Patent ID: 9638176
Date: 2017-05-02
CPC Classifications: B64C,F03G,Y02T,Y10T

Claim:
1. A vortex generator comprising: a flap; a first bearing and a second bearing, each configured to be mounted on a surface; an axle rotatably retained in the first bearing and the second bearing, the flap fixed to the axle such that the flap rotates relative to the first bearing and the second bearing with the axle; and an actuator extending between the first bearing and the second bearing, the actuator made of a shape memory alloy fixed to the axle at a first end adjacent the first bearing, and fixed at a second, opposite end to the second bearing, the actuator having a central bore receiving the axle therein at the first end and at the second end, such that a change in temperature of the actuator causes the actuator to rotate the axle adjacent the first end relative to the first bearing and the second bearing, thereby rotating the flap relative to the first bearing and the second bearing.