LIFT FAN FLOW PATH DEVICE
First Claim
1. An apparatus comprising:
- an extendable lift fan airflow duct having a flexible portion operable to be extended from a folded position and having a first end configured to receive a flow of working fluid from a lift fan and a second end configured to eject the flow of working fluid.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A flow path is disclosed that is capable of being deployed when needed and stowed in a relatively small space when not in use. The flow path device is flexible and may be made from a variety of materials. In an illustrative embodiment the flow path device is annular and transitions from an ellipsoidal annular shape to a quadrilateral annular shape. A vane box can be disposed at one end of the flow path device. Doors can be coupled to the vane box to cover the flow path device. The doors can be used to provide a structural load path for the flow path device and vane box. The doors and the flow path device can be moved together such that the doors uncover the flow path device as the device is deployed.
21 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
an extendable lift fan airflow duct having a flexible portion operable to be extended from a folded position and having a first end configured to receive a flow of working fluid from a lift fan and a second end configured to eject the flow of working fluid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An apparatus comprising:
a collapsible lift fan airflow duct having an annular flow path formed between a first collapsible airflow member and a second collapsible airflow member, the first collapsible airflow member having open ends, the second collapsible airflow member capable of being received within an interior of the first collapsible airflow member, and the collapsible lift fan airflow duct operable to be extended from a compact position to an operating position. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An apparatus comprising:
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a collapsible lift fan conduit having an outlet operable to convey a flow path for an air stream provided by an aircraft lift fan; a cover operable to close at least a portion of the outlet; and means for removing the cover to expose the outlet.
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17. A method comprising:
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extending a collapsible lift fan flow directing device from a stowed position to a final position; withdrawing a cover operable to at least partially enclose the collapsible lift fan flow directing device; and flowing a working fluid through the collapsible lift fan flow directing device to provide vertical lift for an aircraft. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification