Patent ID: 6247669
Filing Date: 2001-06-19
Classification: B64D

Abstract:
A pneumatic deicer for attachment to the leading edge of an airfoil having a chordwise and spanwise length, said deicer comprising:first and second portions disposed on opposite sides of a stagnation line for positioning on opposite sides of the airfoil, respectively;said first and second portions including a top layer having a modulus of elasticity of less than 40,000 kPa;said first and second portions together including at least three larger radius inflatable members extending longitudinally in a spanwise direction;one of said first and second portions including at least two of said larger radius inflatable members and a plurality of smaller radius inflatable members disposed chordwise aft of said at least one of said larger radius inflatable members; andsaid larger and smaller inflatable members being operable when inflated to distort said top layer in order to impose strain in ice accumulated thereon.