Wing for the propulsion of a vehicle

Abstract

A wing for the propulsion of a craft includes an external envelope and at least one profile structure surrounded by the external envelope. The profile structure has an articulated internal structure and an assembly of controllers to control a deformation of the external envelope. Each controller is rotatably mounted with respect to the internal structure. Each controller is also rotatably mounted with respect to the external envelope through at least one rotating link, and includes at least one curved surface configured to orient a curvature of the external envelope locally between a controller and an adjacent control controller.

Claims

1. A wing for the propulsion of a craft, comprising: an external envelope; and at least one profile structure surrounded by the external envelope, the profile structure comprising: an articulated internal structure having a longitudinal orientation relative to the profile structure and composed of a plurality of elements articulated to one another through rotating links; an assembly of controllers to control a deformation of the external envelope, each controller is rotatably mounted with respect to the internal structure and is rotatably mounted with respect to the external envelope through at least one rotating link, movements of the external envelope and each controller are linked to each other such that the external envelope cannot move independent of said each controller; and wherein each controller comprises at least one curved surface configured to orient a curvature of the external envelope locally between said each controller and an adjacent controller.

2. The wing according to claim 1, wherein the profile structure is configured to be in a neutral position, in which the profile structure has a longitudinal plane of symmetry.

3. The wing according to claim 1, wherein the internal structure is articulated to ensure a change in a curvature of the profile structure to move from a first end position to a second end position, and from the second end position to the first end position.

4. The wing according to claim 3, wherein at least one controller is rotatably mounted relative to a first side of the external envelope through a first rotating link, and said at least one controller comprises a first curved surface configured to orient the curvature of the external envelope locally along the first side of the external envelope in the first end position of the profile structure; and wherein said at least one controller is rotatably mounted relative to a second side, opposite the first side, of the external envelope through a second rotating link, and said at least cone controller comprises a second curved surface configured to orient the curvature of the external envelope locally along the second side in the first end position of the profile structure.

5. The wing according to claim 4, wherein said at least one controller further comprises: a third curved surface substantially symmetrical to the first curved surface, the third curved surface is configured to orient the curvature of the external envelope locally along the second side of the external envelope in the second end position of the profile structure; and a fourth curved surface substantially symmetrical to the second curved surface, the fourth curved surface is configured to orient the curvature of the external envelope locally along the first side of the external envelope in the second end position of the profile structure.

6. The wing according to claim 4, wherein the external envelope comprises two parts of said external envelope, the two parts extend between one end of the profile structure and each of the two rotating links of said at least one controller, and two parts have substantially identical lengths.

7. The wing according to claim 1, wherein the articulated internal structure comprises a tail to which the external envelope is fixed to, the tail orients the curvature of a side of one rear end of the external envelope.

8. The wing according to claim 1, wherein the external envelope is made of a flexible and substantially non-extensible material.

9. The wing according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of profile structures carried by at least one structural element.

10. The wing according to claim 9, wherein said at least one structural element is a mast or a spar.

11. The wing according to claim 10, wherein the external envelope is formed in one piece from said plurality of profile structures.

12. The wing according to claim 9, wherein the external envelope further comprises at least one portion made of a flexible material and other portions made of a rigid material around each profile structure, said at least one portion of flexible material is foldable by extending said at least one portion of flexible material between at least two portions of rigid material.

13. The wing according to claim 1, wherein the controllers define handles of a spline characterizing a predetermined envelope curvature.

14. The wing according to claim 1, wherein the controllers are defined to configure the external envelope to substantially reproduce an optimized curvature of FX74-CL5 Mod of a theoretical envelope.

