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:
Apr. 18, 2006
Filed:
Apr. 01, 2003
Cornelis P. Van Dam, Davis, CA (US);
Dora T. Yen, Dublin, CA (US);
Rosemary L. Smith, Davis, CA (US);
Scott D. Collins, Davis, CA (US);
Cornelis P. Van Dam, Davis, CA (US);
Dora T. Yen, Dublin, CA (US);
Rosemary L. Smith, Davis, CA (US);
Scott D. Collins, Davis, CA (US);
The Regents of the University of California, Oakland, CA (US);
Abstract
Micro-electro-mechanical (MEM) translational tabs are introduced for enhancing and controlling aerodynamic loading of lifting surfaces. These microtabs are mounted at or near the trailing edge of lifting surfaces, deploy approximately normal to the surface, and have a maximum deployment height on the order of the boundary layer thickness. Deployment of this type of device effectively changes the camber, thereby affecting the lift generated by the surface. The effect of these microtabs on lift is as powerful as conventional control surfaces such as ailerons. Application of this simple yet innovative lift enhancement and control device will permit the elimination of some of the bulky conventional high-lift and control systems and result in an overall reduction in system weight, complexity and cost.