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:
May. 07, 2013
Filed:
Aug. 06, 2009
Richard D. Widdle, Jr., Carnation, WA (US);
Matthew T. Grimshaw, Seattle, WA (US);
Kava S. Crosson-elturan, Bloomington, IN (US);
James H. Mabe, Seattle, WA (US);
Frederick T. Calkins, Renton, WA (US);
Lynn M. Gravatt, Seattle, WA (US);
Moushumi Shome, Kent, WA (US);
Richard D. Widdle, Jr., Carnation, WA (US);
Matthew T. Grimshaw, Seattle, WA (US);
Kava S. Crosson-Elturan, Bloomington, IN (US);
James H. Mabe, Seattle, WA (US);
Frederick T. Calkins, Renton, WA (US);
Lynn M. Gravatt, Seattle, WA (US);
Moushumi Shome, Kent, WA (US);
The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuated aerostructure operable to dynamically change shape according to flight conditions is disclosed. Deformable structures are actuated by SMA actuators that are coupled to face sheets of the deformable structures. Actuating the SMA actuators produces complex shape changes of the deformable structures by activating shape changes of the SMA actuators. The SMA actuators are actuated via an active or passive temperature change based on operating conditions. The SMA actuated aerostructure can be used for morphable nozzles such as a variable area fan nozzle and/or a variable geometry chevron of a jet engine to reduce engine noise during takeoff without degrading fuel burn during cruise.