15. A wing for the propulsion of a craft, comprising: an external envelope; and at least one profile structure surrounded by the external envelope, the profile structure comprising: an articulated internal structure having a longitudinal orientation relative to the profile structure and composed of a plurality of elements articulated to one another through rotating links; an assembly of controllers to control a deformation of the external envelope, each controller is rotatably mounted with respect to the internal structure and is rotatably mounted with respect to the external envelope through at least one rotating link, movements of the external envelope and each controller are linked to each other such that the external envelope cannot move independent of said each controller; wherein each controller comprises at least one curved surface configured to orient a curvature of the external envelope locally between said each controller and an adjacent controller; wherein one end of the profile structure is referred to as a nose; and wherein a controller at the nose is rotatably mounted with respect to the external envelope through a single rotating link and the controller comprises a single curved surface to orient the curvature of the external envelope from the single rotating link up to a leading edge of the profile structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) The invention will be better understood on reading the following description and on examining the accompanying figures. These figures are given as an illustration only, and by no means as a limitation, of the invention.

(2) FIGS. 1a and 1b are cross-sectional views of a profile structure according to the present invention when the latter is in a first and a second end position;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the profile structure according to the present invention without the internal structure when it is located in an intermediate position;

(4) FIGS. 3a and 3b are detailed views of the front part of the profile structure when the latter is respectively in the first and second end positions;

(5) FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the rear part of the profile structure according to the present invention;

(6) FIGS. 5a and 5b show respectively the curvature of the theoretical profile structure such as FX-74-CL5 MOD and the curvature of the profile structure according to the present invention;

(7) FIG. 5c represents the error expressed as a percentage of the length of the chord of the theoretical profile between the spline of the profile structure according to the present invention and the intrados of the theoretical profile FX-74-CL5 MOD;

(8) FIG. 5d shows the error expressed as a percentage of the length of the chord of the theoretical profile between the spline of the profile structure according to the present invention and the extrados of the theoretical profile FX-74-CL5 MOD;

(9) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a wing comprising an assembly of profile structures according to the present invention.

(10) Identical, similar, or analog elements have the same references throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

(11) FIGS. 1a and 1b show cross-sectional views of a profile structure 10 surrounded by an external envelope 11. This external envelope 11 is preferably flexible and substantially non-extensible.

(12) This profile structure 10 comprises an articulated internal structure 12, as well as an assembly of control means 13.1-13.5, 14 for controlling the deformation of the envelope 11. Each control means 13.1-13.5, 14 is rotatably mounted with respect to said internal structure 12 along a rotating link 15.

(13) The internal structure 12 is articulated so as to be able to ensure a change in the curvature of the profile structure 10 between a first position and a second end position in each of which the profile structure 10 has an optimal curvature. As it can be seen in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the shapes which the profile structure has in these two end positions are substantially symmetrical with respect to one another. The profile structure 10 can also be in an intermediate position, shown in FIG. 2, in which the structure 10 has a longitudinal plane of symmetry P. In addition to this general symmetry, this figure also shows the symmetry about the plane P of each of the parts making up the profile structure 10 and in particular each control means, including the nose.

(14) Each control means 13.1-13.5 has an orientation substantially transverse to the profile structure 10. As it can be seen more clearly in FIGS. 3a and 3b, each control means 13.1-13.5 is rotatably mounted with respect to a first side C1 of the envelope 11 through a first rotating link 16. Each control means 13.1-13.5 includes a first curved surface 18 configured to orient the curvature of the envelope 11 locally around the control means 13.1-13.5 along the first side C1 when the profile structure 10 is in the first end position. In FIG. 1a, the first side C1 of the envelope 11 corresponds to that from which the wind arrives and is referred to as intrados.

(15) Each control means 13.1-13.5 is also rotatably mounted with respect to a second side C2 of the envelope 11 opposite the first side C1 though a second rotating link 17. Each control means 13.1-13.5 also includes a second curved surface 19 configured to orient the curvature of the envelope 11 locally along the second side C2 when the profile structure 10 is in the first end position. In FIGS. 1a and 3a, the second side C2 of the envelope 11 opposite the first side is referred to as extrados.

(16) The two parts of the envelope 11 extending between one end of the profile structure 10 formed by the tail 24.1 (opposite the nose) and each of the two rotating links 16, 17 of a given control means 13.1-13.5 have substantially identical lengths. For example, as it is clear from FIG. 2, for the control means 13.2, the part of the envelope 11 which extends over the length L1 has the same length as the part which extends over the length L2. The same applies to control means 13.1, 13.3-13.5.

