct body having a leading edge portion, said leading edge portion being configured to generate a lift when said ducted fan is operating;
b. a circumference defined by said leading edge portion, said circumference defining a plurality of segments, said circumference of said leading edge portion defining a curved throat, said curved throat having a surface;
c. an air dam, said air dam being arrayed about at least a one of said plurality of segments in said curved throat, said air dam being selectably movable between a deployed position and a retracted position, said air dam in said deployed position extending above said surface of said curved throat, said air dam in said retracted position being retracted into said surface of said curved throat, said air dam in said retracted position being configured to causes less turbulence at said surface when the ducted fan is operating than in said deployed position, said air dam being asymmetrically deployable about said circumference so that said air dam may be deployed for one of said plurality of segments and not deployed for another of said plurality of segments, whereby said air dam in said deployed position selectably reduces said lift from said segment compared to said air dam in said retracted position.
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Abstract
A ducted fan for an aircraft or other vehicle includes aerodynamic features to selectably move the thrust vector of the ducted fan from the axis of rotation of the ducted fan, providing additional and redundant control authority to a control system. The control system may apply the aerodynamic features asymmetrically about the circumference of the duct and may apply the aerodynamic features differentially among a plurality of ducted fans. The aerodynamic features may include a morphing leading edge portion, an air dam, vanes and trailing edge control surfaces.
14 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A duct for a ducted fan of an aircraft, the ducted fan being configured to generate a thrust, the duct comprising:
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a. a duct body, said duct body having a leading edge portion, said leading edge portion being configured to generate a lift when said ducted fan is operating; b. a circumference defined by said leading edge portion, said circumference defining a plurality of segments, said circumference of said leading edge portion defining a curved throat, said curved throat having a surface; c. an air dam, said air dam being arrayed about at least a one of said plurality of segments in said curved throat, said air dam being selectably movable between a deployed position and a retracted position, said air dam in said deployed position extending above said surface of said curved throat, said air dam in said retracted position being retracted into said surface of said curved throat, said air dam in said retracted position being configured to causes less turbulence at said surface when the ducted fan is operating than in said deployed position, said air dam being asymmetrically deployable about said circumference so that said air dam may be deployed for one of said plurality of segments and not deployed for another of said plurality of segments, whereby said air dam in said deployed position selectably reduces said lift from said segment compared to said air dam in said retracted position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification