Method and apparatus for controlling airflow with a gapped trailing edge device having a flexible flow surface

• US 20040004162A1
• Filed: 07/02/2002
• Published: 01/08/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Sakurai, Seiya, Lacy, Douglas S., Prow, Clayton A., Beyer, Kevin W., Fox, Stephen J., Meredith, Paul T., Wells, Stephen L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,258,308 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 244/216
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 9/18 by single flaps
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 50/10 Drag reduction
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 50/30 Wing lift efficiency

Abstract

A method and apparatus for controlling airflow with a gapped trailing edge device having a flexible flow surface. The airfoil can include a first portion having a first leading edge, a first flow surface, and a second flow surface facing opposite from the first flow surface. The airfoil can further include a second portion having a second leading edge and a trailing edge, with at least part of the second portion being positioned aft of the first portion. The second portion is moveable relative to the first portion between a first position and a second position, with the second leading edge separated from at least part of the first portion by an airflow gap when the second portion is in the second position. The second portion includes a flexible flow surface that has a first shape when the second portion is in the first position, and has a second shape different than the first shape when the second portion is in the second position.

Claims

1. An airfoil assembly, comprising:

a first portion having a first leading edge, a first flow surface and a second flow surface facing opposite from the first flow surface;

a second portion having a second leading edge and a trailing edge, at least part of the second portion being positioned aft of the first portion, the second portion being movable relative to the first portion between a first position and a second position, wherein the second leading edge is separated from at least part of the first portion by an airflow gap when the second portion is in the second position, and wherein the second portion includes a flexible flow surface, the flexible flow surface having a first shape when the second portion is in the first position, the flexible flow surface having a second shape different than the first shape when the second portion is in the second position; and

a guide structure coupled between the first portion and the second portion.

2. The airfoil of claim 1 wherein the guide structure includes a four-bar linkage arrangement.

3. The airfoil of claim 1 wherein the guide structure includes a roller and slot arrangement.

4. The airfoil of claim 1 wherein the first portion includes a hinge support, and wherein the second portion includes a trailing edge body and a leading edge body, the leading edge body being connected to the flexible flow surface, further wherein the guide structure includes a first pivot joint between the trailing edge body and the hinge support, a second pivot joint between the trailing edge body and the leading edge body, and a coupling link pivotably coupled between the hinge support and the leading edge body.

5. The airfoil of claim 1 wherein the guide structure includes a pivot joint between the first portion and the second portion.

6. The airfoil of claim 1 wherein the second portion includes a third surface facing opposite from the flexible flow surface, and wherein the first, second, third and flexible flow surfaces define a flow contour, further wherein the guide structure includes a pivot joint between the first portion and the second portion, the pivot joint being positioned at or within the flow contour.

7. The airfoil of claim 1 wherein the guide structure includes a first pivot joint between the first portion and the second portion, and wherein the guide structure further includes a coupling link pivotably coupled between the first portion and the second portion at second and third pivot joints.

8. The airfoil of claim 1 wherein the second portion includes a leading edge body attached to the flexible flow surface, and wherein the guide structure includes a pivot joint between the first portion and the second portion, and wherein the guide structure further includes a coupling link pivotably coupled between the first portion and the leading edge body.

9. The airfoil of claim 1 wherein the second portion deflects downwardly relative to the first portion when the second portion is in the second position.

10. The airfoil of claim 1 wherein the second portion deflects downwardly relative to the first portion when the second portion is in the second position, and wherein the second portion is movable to a third position with the second portion deflected upwardly relative to the first portion.

11. The airfoil of claim 1 wherein the second portion at least partially seals the gap when the second portion is in the first position.

12. The airfoil of claim 1 wherein the flexible flow surface forms a generally continuous first contour with the first surface of the first portion when the second portion is in the first position, and wherein the second portion further includes a third surface facing opposite from the flexible flow surface, the third surface forming a generally continuous second contour with the second surface of the first portion when the second portion is in the second position, further wherein the third surface has a forward section and an aft section, the forward and aft sections forming a generally continuous third contour when the second portion is in the first position, the forward and aft sections being spaced apart from each other when the second portion is in the second position.

13. The airfoil of claim 1, further comprising an actuator coupled between the first portion and the second portion, the actuator being positioned to selectively move the second portion between the first and second positions.

14. The airfoil of claim 1 wherein the second portion is configured to operate as at least one of a flap, an aileron, an elevator, a speed brake, and a spoiler.