(17) In addition, the rotating links 15, 16, 17 are in this case pivotal links about a substantially vertical axis perpendicular to the sheet on which the figures are represented.

(18) In addition, as it can be clearly seen in FIGS. 3a and 3b, each control means 13.1-13.5 includes a third curved surface 18 which is substantially symmetrical to the first curved surface 18 with respect to the substantially transverse median plane P of the control means 13.1-13.5. The third curved surface 18 is configured to locally orient the curvature of the envelope 11 locally along the second side C2 of the envelope 11 when the profile structure 10 is in the second end position. The second side C2 then corresponds to the intrados while the first side C1 corresponds to the extrados.

(19) The control means 13.1-13.5 also includes a fourth curved surface 19 which is substantially symmetrical to the second surface 19 with respect to the substantially median and transverse plane P of the control means 13.1-13.5. The fourth curved surface 19 is configured to orient the curvature of the envelope 11 locally along the first side C1 of the envelope 11 when the profile structure 10 is located in the second end position.

(20) On the side C1, the first 18 and the fourth 19 surfaces are positioned on either side of the rotating link 16. On the side C2, the second 19 and the third 18 surfaces are positioned on either side of the rotating link 17.

(21) It should be noted that the curved surfaces 18, 18; 19, 19 are specific to each of the control means 13.1-13.5. Thus, two successive control means 13.1-13.5 includes curved surfaces 18, 18, 19, 19 having different curvatures, insofar as these curved surfaces correspond to spline portions having different radii of curvature and the control means 13.1, 13.5 have different angles of inclination, as explained hereinafter.

(22) In addition, the profile structure 10 comprises a control means 14 located at one of its ends, referred to as a nose, rotatably mounted with respect to the envelope 11 through a single rotating link 21. The link 21 is also a pivot type link. The nose 14 includes a single curved surface 22 for orienting the curvature of the envelope 11 from said rotating link 21 to a leading edge of the profile structure 10.

(23) Taking into account the pivot links 16, 17, 21 between the envelope 11 and each control means 13.1-13.5, 14, the envelope 11 and each control means are integral in translation with respect to one another, that is to say, if the envelope 11 moves in translation, it moves the control means in translation, and conversely when the control means moves in translation, it moves the envelope 11 in translation. In other words, in the invention, the envelope 11 cannot slide with respect to the control means 13.1-13.5, 14.

(24) The control means 13.1-13.5, 14 thus define, in the two end positions, handles of a spline characterizing a curvature of the envelope 11 desired. Each handle is defined by the coordinates in the plane of the points of connection of these control means to the external envelope formed by the rotating links 16, 17, and locally the curvature of the envelope around these points of connection.

(25) Indeed, for each handle, the curved surface or surfaces 18, 18, 19, 19, 22 of a given control means 13.1-13.5, 14 orient the curvature of the envelope 11 between said given control means 13.1-13.5, 14 and the following control means. In the two end positions of the profile structures, the control means 13.1-13.5, 14 make it possible in this case to reproduce as precisely as possible the intrados and the extrados of a theoretical envelope curvature of the type FX74-CL5-MOD. Other types of theoretical models may alternatively be reproduced.

(26) The articulated internal structure 12, which has a longitudinal orientation with respect to the profile structure 10, is formed by several elements 24.1-24.6 hinged to one another through rotating links 26.1-26.5. The rotating links 26.1-26.5 are in this case pivotal links about a substantially vertical axis perpendicular to the sheet on which the figures are represented.

(27) The elements 24.1-24.6 connect the different control means 13.1-13.5, 14. Indeed, each control means 13.1-13.5 is connected to one of the elements 24.1-24.6 through a rotating link 15. In the embodiment shown, the rotating links 26.1-26.5 are distinct from the rotating links 15. Alternatively, it will be possible that some or all of the links 26.1-26.5 are identical to the links 15.

