Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
244990300 | Linkage | 75 |
20080203223 | AIRCRAFT STABILIZER ACTUATOR - An actuator ( | 08-28-2008 |
20080217470 | Modularized airplane structures and methods - A modularized airplane includes two separably interconnected modules. The first module, incorporating substantial airplane style characteristics, comprises wings and stabilizers having at least one associated control surface joined with a fuselage portion. The second module carries a set of essential airplane components interconnected to suffice airplane operations including a propulsion unit, radio receiver and/or auto-piloting electronics unit, control servo devices, and power means mounted on provided support structures. At least one pair of mutually magnetically attractive connectors oppositely affixed on said two module members provide means for inter-modular structural connection. An alignment mechanism having oppositely provided complementary structures on said two modules facilitate alignment as well as lateral interlocking for inter-modular structural connection. A linkage means includes two linkage portions separably connected by two mutually magnetically attractive elements oppositely mounted thereon to form a linkage assembly for linking between control surfaces and associated servo devices, a linkage guide means, and a stress isolation mechanism. The structural connection and the control linkage means facilitate substantially effortless inter-modular connections to form a functional modularized airplane as well as excessive parting tension induced nondestructive inter-modular disconnection. Multiple modules of differing styles and aerodynamic specifications can be made as the first module to be interconnected with the second module to form differing airplanes, sharing essential components, for various applications. | 09-11-2008 |
20080265089 | Method and apparatus for deploying an auxiliary lift foil - Apparatus connecting an auxiliary lift foil, such as a flap or slat, to a main lift element. The apparatus comprises: a drop link pivotally coupled to the main lift element by a first hinge and to the auxiliary lift foil by a second hinge, wherein the drop link is substantially rigid between the first and second hinges; and a linkage mechanism pivotally coupled to the auxiliary lift foil by a third hinge which is spaced from the second hinge, and to the main lift element by as fourth hinge. | 10-30-2008 |
20080265090 | Device for monitoring the synchronism of flaps of an aircraft wing - This invention relates to a device for monitoring the synchronism of one or more flaps of aircraft wings, wherein the device includes a control cable which is connected with the flaps such that the control cable follows the flap movement. In accordance with the invention, the path of installation of the control cable extends from a first point to a second point, one or both of which are arranged on non-movable structural components of the aircraft wing. | 10-30-2008 |
20090039198 | CENTERING MANDREL - A method and apparatus for aligning structures. In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus comprises a tapered member and a plurality of segments. The tapered member has a first end and a second end, a diameter that increases from the first end to the second end, and the diameter has a first center. The each of the plurality of segments has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the plurality of segments define a tapered channel capable of receiving the tapered member, wherein the outer surface has an outer diameter with a second center corresponding to the first center, and wherein movement of the plurality of segments to the second end increases the outer diameter with the second center remaining in around a same location. | 02-12-2009 |
20090200420 | ACTUATOR ARRANGEMENT - An actuator arrangement comprises a first screw shaft, a first nut cooperating with the first screw shaft such that rotation of the first screw shaft causes the first nut to translate thereon, a second screw shaft, a second nut cooperating with the second screw shaft such that rotation of the second screw shaft causes the second nut to translate thereon, and first and second linkages connecting the first and second nuts, respectively, to an output member, rotation of the first and second screw shafts to cause translation of the first and second nuts towards one another causing extending movement of the output member and rotation of the first and second screw shafts to cause translation of the first and second nuts away from one another causing retracting movement of the output member. | 08-13-2009 |
20090206197 | Actuator and flap arrangement with actuator interconnection - An actuator and flap arrangement includes a flap, movable relative to a support structure, and two actuators. Each actuator has a portion fixed relative to the support structure, a portion movable relative to the fixed portion and connected to the flap for transfer of motor force to flap upon movement of the movable portion, and a motor for moving the movable portion relative to the fixed portion. The arrangement also includes a device interconnecting the two actuators for transferring motive force between the two actuators. | 08-20-2009 |
20090272843 | ADJUSTING DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING A HIGH-LIFT FLAP AND AIRFOIL WING COMPRISING SUCH AN ADJUSTING DEVICE - Adjusting device for adjusting a high-lift flap ( | 11-05-2009 |