15. The airfoil of claim 1 wherein the first portion includes a primary lifting surface for an aircraft.

16. An airfoil, comprising:

a first portion that includes a wing body having a first leading edge, a first flow surface, a second flow surface facing opposite from the first flow surface, and a hinge support; and

a second portion movably coupled to the first portion, the second portion including;

a trailing edge body having a trailing edge positioned aft of the wing body, the trailing edge body being pivotably coupled to the hinge support at a pivot joint to move relative to the wing body between a first position and a second position;

a leading edge body coupled to the trailing edge body and having a second leading edge, wherein the second leading edge is separated from at least part of the wing body by an airflow gap when the trailing edge body is in the second position;

a flexible flow surface connected between the trailing edge body and the leading edge body, the flexible flow surface having a first shape when the trailing edge body is in the first position, the flexible flow surface having a second shape different than the first shape when the trailing edge body is in the second position; and

a coupling link pivotably coupled between the hinge support and the leading edge body.

17. The airfoil of claim 16 wherein the trailing edge body includes a third surface facing opposite from the flexible flow surface, and wherein the first, second, third and flexible flow surfaces define a flow contour, further wherein the pivot joint between the hinge support and the trailing edge body is positioned at or within the flow contour.

18. The airfoil of claim 16 wherein the trailing edge body deflects downwardly relative to the wing body when the trailing edge body is in the second position.

19. The airfoil of claim 16 wherein the trailing edge body deflects downwardly relative to the wing body when the trailing edge body is in the second position, and wherein the trailing edge body is movable to a third position with the trailing edge body deflected upwardly relative to the wing body.

20. The airfoil of claim 16 wherein the leading edge body at least partially seals the gap when the trailing edge body is in the first position.

21. The airfoil of claim 16 wherein the flexible flow surface forms a generally continuous first contour with the first surface of the wing body when the trailing edge body is in the first position, and wherein the trailing edge body includes a third surface facing opposite from the flexible flow surface, the third surface forming a generally continuous second contour with the second leading edge when the trailing edge body is in the second position, the third surface being separated from the second leading edge when the trailing edge body is in the second position.

22. The airfoil of claim 16, further comprising an actuator coupled between the wing body and the trailing edge body, the actuator being positioned to selectively move the trailing edge body between the first and second positions.

23. The airfoil of claim 16 wherein the flexible flow surface includes a composite material.

24. An airfoil, comprising:

a first portion that includes a wing body having a first leading edge, a first flow surface, a second flow surface facing opposite from the first flow surface, and a hinge support; and

a second portion movably coupled to the first portion, the second portion including;

a trailing edge body having a trailing edge positioned aft of the wing body, the trailing edge body being pivotably coupled at a pivot joint to the hinge support to move relative to the wing body between a first position and a second position;

a leading edge body having a second leading edge and being pivotably coupled to the trailing edge body, wherein the second leading edge is separated from at least part of the wing body by an airflow gap when the trailing edge body is in the second position;

a flexible flow surface connected between the trailing edge body and the leading edge body, the flexible flow surface having a first shape when the trailing edge body is in the first position, the flexible flow surface having a second shape different than the first shape when the trailing edge body is in the second position; and

a coupling link pivotably coupled between the hinge support and the leading edge body.

25. The airfoil of claim 24 wherein the trailing edge body includes a third surface facing opposite from the flexible flow surface, and wherein the first, second, third and flexible flow surfaces define a flow contour, further wherein the pivot joint between the hinge support and the trailing edge body is positioned at or within the flow contour.

26. The airfoil of claim 24 wherein the trailing edge body deflects downwardly relative to the wing body when the trailing edge body is in the second position.

27. The airfoil of claim 24 wherein the trailing edge body deflects downwardly relative to the wing body when the trailing edge body is in the second position, and wherein the trailing edge body is movable to a third position with the trailing edge body deflected upwardly relative to the wing body.

28. The airfoil of claim 24 wherein the leading edge body at least partially seals the gap when the trailing edge body is in the first position.

29. The airfoil of claim 24 wherein the flexible flow surface forms a generally continuous first contour with the first surface of the wing body when the trailing edge body is in the first position, and wherein the trailing edge body includes a third surface facing opposite from the flexible flow surface, the third surface forming a generally continuous second contour with the second leading edge when the trailing edge body is in the second position, the third surface being separated from the second leading edge when the trailing edge body is in the second position.

30. The airfoil of claim 24, further comprising an actuator coupled between the wing body and the trailing edge body, the actuator being positioned to selectively move the trailing edge body between the first and second positions.