(28) As it can be clearly seen in FIG. 4, the internal structure 12 comprises, at the rear end of the profile, an element 24.1, referred to as a profile tail, which the envelope 11 is fixed to. The tail 24.1 orientates the curvature of the rear end of the envelope 11. With the exception of the tail 24.1, it is not necessary for the other elements of the internal structure 12 to participate in the orientation of the curvature of the external envelope 14. Indeed, in addition to the function of displacement, the internal structure 12 is meant to ensure a sufficient rigidity of the assembly. However, in certain embodiments, it will be possible to use elements of the internal structure 12, other than the tail 24.1, locally as support surface for the external envelope 11.

(29) The operation of the profile structure 10 is described below. In the first end position shown in FIGS. 1a and 3a, the first curved surface 18 and the second curved surface 19 of the different control means 13.1-13.5 cooperate respectively with the intrados and the extrados of the envelope 11. The third curved surface 18 and the fourth curved surface 19 are then not in contact with the envelope 11. The nose 14 also cooperates with the front part to obtain the desired optimal curvature. The nose 14 cooperates from the point 21 to the leading edge of the profile corresponding to the end of the structure 10.

(30) Thus, on the intrados side (in this case the side C1), the tail 24.1 orientates the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the control means 13.1. The first curved surface 18 of the control means 13.1 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the control means 13.2. The first curved surface 18 of the control means 13.2 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the control means 13.3. The first curved surface 18 of the control means 13.3 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the control means 13.4. The first curved surface 18 of the control means 13.4 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the control means 13.5. The first curved surface 18 of the control means 13.5 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the nose 14, which orientates the curvature Of the envelope 11 on the leading edge up to the point 21 on the side C2 (extrados).

(31) Moreover, on the extrados side (in this case the side C2), the tail 24.1 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the control means 13.1. The second curved surface 19 of the control means 13.1 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the control means 13.2. The second curved surface 19 of the control means 13.2 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the control means 13.3. The second curved surface 19 of the control means 13.3 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the control means 13.4. The second curved surface 19 of the control means 13.4 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the control means 13.5. The second curved surface 19 of the control means 13.5 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the nose 14. The nose 14 also orients the curvature of the envelope 11 from the point 21 up to the leading edge.

(32) After rotating the elements 24.1-24.6 of the internal structure 12 with respect to each other, the curvature of the structure 12 decreases until the profile structure 10 passes through a transition position shown in FIG. 2, in which said profile structure 10 has a symmetrical shape. This representation shows that the lengths of the parts of the envelope 11 extending from the tail 24.1 to opposite links of the same control means 13.1-13.5 have substantially identical lengths.

(33) The subsequent rotational movement of the elements 24.1-24.6 of the internal structure 12 then has the effect of increasing the curvature of the internal structure 12 up to the second end position visible in FIGS. 1b and 3b, so that the intrados and the extrados are interchanged. The third curved surface 18 and the fourth curved surface 19 of the control means 13 then cooperate with the intrados and the extrados of the new shape of the profile structure 10. The first 18 and the second 19 curved surfaces are no longer in contact with the envelope 11. The nose 14 is then in a position symmetrical to that in the first end position.

(34) Thus, on the intrados side (in this case the side C2), the tail 24.1 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the control means 13.1. The third curved surface 18 of the control means 13.1 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the control means 13.2. The third curved surface 18 of the control means 13.2 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the control means 13.3. The third curved surface 18 of the control means 13.3 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the control means 13.4. The third curved surface 18 of the control means 13.4 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the control means 13.5. The third curved surface 18 of the control means 13.5 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the nose 14, which orients the curvature Of the envelope 11 on the leading edge up to the point 21 on the extrados side (in this case the side C1).

