The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 29, 2002
Filed:
Oct. 28, 1999
Wayde R. Schmidt, Pomfret Center, CT (US);
Harry E. Eaton, Jr., Woodstock, CT (US);
United Technologies Corporation, Hartford, CT (US);
Abstract
The present invention is a nanocomposite layer applied to the leading edge of an airfoil. The nanocomposite is an elastomeric matrix reinforced with nanosized reinforcing particles ranging in size from about 0.5 to 1000 nanometers and preferably ranging in size from about 5 to 100 nanometers. These nanosized reinforcing particles improve the mechanical properties of a pure elastomer. Improving such properties assists the nanocomposite layer in absorbing and dissipating the impact energy caused by the repeated impact of particulate matter, such as sand and rain. Adding the nanosized reinforcing particles to an elastomer allows the nanocomposite to absorb the impact energy over a larger volume in comparison to a pure elastomeric material. The nanocomposite layer is, therefore, capable of withstanding the repeated impact caused by the particulate matter for a greater length of time compared to a pure elastomer. Applying a nanocomposite layer over an aerodynamic member also increases the airfoil's wear resistance. Hence the present invention increases the airfoil's durability, thereby reducing the frequency at which the airfoil may require repair.