31. An airfoil, comprising:

a first portion, the first portion including;

a wing body having a first leading edge, a first flow surface and a second flow surface facing opposite from the first flow surface; and

a hinge support depending from the wing body;

a second portion, the second portion including;

a trailing edge body having a trailing edge positioned aft of the wing body, the trailing edge body being pivotably coupled to the hinge support at a pivot joint to move relative to the wing body between a first position and a second position;

a leading edge body having a second leading edge separated from the wing body by an airflow gap when the trailing edge body is in the second position; and

a flexible flow surface connected between the trailing edge body and the leading edge body, the flexible flow surface having a first shape when the trailing edge body is in the first position, the flexible flow surface having a second shape different than the first shape when the trailing edge body is in the second position;

a coupling link pivotably coupled between the hinge support and the leading edge body as the trailing edge body moves between the first position and the second position; and

an actuator coupled between the wing body and the trailing edge body, the actuator being positioned to selectively move the trailing edge body between the first and second positions.

32. The airfoil of claim 31 wherein the leading edge body is pivotably coupled to the trailing edge body.

33. The airfoil of claim 31 wherein the trailing edge body includes a third surface facing opposite from the flexible flow surface, and wherein the first, second, third and flexible flow surfaces define a flow contour, further wherein the pivot joint between the hinge support and the trailing edge body is positioned at or within the flow contour.

34. The airfoil of claim 31 wherein the trailing edge body deflects downwardly relative to the wing body when the trailing edge body is in the second position.

35. The airfoil of claim 31 wherein the trailing edge body deflects downwardly relative to the wing body when the trailing edge body is in the second position, and wherein the trailing edge body is movable to a third position with the trailing edge body deflected upwardly relative to the wing body.

36. The airfoil of claim 31 wherein the leading edge body at least partially seals the gap when the trailing edge body is in the first position.

37. The airfoil of claim 31 wherein the flexible flow surface forms an at least generally continuous first contour with the first surface of the wing body when the trailing edge body is in the first position, and wherein the trailing edge body includes a third surface facing opposite from the flexible flow surface, the third surface forming an at least generally continuous second contour with the second leading edge when the trailing edge body is in the second position, the third surface being separated from the second leading edge when the trailing edge body is in the second position.

38. An airfoil, comprising:

a first portion having a first leading edge, a first flow surface and a second flow surface facing opposite from the first flow surface; and

a plurality of second portions positioned aft the first leading edge, each second portion having a second leading edge and a trailing edge and being movable relative to the first portion between a first position and a second position, wherein the second leading edge of each second portion is separated from the first portion of the airfoil by a gap when the second portion is in the second position, and wherein each second portion includes a flexible flow surface, each flexible flow surface having a first shape when a corresponding one of the second portions is in the first position, each flexible flow surface having a second shape different than the first shape when the corresponding second portion is in the second position; and

a plurality of guide structures, with each guide structure coupled between the first portion and a corresponding one of the second portions.

39. The airfoil of claim 38 wherein each of the second portions is movable relative to the first portion independently of the other second portions.

40. The airfoil of claim 38 wherein at least one of the plurality of guide structures includes a four-bar linkage arrangement.

41. The airfoil of claim 38 wherein at least one of the plurality of guide structures includes a roller and slot arrangement.

42. The airfoil of claim 38 wherein at least one of the plurality of guide structures includes a pivot joint between the first portion and a corresponding one of the second portions.

43. The airfoil of claim 38 wherein at least one of the plurality of guide structures includes a first pivot joint between the first portion and a corresponding one of the second portions, and wherein the at least one guide structure further includes a coupling link pivotably coupled between the first portion and the corresponding second portion at second and third pivot joints.

44. The airfoil of claim 38 wherein at least one of the second portions includes a leading edge body attached to one of the flexible flow surfaces, and wherein at least one of the guide structures includes a pivot joint between the first portion and the at least one second portion, and wherein the at least one guide structure further includes a coupling link pivotably coupled between the first portion and the leading edge body.

45. The airfoil of claim 38 wherein the first portion includes at least one hinge support, and wherein at least one of the second portions includes a trailing edge body and a leading edge body, the leading edge body being connected to one of the flexible flow surfaces, wherein at least one of the guide structures includes a first pivot joint between the trailing edge body and the at least one hinge support, a second pivot joint between the trailing edge body and the leading edge body, and a coupling link pivotably coupled between the at least one hinge support and the leading edge body.

46. The airfoil of claim 38 wherein at least one of the second portions deflects downwardly relative to the first portion when the at least one second portion is in the second position.

47. The airfoil of claim 38 wherein at least one of the second portions deflects downwardly relative to the first portion when the second portion is in the second position, and wherein the at least one second portion is movable to a third position with the at least one second portion deflected upwardly relative to the first portion.

48. The airfoil of claim 38 wherein at least one of the second portions at least partially seals the gap when the at least one second portion is in the first position.

49. The airfoil of claim 38, further comprising an actuator coupled between the first portion and at least one of the second portions, the actuator being positioned to selectively move the at least one second portion between the first and second positions.