20100001125 | FLAP ACTUATOR - A flap actuator is provided for controlling movement of a flap on a wing of an aircraft. The flap actuator includes a housing having a leading end and a trailing end. A ball nut is rotatably supported in the housing. A motor has a rotatable drive shaft that is rotatable in first and second opposite directions. A gear assembly translates rotation of the drive shaft to the ball nut. A ball screw extends along a longitudinal axis and has a terminal end operatively connectable to the flap. The ball screw is movable between a first retracted in response to rotation of the ball nut in a first direction and a second extended position in response to rotation of the ball nut in a second direction. A one-way roller clutch is operatively connectable to the ball nut. The roller clutch engages the housing and prevents rotation of the ball nut in a first direction in response to a compressive force on the ball screw by the flap. First and second concentric gimbals are positioned about the longitudinal axis adjacent the housing. The gimbals interconnect the housing to the wing. | 01-07-2010 |
20100019082 | Composite Flight Control Cables - A flight control system includes carbon fiber pull rods to substitute in whole or in part for conventional steel cables. The stretch and thermal expansion issues associated with composite cables are minimal, making them much better for the very long flight-control runs on large aircraft and spacecraft, and also on aircraft and spacecraft operating though a wide range of temperatures during flight. In a preferred embodiment, the carbon fiber pull rods are manufactured by winding a resin-impregnated carbon tow around a pair of bobbins, one of which is fixed and one of which is rotatably mounted. When the second bobbin is rotated, the windings are twisted to form the carbon fiber pull rod, which is then cured to complete the manufacturing process. | 01-28-2010 |
20100065679 | STRAIN ENERGY SHUTTLE APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method for providing torque to assist in moving a component of a mobile platform. Biasing forces may be applied to opposing portions of a torque transferring member that enable the torque transferring member to be maintained in a position of equilibrium. A torque may be applied to one of the component and the torque transferring member such that the biasing forces cooperatively exert a torque on the torque transferring member to assist in moving the torque transferring member out from the position of equilibrium. Motion of the torque transferring member out from the position of equilibrium may be used to assist in moving the component. | 03-18-2010 |
20100127121 | ROTARY ACTUATOR INCORPORATING A FORCE RELATIONSHIP, AND A METHOD OF REDUCING ANGULAR SLACK IN SUCH A ROTARY ACTUATOR - A rotary actuator incorporating a three relationship includes a twistably-deformable structure having a first and a second end plate and a helical spring with a first and a second terminal end secured on the first and the second end plate, respectively, and wherein the first and the second end plate have a first and a second notch, respectively, and wherein the first and the second notch have a first and a second contact zone, respectively. The rotary actuator further includes an outlet shaft and a motor assembly having an outlet gear configured to drive the twistably-deformable structure so as to drive the outlet shaft in rotation, wherein, the motor assembly, the twistably-deformable structure and the outlet shaft are disposed in succession. The rotary actuator has a first finger constrained to rotate with the outlet gear and a second finger constrained to rotate with the outlet shaft. | 05-27-2010 |
20100264263 | INTEGRATED LOAD SENSING SYSTEM - An integrated load sensing system includes a housing including a coupling pin portion thereof. A bridge circuit includes a set of strain gauges bonded to the coupling pin portion. A bridge circuit excitation, error correction, and amplification (BCEECA) subsystem is operatively connected to the bridge circuit for receiving indications of shear load from the strain gauges, correcting signal error, and amplifying the indications of shear load. The BCEECA subsystem provides amplified output signals. A power conditioning module is operatively connected to the BCEECA subsystem for receiving power from an external power supply and conditioning power to an appropriate state for driving the bridge circuit as well as an appropriate state for error correction and amplification circuitry within the BCEECA subsystem. A logic module compares the amplified output signals to a predetermined signal threshold and provides latching of enunciation in accordance with a selected delay after the threshold is surpassed. An enunciation element providing enunciation of the output signals surpassing the signal threshold in accordance with the logic module. The bridge circuit, the BCEECA subsystem, the power conditioning module, the logic module, and the enunciation element are contained and sealed within the housing. The invention includes a method for in situ testing of a shear load sensing system for a mechanical system. | 10-21-2010 |
20100308162 | LANDING FLAP KINEMATICS DRIVEN BY WAY OF A PINION DRIVE - The invention relates to a device for moving a trailing edge flap of an aircraft wing, in which device the trailing edge flap comprises one or several flap segments, wherein a first flap segment is movably mounted on the wing and is connected to a first toothed movement element that is moved by means of a first pinion. | 12-09-2010 |
