FR2676032A1 - Aerodynamic device with great adjustable lift - Google Patents

Abstract

Aerodynamic device with great adjustable lift made as a single element incorporating a device for controlling the boundary layer by natural bleed-off (blowing). It is made up of a deformable envelope (9, 10) exhibiting hatches (flaps) (16, 17) for the passage of the air from the lower wing surface to the upper wing surface, of a structure which gives the shape to the envelope, in particular in terms of curvature, thickness, twist, wingspan, and of a system for controlling the adjustment of the assembly.

Description

 The present invention relates to an aerodynamic device with large lift adjustable in a single element incorporating a device for controlling the boundary layer by natural blowing, for propulsion or lift by the effect of the relative wind.

 Intended for any machine propelled and / or supported partially or entirely by the effect of the relative wind, including boats, sand yachts, windsurfers, beach machines, models, flying wings, aircraft.

 ActuIly the aerodynamic devices capable of generating a large lift are made up of several independent elements in general with thick profile, positioned relative to each other to form a very arched assembly. The air coming from the lower surface of the assembly, passes between the elements towards the upper surface and reactivates the boundary layer.

In aeronautics, the profiled elements of the assembly are themselves arched which improves the general flow. When the best finesse is required, the elements of the assembly fold and integrate into a single profile and the drag becomes minimum.

In boating, the assembly must have a reversible concavity and its elements cannot be arched permanently on one side. To solve the problem, currently, the elements are symmetrical and it is necessary to add trailing edge flaps to each of them.

These flaps are oriented to better channel the air passing between the profiled elements of the assembly, always for controlling the boundary layer of the upper surface of the assembly.

When the best finesse is required, the elements cannot overlap one another to form a single, continuous profile. The current solution to this problem consists in finding a parallel and offset arrangement of the elements of the assembly, thus forming a bi or triplans with offset wings very close together. But the flows around each element of the assembly interfere unfavorably, and the drag of the assembly remains significant despite the strong reduction in lift.

 Also, the current nautical devices with high lift for propulsion, are not foldable which prevents marketing with water sports enthusiasts, for reasons of transport and storage.

 The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

 The device which is the subject of the invention has a single volume of aerodynamic shape. I1 is deformable in an adjustable manner, with camber, thickness and adjustable twist, with resible concavity, partially or totally pliable, or not pliable.

 The device is composed of a structure which maintains the shape of an envelope in an adjustable manner, of hatches arranged on each side of the device, and of a control system for adjusting the shape and size of the camber. , the width, the twist and the span of the aerodynamic volume, as well as the opening of the hatches by acting on the structure and the hatches.

 The device of the invention has at least one hollow part. On the envelope are positioned at least 1 hatch on each side which are located between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the aerodynamic volume to pass air, when the hatches are open, from the lower surface to the upper surface by a hollow part of the interior of the aerodynamic volume. The geometry and orientation of the hatches are designed so that, whatever their adjustable opening percentage, they guide the flow of air coming from the lower surface so that it leads to the upper surface tangential to it. ci, inducing a minimum of drag and pressure drop during the passage through the interior of the aerodynamic volume.

 The structure of the device consists of a spacer system, adjustable or not, the two ends giving the span and an adjustable structure giving wings different sections forming the profile of the aerodynamic volume.

A possible architecture of this adjustable structure giving the different section (s) forming the profile (s) of the aerodynamic volume means that it is formed of at least one pair consisting of at least one plate comprising at least one movable part for adjustment width, and slats. When there are several plates per couple, these are articulated in an adjustable manner between them to induce camber and / or maintain the space between the slats. This / these trays form a skeleton which positions and maintains two flexible slats, one on each side of the trays between the leading edge and the trailing edge. These slats which are linked or not to the envelope delimiting the external contour of the aerodynamic volume define a section, a profile, of the aerodynamic shape. There is one / more connections between the spacer system and the couple (s).

Another possible architecture of this adjustable structure giving the different sections forming the profile of the aerodynamic volume consists in that each slat is in at least two parts, at least one of which is movable so that the length of each slat is adjustable. The slats of the same pair are connected together at the leading edge and at the trailing edge. Thus the camber and the shape of each profile couple is obtained by the difference in length of the two slats of the couple associated or not with a spacing system of these slats. This system can consist of one or more plates or one or more spacers, articulated on the slats.

 The hatches are connected to the structure and / or the envelope. Whatever the percentage of adjustable opening of the hatches, their outer surface, on which the flow and the guide are made, is connected with the envelope by forming a curved part having no dihedron or any difference in hatch / envelope , so that the flow threads follow a continuous curved surface.

