Continuous single flap hinge and seal device for flexible hydrofoils and

Abstract

A continuous flap hinge and sealing device for hingedly connecting a control flap (45) to the trailing edge (46) of a flexible fluid foil (41) comprising a span-wise hinge block (52) having a continuous comb-like hinge member interconnected with a comparable comb-like hinge member (50) integral with the foil trailing edge (46) and defining alternating interdigitated hinge elements (51, 54) secured together by a span-wise continuous hinge pin (55) and wherein such continuous hinge block (52) is received within a continuous span-wise leading edge slot (56) formed in the flap leading edge (48) with the flap leading edge being fixedly secured to the hinge block (52) at two span-wise spaced inboard and outboard points ('X', 'Y') defining 'hard' pivotal connections wherein relative movement between the hinge block (52) and flap (45) is retrained; yet, wherein fore and aft relative sliding movement of the hinge block (52) within the flap leading edge slot (56) is permitted at all span-wise points intermediate the two 'hard' points ('X', 'Y') of pivotal connection, as well as inboard and outboard thereof. Further, the hinge elements (50, 52, 55), although rigidly secured to the flap (45) at only two spaced span-wise points ('X', 'Y'), nevertheless extend continuously through the span-wise length of the hinged connection; and, together with the flap leading edge (48), define a continuous span-wise labyrinth seal which effectively precludes bleeding of boundary layer fluid.