Patent ID: 8616494
Filing Date: 2013-12-31
Classification: B64C,F15D,G01M,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A switchable vortex generator for arrangement on a flow-dynamic surface comprising a vortex generating element reciprocatingly switchable between at least first and second positions, the vortex generating element being configured to generate vortices in a flow flowing in the area of said flow-dynamic surface, and a support member configured to support the vortex generating element, the support member being moveable to selectively hold the vortex generating element at least in the first position at which the vortex generating element is extended from the surface and in the second position, differing from the first position, at which the vortex generating element is retracted into the surface, the support member including a bistable biasing member configured to bias the vortex generating element in the first position so that the vortex generating element remains in the first position without energy input.