Depending on whether the device is partially, totally or not collapsible, the spacer system is as follows: 1) It consists of at least one spacer comprising or not including at least one movable part
holding apart two superimposed trays and / or a tray and one or two ends of the
aerodynamic volume, according to the number of torque of the structure. The spacers
are foldable or not, and we can combine these two possibilities in the same system
spacer: This causes a fraction of the spacer system to fold, allowing
at least 1 pair and one or two ends of the aerodynamic volume and / or more
several couples to get closer; or, the system does not allow any reduction in area.

2) I1 consists of a mast or beam crossing and / or connecting one or more trays
couple. The platform (s) crossed and / or connected by the mast, or the beam, can or
not spin freely around them. The platform (s) crossed by the mast, or the beam,
slide or not on these. The mast, or the beam, presents or not a fraction which
conch of their length with variable section according to one of the dimensions of their section.

In this case, the platform (s) crossed by the mast, or the beam, have a section of
variable passage, adjustable on that of the mast or the beam whatever the position of the
platform on the mast or beam, while allowing or not the rotation of the platform (s)
concerned around the mast or beam. The platform (s) concerned entail or not
that the profiles they define have their variable width.

3) Any fraction of a file or a column made up of the trays of more
sieurs couples contingus is replaced by a structure forming a subset. the
different subsets, if they exist, are articulated with respect to each other to
allow arching the assembly. The connecting devices with the slats are then
attached to this / these structures.

 It is possible to combine these three types of the spacer system.

Some couples including those located at the ends of the span and others inter
can be associated with the one assigned to them and / or are reinforced
to support the efforts generated by the pressures and depressions which are exerted on
aerodynamic volume and envelope tension.

A system allows you to vary the shape and width of the couples. n is composed
at least one movable part of trays or spacers. On these moving parts are
positioned the slat guides now and / or guiding the envelope. The positions
moving parts are adjustable.

A system allows the reduction of the aerodynamic volume surface. It consists
reduce the distance between at least two couples and / or 1 couple and at least one
end of the aerodynamic volume, by a known system, such as the hump
laugh.

The envelope absorbs differences in length due to the reversibility of the
concavity, cambering and twisting. For this the envelope is at least in part
and has elastic parts and / or overlap areas.

Under certain conditions of use, the aerodynamic volume pivots around a
axis for orientation relative to the wind.

 The device may or may not be guyed.

The desired shape of the aerodynamic volume is obtained by adjusting the camber
and / or the width of each pair by acting on each plate or neck spacer
ple, individually or in groups and / or by varying the length of the slats. It is therefore
possible among other things to obtain a progressive twist of the assembly.

The device thus formed therefore has a single continuous thick profile can cam
bré, hatches closed at low lift, thus inducing reduced drag and therefore
good finesse. It also allows strong lift in cambru configuration
re pronounced and hatches open to reactivate the boundary layer of the upper surface. The forum
me and the size of the camber, the width, the twist being adjustable, this allows
to generate a multitude of bearing shapes and thus for each desired lift,
look for the slightest drag.

According to one embodiment, the device is specialized for the propulsion of a
catamaran type boat.

The mat (1) of rectangular section is pivotally mounted and guyed (2) on the machine (3). Around the mast (1) slide four couples (4) each consisting of four plates (5) hinged together by a link (6). These plates (5) form skeletons which position
nent and maintain on each side thereof a slat (7) by means of guides
(8). On these flexible slats (7) are fixed the different parts (9,10) of the envelope
by means of flexible strips (11) which form the outer part of the slats, and
quote (12).

The slats (7) and the strips (11) have a profile which allows seamless continuity
leveled baguette / envelope of the envelope surface (9,10) compared to the surface ex
of the rods (11). Part of the envelope (9,10) is clamped between the slats (7)
and the rods (11) in a housing (13) located between the interior face of the rods
(11) and the outer face of the inner part of the slats (7). The ribs of this accommodation
(13) which are a part of the inside face of the rods (11) and a part of the ex face
the inside of the slats (7) are oblique to the outside
rods (11) and the envelope (9,10) .The part of the envelope (9, 10) outside the
housing (13) and its part inserted in the housing (13) form a dihedral close to
1800, between 1350 and 1800. The oblique parts of the outer face of the part in
slats (7) have on a fraction of their width a groove (14) which per
puts to accommodate an extra thickness of the edge of the part of the envelope (9,10) tight in this lo
gement (13) on the oblique parts. This extra thickness and the groove (14) form a bu
tee. This arrangement of maintaining the envelope allows it to better withstand the ef
strong it supports. The connection between the oblique parts of the outer face of
the inner part of the slats (7) and the field of these slats (7), is made by a rounded (15)
so as not to risk damaging the envelope. Four hatches (16,17) are located in
be couples (4) on each side of the aerodynamic volume.