(35) Furthermore, on the extrados side (in this case the side C1), the tail 24.1 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the control means 13.1. The fourth curved surface 19 of the control means 13.1 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the control means 13.2. The fourth curved surface 19 of the control means 13.2 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the control means 13.3. The fourth curved surface 19 of the control means 13.3 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the control means 13.4. The fourth curved surface 19 of the control means 13.4 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the control means 13.5. The fourth curved surface 19 of the control means 13.5 orients the curvature of the envelope 11 up to the nose 14 which orients the curvature on the leading edge of the profile structure 10.

(36) Due to the symmetry of the profile structure 10 which is observable in the intermediate position, the optimum curvature desired will be obtained in the two end positions. In these two positions, the optimum curvature is obtained by a succession of local adaptations of the curvature of the envelope 11. It is noted in this respect that the profile structure 10 is meant to be used selectively in one of the two end positions, and not in intermediate positions between these two positions.

(37) Preferably, stops are used to limit the displacements of the control means 13, 14 and of the internal structure 12 between the two end positions in which the wing has a shape corresponding to the desired profile.

(38) FIG. 5a shows the theoretical profile FX-74-CL5 MOD with the points as defined by Dr. Franz Xaver Wortmann.

(39) FIG. 5b shows the pairs of rotating link 16-17 as well as the rotating link 21 in an end position as well as the spline obtained from these points. It should be noted that the pairs of points 16-17 are equidistant from the rear end of the profile or point 21.

(40) FIG. 5c shows the error expressed as a percentage of the length of the chord of the theoretical profile between the spline obtained from the links 16, 17, 21 and the intrados of the theoretical profile FX-74-CL5 MOD. FIG. 5d shows the error expressed as a percentage of the length of the chord of the theoretical profile between the spline obtained from the links 16, 17, 21 and the extrados of the theoretical profile FX-74-CL5 MOD. These figures show that the error is very small and, nearly at any point, except on the side of the rear end, inferior to 0.10%.

(41) The exemplary embodiment has been given for a profile structure 10 comprising an articulated structure 12 formed of six elements 24.1-24.6 as well as five intermediate control means 13.1-13.5, plus the nose 14. However, it is clear that the number of intermediate control means and elements forming the internal structure 12 can vary, in particular according to the dimensions of the profile structure 10 and of the desired precision in the reproduction of a desired theoretical curvature.

(42) The profile structure 10 previously described can be integrated into a wing 41 illustrated in FIG. 6. This wing 41 comprises in this instance a plurality of profile structures 10.1-10.N carried by at least one structural element 30 such as a mast for a boat or such as a spar for an airplane.

(43) Preferably, the angle of attack a of these different profile structures 10.1-10.N, corresponding to the angle between the chord of the profile with respect to the direction of the wind, tends to decrease when moving from the bottom towards the top of the mast 30.

(44) The curvature of the different profile structures 10.1-10.N can also vary accordingly. This allows to twister the profile, to limit the induced drag, and to lower the center of thrust of the boat.

(45) According to a first embodiment, the envelope 11 is made in one piece between the profile structures 10.1-10.N. In this case, the envelope 11 can be made, for example, of a fiber-stiffened composite material.

(46) According to a second embodiment, the envelope 11 comprises at least one portion 31 made of a flexible material and portions 32 made of a rigid material around each profile structure 10.1-10.N. The portion 31 of flexible material extends between at least two portions 32 of rigid material so that the portion 31 of flexible material can be bent by moving in translation, along the mast 30, the profile structures between which the portion of flexible material extends, such as the structures 10.1 and 10.2 in FIG. 4. Alternatively, the structures 10.1-10.N could be fixed, as for the old sailing ships with square sails.

(47) As it is apparent from the description, the envelope 11 is fixed relative to the profile of structure 10. In any event, the envelope 11 is thus fixed to the profile structure 10 in at least four zones, namely the nose 14, the tail 24.1 and at the two rotating links 16, 17 of at least one control means.

(48) Alternatively, the rotating links 15, 16, 17, 21, 26.1-26.5 could each have more than one axis of rotation.

(49) Of course, the above description has been given as an example only and does not limit the scope of the invention which one will not go beyond when replacing the details of execution by any other equivalents.