50. A method for varying a geometry of an airfoil having a-first portion and a second portion movably coupled to the first portion, the method comprising:

moving the second portion of the airfoil relative to the first portion of the airfoil from a first position to a second position, with at least part of the second portion being positioned aft of the first portion;

forming an airflow gap by separating at least part of the second portion from the first portion; and

changing a shape of a flexible flow surface of the second portion from a first shape to a second shape different than the first shape as the second portion moves from the first position to the second position.

51. The method of claim 50 wherein moving the second portion of the airfoil includes actuating a four-bar linkage arrangement.

52. The method of claim 50 wherein moving the second portion of the airfoil includes moving a roller within a guide slot.

53. The method of claim 50 wherein moving the second portion of the airfoil includes pivoting the second portion relative to the first portion.

54. The method of claim 50 wherein moving the second portion of the airfoil includes pivoting the second portion about a first pivot joint between the first portion and the second portion and rotating a coupling link pivotably coupled between the first portion and the second portion at second and third pivot joints.

55. The method of claim 50 wherein the second portion includes a leading edge body attached to the flexible flow surface, and wherein the airfoil includes a pivot joint between the first portion and the second portion and a coupling link pivotably coupled between the first portion and the leading edge body, further wherein moving the second portion includes pivoting the second portion about the pivot joint and rotating the coupling link.

56. The method of claim 50 wherein the first portion includes a hinge support, and wherein the second portion includes a trailing edge body and a leading edge body, the leading edge body being connected to the flexible flow surface, and wherein the airfoil includes a first pivot joint between the trailing edge body and the hinge support, a second pivot joint between the trailing edge body and the leading edge body, and a coupling link pivotably coupled between the hinge support and the leading edge body, further wherein moving the second portion includes pivoting the trailing edge body about the first pivot joint, pivoting the leading edge body about the second pivot joint, and rotating the coupling link.

57. The method of claim 50 wherein moving the second portion includes deflecting the second portion downwardly relative to the first portion.

58. The method of claim 50 wherein moving the second portion includes deflecting the second portion upwardly relative to the first portion.

59. The method of claim 50, further comprising moving the second portion back toward the first portion and at least partially sealing the gap between the first and second portions.

60. The method of claim 50, further comprising separating a forward part of the second portion from an aft part of the second portion as the second portion moves from the first position to the second position.

61. A method for varying an airfoil geometry, comprising:

moving a movable portion of the airfoil relative to a wing body of the airfoil from a first position to a second position, the movable portion having a trailing edge body pivotably coupled to the wing body, a leading edge body coupled with a coupling link to the wing body, and a flexible flow surface coupled between the trailing edge body and the leading edge body, wherein moving the movable portion includes pivoting the trailing edge body relative to the wing body;

forming an airflow gap by separating at least part of the leading edge body from the wing body; and

changing a shape of the flexible flow surface from a first shape to a second shape different than the first shape as the movable portion moves from the first position to the second position.

62. The method of claim 61 wherein moving the movable portion includes deflecting the movable portion downwardly relative to the wing body.

63. The method of claim 61 wherein moving the movable portion includes deflecting the movable portion upwardly relative to the wing body.

64. The method of claim 61, further comprising moving the movable portion back to the first position and at least partially sealing the gap between the wing body and the leading edge body.

65. The method of claim 61, further comprising separating a forward part of the movable portion from an aft part of the movable portion as the movable portion moves from the first position to the second position.

66. A method for varying an airfoil geometry, comprising:

moving a movable portion of the airfoil relative to a wing body of the airfoil from a first position to a second position, the movable portion having a trailing edge body pivotably coupled to the wing body, a leading edge body pivotably coupled to the trailing edge body, a flexible flow surface coupled between the trailing edge body and the leading edge body, and a coupling link pivotably coupled between the wing body and the leading edge body, wherein moving the movable portion includes pivoting the trailing edge body relative to the wing body;

forming an airflow gap by separating at least part of the leading edge body from the wing body; and

changing a shape of the flexible flow surface from a first shape to a second shape different than the first shape as the movable portion moves from the first position to the second position.

67. The method of claim 66 wherein moving the movable portion includes deflecting the movable portion downwardly relative to the wing body.

68. The method of claim 66 wherein moving the movable portion includes deflecting the movable portion downwardly relative to the wing body to the second position, and wherein the method further includes deflecting the movable portion upwardly relative to the wing body to a third position.

69. The method of claim 66, further comprising moving the movable portion back to the first position and at least partially sealing the gap between the movable portion and the wing body.

70. The method of claim 66, further comprising separating a forward part of the movable portion from an aft part of the movable portion as the movable portion moves from the first position to the second position.