The two lower couples (4) are interconnected by spacers (18) in folded sheet metal in order to form an assembly capable of taking up the mechanical forces due to the tension of the envelope (9,10) and to the pressures and depressions on this one.

All the couples (4) are connected by their leading edge, their trailing edge and near the mast (1) between them by cables (19), up to an upper plate (20) profiled and equipped like the slats. (7) to fix the envelope (9,10). These cables (19) fix the possible spacing between the couples (4) and the upper plate (20).

The upper plate is attached to the halyard to hoist or lower the aerodynamic volume.

A low bar (21) is attached to the lower torque near the mast (1) to tension the envelope (9,10).

A sheet hoist (22) is fixed to the lower torque (4) to orient the aerodynamic volume relative to the wind.

According to an alternative embodiment, the mast (1) has a wedge shape. Its dimension along the width of the pairs gradually decreases from half its height to reach at the top of the mast (1) 40% of what it is at its base. When the aerodynamic volume is hoisted, the torque with several plates (4), higher, is in the part of the mast (1) in the form of wedge. In this case, the plate (5) of the couple with several plates (4), upper, crossed by the mast (l), is designed to have an adjustable passage section to the section of the mast (1) whatever that ci, and the width of the couple (4) integrating this plate (5) is adjustable.

For the adjustable mast passage section: according to a particular embodiment, upstream and downstream of the mast (1) is positioned a part (23) which receives the connection (6) inter plateaux and has two housings (24) to receive one of the two arms, which slide freely in the housing (24), U-shaped parts (25) positioned on each side of the mast (1) and enclosing it. A tensioner is provided to intensify this effect if necessary. The parts (25) receive the guides (8) of the slats (7).

For the adjustable torque width: according to a particular embodiment, the link (8) of batten (7) and plate (5) is mounted on the end of a piston (26) sliding freely in a guide (27) arranged for this purpose in the tray (5). The piston (26) has an adjustable stop (28) at the other end. A control solution of this system consists of a spring fixed to the guide (27) and to the stop (28) so that the spring (29) works in tension and compression according to the forces on the slats (7). Another servo-control solution consists in controlling the piston (26) by a cable and return tensioner system to vary the width of the profile pairs in order to obtain greater lift.

According to a particular embodiment, the rods (11) are provided to be equipped with bumps and reefs as well as the lower torque (4) in order to be able to reduce the surface of the device.

According to a particular embodiment, the hatches (16,17) are articulated on flexible slats (30), which keep them naturally closed, and are equipped with the same system for fixing the envelope (9,10) on the slats (7 ). These slats (30) are fixed to the slats (7).

The surface on which the flow takes place is the extension of the envelope (9) so that there is no break in the continuity of the surface which could cause detachments of the boundary layer of the 'flow. The hatches (16,17) forming a single file or column on the same side are connected together by a cable (31) to the upper plate (20) and a carriage (32) mounted in a fixed slide (33) on a plate (5) and the slat (7) which supports the hatch (17) next to the slide (33).

According to a particular embodiment, the ends of the slats (30) as well as the carriages (32) are connected by a cable (34) to upstream plates (5 ') passing through pulleys (35) fixed to downstream plates (5 ") so that the more the assembly is arched the more the hatches (17) open.

According to a particular embodiment the envelope (9,10) is in eight parts located between the couples (4) and the upper plate (20). The four upstream parts (9) cover the four downstream parts (10) towards the trailing edge. The upstream parts (9) are kept stretched towards the trailing edge by tensioners (36) fixed on the downstream plates (5).

According to a particular embodiment, the plates (5) of the couples (4) are actuated individually by cables (37) fixed to the plates (5), each on their side, and returned by pulleys at the foot of the mast. They are grouped according to the various maneuvers planned to be carried out.

According to a variant of the embodiment, the structure is constructed in a lattice of tubes (38).

Each column of trays is replaced by a sub-assembly, a trellis of tubes (38) articulated with respect to each other by the connections (6) and positioning the connections (8) with the slats (7).

According to a particular embodiment, the structure (1,5,18,38) is made of aluminum alloy, the envelope (9,10) in coated fabrics, the slats (7,30) and the strips (11) in material plastic.

 The device according to the invention is particularly intended for vehicles seeking a large variable lift in a single element.

 Each figure, the description of which follows, represents only one of the embodiments.

Figure 1 is an elevational view of a catamaran equipped with the device.

Figure 2 is a plan view showing the path of air through the device. The arrows illustrate the flow of air.

Figure 3 is an elevational view showing the structure of the device.

Figure 4 is a plan view of a couple of the device structure.

Figure 5 is an elevational view of a tray with an adjustable passage section on that of the mast.

