Patent ID: 6164599
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: B64C,F03D,Y02E

Abstract:
An aerofoil member having a profile edge with variable profile adaptation, the aerofoil member comprising:a leading edge and a trailing edge;at least one rib disposed between the leading edge and the trailing edge and including a substantially rigid region and a flexible region, the flexible region including at least three rib elements arranged in segments and articulated to one another, each of the at least three rib elements including an axis of articulation extending substantially parallel to the profile edge;at least one driving means for moving adjacent rib elements relative to each other about their axes of articulation, the rib elements being connected in a kinematic series in order to transmit movement between the rib element; andone or more lever elements connected to each of the at least three rib elements by a movable link selected from the group consisting of a rotating link and a sliding link, wherein the one or more lever elements are constructed and arranged to articulate the at least three rib elements with respect to one another during use.