Patents
Aviation Patents Current & Applied for:
U.S. Patent 10,099,793:
THE DISTRIBUTED ELECTRIC DUCTED FAN WING
The Distributed Electric Ducted Fan Wing concept incorporates multiple electric ducted fans on lifting surfaces configured to provide integrated aerodynamics and propulsion resulting in enhanced aerodynamic characteristics and thus aircraft performance.
The concept uses a plurality of electric ducted fans (EDFs) to not only provide thrust, but to also blow air across the upper surface of a substantial portion of the lifting surface area increasing lift at little loss in efficiency. Not only can the total lift on the surfaces be enhanced, but the lift distribution managed: to aid in aircraft control; ameliorate the effects of turbulence: reduce shed vortices; mitigate the effects of system failures; eliminate stalls; and compensate for crosswinds.
This concept offers the potential for increasing electric airplane efficiency and performance, enhancing Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities, improving passenger comfort, and reducing the structural stress and cost of aircraft.
U.S. Patent 10,926,868:
DISTRIBUTED LEADING-EDGE LIFTING SURFACE SLAT AND ASSOCIATED ELECTRIC DUCTED FANS FOR FIXED LIFTING SURFACE AIRCRAFT
A powered aerodynamic lift device positioned on a leading edge of an aerodynamic lifting element (ALE), e.g. an airfoil, at least one slat/nacelle/EDF lift assembly comprising: a slat, a two or more nacelles positioned beneath the slat, each nacelle housing an electric ducted fan (EDF). The nacelles are spaced apart to create gaps between the slat and the airfoil for accelerated air to pass through.
The lift assembly is under the operational control of and/or further comprises: a master control unit linked to a power source, e.g. batteries to power the EDFs. The device provides the ALE and aircraft with: increased lift and additional thrust during aircraft take offs, climbs, descents, and landings; enhanced low-speed control and reduced loss-of-control during an aircraft's takeoff and landing; improved aircraft handling during gusts and crosswinds.
The present invention also comprises an ALE or aircraft with at least one lift assembly installed thereon.
Pending:
LEADING-EDGE DUCTED FAN THRUST REDUCTION SYSTEM
The present invention generally relates to airplane airfoil drag; and particularly to an apparatus and system on an airfoil, and a method of use, to increase the airplane lift while minimally adding unwanted thrust.
ACTIVE DRAG ELEMENTS FOR REDUCED AIRCRAFT LANDING DISTANCE
Provisional:
Traditionally, open propellers and ducted fans are used to provide thrust for an aircraft. An additional use, and the subject of this patent, is to use them to create drag during descent and landing. This additional drag is especially required on an aircraft with lift augmentation, the specific subject of the claims made here.