Figure 6 is a plan view of a tray with passage section adjustable on that of the mast. The arrow indicates the size of the mast which is variable.

Figure 7 is a section of a batten and its rod representing the batten / envelope and batten / tray connection system.

FIG. 8 is a partial plan view of a couple, representing the automatic servo-system for opening a hatch as a function of the camber of the couple supporting it. The arrow in double line indicates the direction of flow of the prairie. The arrow in single line indicates the direction of rotation of the plate which increases the opening of the hatch.

Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the articulation of the doors and the control cables of their opening. The arrow represents a direction of air flow.

Figure 10 is an elevational view showing a connection between the movable part of a tray and its tray.

Figure 1 1 is a plan view showing a connection between the movable part of a tray and its tray.

Figure 12 shows the different parts of the envelope.

Figure 13 is a plan view showing the arrangement of cables adjusting the camber of a couple.

Figure 14 is a plan section of the device structure made of a tube lattice.

FIG. 15 is a partial view in elevation of the structure of the device, produced in tube lattice, shown without the structure / batten connections or the slats.

Claims (14)

1) Aerodynamic device for propulsion and / or lift by the effect of the wind  relative characterized in that it forms an aerodynamic volume, having at least  a hollow part, on which are positioned at least one hatch (16,17) of each  side between the leading edge and the trailing edge, to pass air when hatches  are open from the lower surface to the upper surface by the hollow part of the interior of the air volume  rodynamic, in that the geometry and orientation of the hatches (16,17) guide when  they are open the flow coming from the lower surface so that it leads to  the upper surface tangential to it, inducing a minimum of drag and loss of  charge in the passage of air inside the volume, in that the aerodyna volume  mique is kept in shape by a structure which regulates in a variable manner equal  ment, the size and shape of its camber, its thickness, its twist, and its  scale. 2) Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the structure consists  a spacer system at both ends of the span, at least a couple (4)  consisting of at least one plate (5) comprising at least one movable part (26) on the  what is / are positioned slats connections (8) with the slats (7), of at least two slats  (7), one on each side between the leading edge and the trailing edge, of an envelope  (9,10) delimiting the external contour of the aerodynamic volume, in that whatever  either the percentage of opening of the hatches (16,17), their external surface which guides  the flow, connects with the envelope (9,10) by a curved part, not having  no dihedron or any difference in hatch / envelope. 3) Device according to claim 2 characterized in that the spacer system of the ex  wingspan of the span consists of at least one spacer (18) in part at  minimum allowing at least two plates (5) belonging to different couples (4)  rents and / or at least one plate (5) and at least one end of the aerodynamic volume  than being kept at bay. 4) Device according to claim 3 characterized in that a spacer at least  is made up of at least two parts of which at least one of the parts is mobile, which  makes the spacer foldable and allows at least two couples (4), and / or at least one  couple and at least one end to get closer or farther apart. 5) Device according to claim 2 characterized in that the spacer system of the ex  span hoppers consists of a mast (1) or a beam crossing and / or connecting  one / more trays (5). 6) Device according to claim 5 characterized in that the / the plates (5) crossed  and / or connected by the mast (1) or the beam cannot rotate freely around this mast  (1) or this beam. 7) Device according to claim 5 or 6 characterized in that any fraction  that the length of the mast (I) or of the beam has different sections sui  vant at least one of the dimensions of its section. 8) Device according to claim 7 characterized in that at least one tray (5) tra  poured by the mast (1) or the beam has a passage section adjustable to all  mast (1) or beam sections. 9) Device according to claim 2 characterized in that the spacer system of the ex  size hoppers consists of at least one structure receiving the links (8)  with the slats (7) replacing a row or column of trays (5). 10) Device according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that  that the slats (7) have at least two movable parts between them forming a  seems length adjustable. 11) Device according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that  the envelope (9,10) is at least in part and has elastic zones. 12) Device according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that  the envelope (9,10) is in at least two parts and has overlapping zones  is lying. 13) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that  that the aerodynamic volume pivots around an axis. 14) Device according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that  that the slats (7,30) have at least one housing (13) for inserting and retaining a  part of the envelope (9,10), in that the part of the envelope (9,10) inserted in the  housing (13) and the part of the outer envelope or housing (13) form a die  dre whose opening angle is close to 1800, between 1350 and 1800 which allows  puts the envelope (9,10) to better resist the forces it supports, in that the  housing (13) has a wide groove (14), making it possible to accommodate an additional thickness  from the edge of the envelope (9,10) which acts as a blocking stop, in that the connector  dement of the face of the housing (13) and the field of the slat is made by a rounded (15)  so as not to damage the envelope (9,10).