20100327111 | Electrical power transmitting telescopic strut - A telescopic strut comprises a plurality of hollow members arranged to slide one within another between a retracted and an extended position. Adjacent hollow members are arranged to be electrically connected by one or more electrical connector assemblies as the hollow members move between the retracted and extended positions. Each electrical connector assembly includes an electrically conductive pad on one of the hollow members which is in sliding contact with an electrically conductive strip on the other of the hollow members. The telescopic strut may be used to electrically connect a moveable control surface to a fixed aerofoil structure in an aircraft. | 12-30-2010 |
20110006155 | Actuator Arrangement - An actuator arrangement comprising a carrier element which is translatable and angularly moveable about a first fixed axis, in use, relative to a wing structure, an actuator arm pivotally mounted to the carrier element, and a support arm pivotally mounted, in use, to the wing structure about a second, fixed pivot axis, wherein the first and second fixed axes are not perpendicular to one another. | 01-13-2011 |
20110031347 | SPOILER DEPLOYMENT MECHANISM - An aircraft wing assembly comprising: a wing; a spoiler pivotally attached to the wing; and a spoiler deployment mechanism. The deployment mechanism comprises a scissor linkage mechanism comprising an upper link pivotally attached to the spoiler at an upper pivot, and a lower link pivotally attached to the wing at a lower pivot and to the upper link at a central pivot. An actuator is pivotally attached to the wing at a proximal pivot and to the scissor linkage mechanism at a distal pivot. The actuator is adjustable between expanded and contracted configurations so as to vary the distance between the proximal and distal pivots. This opens up the angle between the upper and lower links of the scissor linkage mechanism and pushes the spoiler up into the air-stream above the wing. | 02-10-2011 |
20110036944 | SLAT DEPLOYMENT MECHANISM - An aircraft slat deployment mechanism comprising: a first drive member coupled to the slat at a first pivot point; and a second drive member coupled to the slat at a second pivot point which is offset from the first pivot point. A first rack is provided on the first drive member, and a first pinion is carried by the drive shaft. The first pinion is arranged to transmit mechanical power from the drive shaft to the first drive member via the first rack. A second rack is provided on the second drive member, and a second pinion is carried by the drive shaft. The second pinion has a different radius to the first pinion. The second pinion is arranged to transmit mechanical power from the drive shaft to the second drive member via the second rack, such that the second drive member moves at a different speed to the first drive member. | 02-17-2011 |
20110108664 | FLAP ACTUATOR - A flap actuator is provided for controlling movement of a flap on a wing of an aircraft. The flap actuator includes a housing having a leading end and a trailing end. A ball nut is rotatably supported in the housing. A motor has a rotatable drive shaft that is rotatable in first and second opposite directions. A gear assembly translates rotation of the drive shaft to the ball nut. A ball screw extends along a longitudinal axis and has a terminal end operatively connectable to the flap. The ball screw is movable between a first retracted in response to rotation of the ball nut in a first direction and a second extended position in response to rotation of the ball nut in a second direction. A one-way roller clutch is operatively connectable to the ball nut. The roller clutch engages the housing and prevents rotation of the ball nut in a first direction in response to a compressive force on the ball screw by the flap. First and second concentric gimbals are positioned about the longitudinal axis adjacent the housing. The gimbals interconnect the housing to the wing. | 05-12-2011 |
20110220761 | ACTUATOR-LINK ASSEMBLY MANUFACTURING METHOD, ACTUATOR-LINK ASSEMBLY DESIGNING METHOD, AND ACTUATOR-LINK ASSEMBLY - In a material determining step, the material constituting an actuator and the material constituting a link are determined such that at least one of the materials contains fiber reinforced plastic. In a computing step, a computation model that defines the relationship between a control surface, the actuator, and the link is used to compute the change in gain margin with the change in a rigidity ratio, which is the ratio of the rigidity of the link to the rigidity of the actuator. The rigidities of the actuator and the link are determined in a rigidity determining step based on a result of the above-described computation, the shapes of the actuator and the link are determined in a shape determining step, and the actuator and the link are formed in a formation step, and are assembled in an assembly step. | 09-15-2011 |
20110220762 | ACTUATION SYSTEM FOR A LIFT ASSISTING DEVICE AND ROLLER BEARINGS USED THEREIN - An aircraft wing includes a wing structure, a slat panel mounted on a track, and an actuator mechanism on the wing structure coupled to the track for moving the slat panel between a deployed position and a retracted position. Track roller bearings on the wing structure rotatably contact the track, and side roller bearings on the wing structure rotatably contact at least one side of the track. In another configuration, the actuator mechanism includes a shaft rotatably mounted on the wing structure, an actuator arm coupled to the track by a bearing linkage, and an actuator lever coupled to the shaft by a bearing linkage and to the actuator arm by a bearing linkage. At least one bearing linkage includes a spherical plain bearing. | 09-15-2011 |
