Patent ID: 6234751
Filing Date: 2001-05-22
Classification: B64C,Y02T,Y10S

Abstract:
An active control system for use on an aerodynamic structure having an outer skin surrounding an interior volume, the active control system comprising:an array of apertures disposed in the outer skin and providing fluid communication from the exterior of the outer skin to a portion of the interior volume;a diaphragm positioned in the interior volume and being displaceable between a first position and a second position, an actuating surface of the diaphragm being exposed to the portion of the interior volume such that displacement of the diaphragm between the first and second position moves air through the apertures;a drive mechanism positioned in the interior volume and connected to displace the diaphragm between the first and second positions and therefore generate an oscillating air jet by virtue of the air movement through the apertures;at least one sensor mounted on the aerodynamic structure and positioned to sense a parameter on the exterior of the outer skin; anda controller connected to receive from the sensor information on the parameter and connected to operate the drive mechanism in response to the parameter information.