Patent classifications
B64C13/28
Linear electromechanical actuator and anti-jamming device
A linear electromechanical actuator with a main screw-nut assembly driven by a main motion device and having a hollow screw with an abutting surface; an anti-jamming piston arranged coaxially within the screw and shiftable between an engaged position in which locking dogs interfere with the abutting surface and a disengaged position in which the piston is free to slide within the screw; and actuating elements configured to shift the piston from the engaged to the disengaged position upon electrical or mechanical failure of the actuator. The actuating elements include a key axially movable between the engaged and disengaged positions and having a locking section, configured to bias the locking dogs into interference with the abutting surface in the engaged position, and an unlocking section, configured to allow free sliding of the piston within the screw in the disengaged position. An anti-jamming device for operating a critical flight control surface.
AIRCRAFT CONTROL SURFACE ACTUATION MECHANISM
Assemblies having a first structure, a second structure movable relative to the first structure, and an actuator system arranged therebetween and configured to control relative movement therebetween. The actuator system includes a drive shaft, a first element configured to be driven in a first direction, and a second element configured to be driven in a second direction. A spar is fixedly connected to the first structure and a spar connection pivotably connects the first element to the spar at a fixed coupler. The drive shaft, the first element, and the second element are housed within the second structure. Rotation of the second element causes a translation motion of the drive shaft away from the first structure and rotation of the first element about the fixed coupler such that the second structure is translated and rotated relative to the first structure.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVED AIRCRAFT TAKEOFF PERFORMANCE IN THE PRESENCE OF ASYMMETRIC THRUST CONDITIONS
In the event of a failed engine, an automatic takeoff thrust asymmetry compensation system (“ATACS”) for an aircraft improves capabilities to reduce VMCG and deal with the potential side-effects simultaneously. The system commands selected control surfaces (which can be e.g., rudder and/or ailerons and/or spoilers or any combinations thereof) for a short period of time, improving the capability to reduce the VMCG without increasing the penalty on system failures or poor handling qualities.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVED AIRCRAFT TAKEOFF PERFORMANCE IN THE PRESENCE OF ASYMMETRIC THRUST CONDITIONS
In the event of a failed engine, an automatic takeoff thrust asymmetry compensation system (“ATACS”) for an aircraft improves capabilities to reduce VMCG and deal with the potential side-effects simultaneously. The system commands selected control surfaces (which can be e.g., rudder and/or ailerons and/or spoilers or any combinations thereof) for a short period of time, improving the capability to reduce the VMCG without increasing the penalty on system failures or poor handling qualities.
Trailing edge device with bell crank mechanism
A bell crank mechanism is configured to at least indirectly link movement of an aircraft wing spoiler-like hinge panel to the movement of a primary flight control device on an aircraft wing trailing edge. The aircraft wing is configured to be fixed to and to extend from an aircraft fuselage, the wing including a leading edge and a trailing edge. The primary flight control device is attached to the trailing edge, and any movement of the control device is directly subject to an aircraft input controller by a linear actuator. The moveable aerodynamic hinge panel, a secondary control device, is situated proximally to the primary flight control device, and the hinge panel is separately attached to the trailing edge. The bell crank mechanism slaves any hinge panel motion to movements of the primary control device.
AUTOMATIC FLIGHT CONTROL ACTUATOR SYSTEMS
An automatic actuator system is provided. The automatic actuator system includes an input linkage that receives an input and an output linkage adapted to control a flight surface actuator. The automatic actuator system includes a first strain wave gear having a first circular spline coupled to the input linkage and a first flex spline rotatably coupled to the first circular spline. The automatic actuator system includes a second strain wave gear having a second circular spline coupled to the first flex spline. The second strain wave gear includes a second flex spline, and the second flex spline is coupled to the output linkage such that at least a portion of the input from the input linkage is transferred to the output linkage via the first strain wave gear and the second strain wave gear.
AUTOMATIC FLIGHT CONTROL ACTUATOR SYSTEMS
An automatic actuator system is provided. The automatic actuator system includes an input linkage that receives an input and an output linkage adapted to control a flight surface actuator. The automatic actuator system includes a first strain wave gear having a first circular spline coupled to the input linkage and a first flex spline rotatably coupled to the first circular spline. The automatic actuator system includes a second strain wave gear having a second circular spline coupled to the first flex spline. The second strain wave gear includes a second flex spline, and the second flex spline is coupled to the output linkage such that at least a portion of the input from the input linkage is transferred to the output linkage via the first strain wave gear and the second strain wave gear.
MAIN ROTOR TRIM TAB RETENTION SYSTEM, AN AIRCRAFT EMPLOYING SAME AND A METHOD OF REPLACING A TRIM TAB ASSEMBLY FROM BLADE HOUSING
A main rotor trim tab retention system includes, a blade housing having flanges separated by a cavity defined between the flanges, and a trim tab assembly. The trim tab assembly includes, a trim tab having an aerodynamic surface, at least one arm extending from the trim tab positionable within the cavity while the trim tab extends outward from the cavity, and a spherical bearing connecting the trim tab and the at least one arm, the spherical bearing having a first axis which is substantially perpendicular to the aerodynamic surface of the trim tab. The at least one arm is pivotable about the spherical bearing about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis to rotate the trim tab relative to the blade housing.
MAIN ROTOR TRIM TAB RETENTION SYSTEM, AN AIRCRAFT EMPLOYING SAME AND A METHOD OF REPLACING A TRIM TAB ASSEMBLY FROM BLADE HOUSING
A main rotor trim tab retention system includes, a blade housing having flanges separated by a cavity defined between the flanges, and a trim tab assembly. The trim tab assembly includes, a trim tab having an aerodynamic surface, at least one arm extending from the trim tab positionable within the cavity while the trim tab extends outward from the cavity, and a spherical bearing connecting the trim tab and the at least one arm, the spherical bearing having a first axis which is substantially perpendicular to the aerodynamic surface of the trim tab. The at least one arm is pivotable about the spherical bearing about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis to rotate the trim tab relative to the blade housing.
YAW CONTROL IN AN AIRCRAFT
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first deflector configured to couple to a shaft of a wing of an aircraft and form part of a top surface of the wing when in a first closed position, and a second deflector configured to couple to the shaft and form part of a bottom surface of the wing when in a second closed position. The first deflector and the second deflector may be configured to be positioned proximate to the tip of the wing. The first deflector and the second deflector may be configured to simultaneously pivot from the closed positions to respective first and second open positions upon actuation of the shaft.