Patent ID: 8256710

Claim:
A trim tab for an aerodynamic foil having a first surface and a second surface respectively extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge, the trim tab comprising: a tab member bounded by a pair of substantially parallel slits formed through the first surface, with the slits extending perpendicular from the trailing edge toward the leading edge through a distance “d 1 ” to a respective stress relief hole, and a pair of substantially parallel slits formed through the second surface and extending perpendicular from the trailing edge toward the leading edge through a distance “d 2 ”, and a slot formed on the second surface at the distance “d 2 ” from the trailing edge and extending between the slits substantially parallel to the trailing edge to establish a flange between the slot and the trailing edge; a base spar extending between the first and second surfaces at a distance “d 3 ” from the trailing edge d 3 >d 2 ; a trailing spar extending between the first surface and the flange at a distance “d 4 ” from the trailing edge d 4 <d 2 ; and an actuator mounted on the base spar, with the actuator having an actuator arm connected to the trailing spar, wherein the actuator arm is selectively extendable and retractable to pivot the tab member about a hinge line created substantially parallel to the trailing edge at the distance “d 1 ” on the first surface between the base spar and the trailing spar and between the stress relief holes.