초록 ▼

An air pump positioned within a hollow space in an aerodynamic structure for controlling the flow over an aerodynamic surface thereof, includes a movable member linearly displaced by a very low friction piston mechanism and a compression chamber open to the exterior of the aerodynamic surface throug

An air pump positioned within a hollow space in an aerodynamic structure for controlling the flow over an aerodynamic surface thereof, includes a movable member linearly displaced by a very low friction piston mechanism and a compression chamber open to the exterior of the aerodynamic surface through an orifice. Reciprocal displacement of the very low friction movable member changes the volume of the compression chamber to alternately expel fluid (e.g., air) from and pull fluid into the compression chamber through the orifice. The movable member includes a piston oscillating within a piston housing each having an ultra-low friction coating for improved thermal performance and reduced maintenance. Fluid intake to the compression chamber may be increased through the use of a one-way valve located either in the aerodynamic surface, or in the piston. Multiple flapper valves may surround the orifice in the aerodynamic surface for increased fluid control.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. An air pump for control of aerodynamic air flow over a surface comprising:an orifice opening through an aerodynamic surface of an airfoil;an air pump housing including a hollow space adjacent to the orifice;a substantially rigid movable member within the air pump housing

The invention claimed is: 1. An air pump for control of aerodynamic air flow over a surface comprising:an orifice opening through an aerodynamic surface of an airfoil;an air pump housing including a hollow space adjacent to the orifice;a substantially rigid movable member within the air pump housing, whereby an interior surface of the air pump housing has been coated with approximately 0.5 to 10 microns of film of ultra-low friction amorphous carbon, the movable member comprising a piston connected by a first shaft element defining an axis and wherein the piston is made substantially of composite materials and is flat and thin relative to its axis of travel and the air pump housing, the piston and housing together defining a compression chamber effective for aerodynamic flow control, the first shaft element traveling within at least one bushing which has a coating of the ultra-low friction film of amorphous carbon, the movable member being substantially symmetric in terms of its mass about a plane extending perpendicularly through the mid-point of the air pump housing, the axis extending in a direction that intersects the aerodynamic surface substantially normally so that the movable member oscillates through a neutral centered position along the axis; andthe combination of the piston and a second shaft element within the hollow space defining a compression chamber open to the exterior of the aerodynamic surface, whereby the piston, first and second shaft elements and housing effectively cooperate in operation of the air pump in an ultra-low friction manner of aerodynamic flow control of the airfoil.