Trailing edge split flap with pneumatic actuation

摘要

A system for pneumatically actuating a split flap hingedly mounted near or at a trailing edge of an airfoil. The system includes a bladder system disposed between the split flap and the upper surface of the airfoil. The split flap is a small-chord (usually 1-3% of total wing chord) long-span lower panel which separates from the airfoil trailing edge by means of a hinge or a flexible lower skin. Deployment of the split flap is actuated pneumatically by the inflatable bladder system. The split flap may exist at a fixed wing trailing edge, a moving flap trailing edge, or an empennage trailing edge. The pneumatic bladder provides distributed force to extend and retract the split flap. This pneumatic approach eliminates extra drag, reduces cost and weight, and lessens flutter concerns.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
an airfoil having upper and lower surfaces; a hinge attached to said lower surface; a deployable flap attached to said hinge and extending in a spanwise direction, said flap being rotatable about an axis of said hinge between an undeflected angular position in which said flap is aligned with said lower surface, a partially deployed angular position in which said flap is deflected at a first angle relative to said lower surface, and a fully deployed angular position in which said flap is deflected at a second angle relative to said lower surface, said second angle being greater than said first angle; and a bladder system comprising first and second bays which are individually inflatable and adjacent to each other, said first and second bays being disposed inside said airfoil between a portion of said flap and said upper surface when said flap is in said undeflected position, wherein said flap will be in said undeflected position when said first and second bays are deflated, in said partially deployed position when said first bay is inflated and said second bay is deflated, and in said fully deployed position when said first and second bays are both inflated.