VARIABLE GEOMETRY INLET FOR A DUCTED FAN AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING SAME

摘要

A variable geometry inlet for a ducted fan is selectively transitionable between a first and second mode. The inlet includes a retractable ring that extends circumferentially about the inlet and is selectively movable between an axially extended position in the first mode and an axially retracted position in the second mode. A tube extends circumferentially proximate the retractable ring, and is pressurizable to a relatively deflated state in the first mode and to a relatively inflated state in the second mode. A stretchable skin extends circumferentially proximate the retractable ring, and is elastically deformable in at least a circumferential direction about a longitudinal axis of the fan. A leading edge of the inlet in the first mode is defined by the stretchable skin disposed against a forward edge of the retractable ring, and in the second mode by the stretchable skin disposed against at least a portion of the tube.

主权项

1. A variable geometry inlet for a ducted fan, said variable geometry inlet is selectively transitionable between a first mode and a second mode, said variable geometry inlet comprising:
a retractable ring that extends circumferentially about said variable geometry inlet, said retractable ring is selectively movable between an axially extended position in the first mode and an axially retracted position in the second mode; a tube that extends circumferentially proximate said retractable ring, said tube is pressurizable to a relatively deflated state in the first mode and to a relatively inflated state in the second mode; and a stretchable skin that extends circumferentially proximate said retractable ring, said stretchable skin is elastically deformable in at least a circumferential direction about a longitudinal axis of the ducted fan, wherein a leading edge of said variable geometry inlet in the first mode is defined by said stretchable skin disposed against a forward edge of said retractable ring, and said leading edge in the second mode is defined by said stretchable skin disposed against at least a portion of said tube.