20120012696 | AIRCRAFT FLAP ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY - An aircraft flap actuator assembly includes at least one fixed support, at least one track having a curvilinear track surface connected to the fixed support, at least one flap support adapted to traverse the curvilinear track surface, a trailing edge flap connected to the at least one flap support and a flap actuator engaging the at least one flap support. | 01-19-2012 |
20120012697 | FLAP ACTUATOR - A flap actuator is provided for controlling movement of a flap on a wing of an aircraft. The flap actuator includes a housing having a leading end and a trailing end. A ball nut is rotatably supported in the housing. A motor has a rotatable drive shaft that is rotatable in first and second opposite directions. A gear assembly translates rotation of the drive shaft to the ball nut. A ball screw extends along a longitudinal axis and has a terminal end operatively connectable to the flap. The ball screw is movable between a first retracted in response to rotation of the ball nut in a first direction and a second extended position in response to rotation of the ball nut in a second direction. A one-way roller clutch is operatively connectable to the ball nut. The roller clutch engages the housing and prevents rotation of the ball nut in a first direction in response to a compressive force on the ball screw by the flap. First and second concentric gimbals are positioned about the longitudinal axis adjacent the housing. The gimbals interconnect the housing to the wing. | 01-19-2012 |
20120025014 | AIRCRAFT FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONNECTING ROD PROVIDED WITH A SENSOR - A control system, in particular an aircraft flight control system, having a linkage with a force-transmission link ( | 02-02-2012 |
20120080557 | DEVICE FOR ACTUATING A CONTROL SURFACE OF AN AIRCRAFT - The invention relates to a device ( | 04-05-2012 |
20120138740 | Transmission of a Control Force - A control force transmission arrangement for an aircraft is provided. A transmission device has a first and a second force transmission point, and a coupling unit disposed between them. The coupling unit has a first and a second side element and a connecting element. The first and the second side elements are each connected to the first force transmission point and to the connecting element. At least the first side element has an element for altering the length of the side element. The second force transmission point is provided on the connecting element and is adjustable at least between a first and a second position. | 06-07-2012 |
20120181382 | AIRCRAFT ACTUATOR - A plurality of tandem actuators including piston rods in each of which two pistons are provided in series are disposed in parallel. A rod end portion couples the piston rods of the plurality of tandem actuators on the outside of case portions and can be rotatably linked to a control surface. For each of the tandem actuators, first hydraulic chambers on the side opposite to the rod end portion side are in communication with each other in the two piston movement areas, respectively, and second hydraulic chambers on the rod end portion side are in communication with each other in the two pistons areas, respectively. | 07-19-2012 |
20120325959 | ADJUSTABLE SERVOMECHANISM ASSEMBLIES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Adjustable servomechanism assemblies and associated systems and methods. An unmanned aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a movable mechanism and a servomechanism assembly operably coupled to the movable mechanism. The system also includes an interface assembly operably coupled to an output shaft of the servo and the movable mechanism. The interface assembly includes an adapter portion carried by the output shaft and an output arm releasably engaged with the adapter portion. The adapter portion includes a first aperture having a non-round surface mated with a non-round surface of the output shaft, and a non-splined, engagement surface. The output arm includes a second aperture sized to receive at least a portion of the outer surface of the adapter portion. The second aperture includes a generally smooth inner surface in contact with and rotatable through 360 degrees relative to the engagement surface of the adapter portion. | 12-27-2012 |
20130119194 | TRAILING-EDGE FLAP SYSTEM - A trailing-edge flap system is described. The trailing-edge flap system includes a trailing-edge flap and a movement device. The movement device includes at least a translatory mover for the translation of the trailing-edge flap and at least a rotational mover for the rotation of the trailing-edge flap. | 05-16-2013 |
20130126670 | DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM - A deployment mechanism is disclosed for deploying a deployable member supported on tracks relative to a base member and comprising a brake system operable in response to relative skewing of the tracks. | 05-23-2013 |
20130134258 | Aerodynamic wing load distribution control - An aerodynamic wing load distribution control apparatus for increasing flight performance of an aircraft. The apparatus may include an aileron uprigger connectable to left and right ailerons of an aircraft and configured to uprig the left and the right wing ailerons of such aircraft. An operator interface communicates operator command inputs to the aileron uprigger. The aileron uprigger includes left and right actuators actuable in response to command inputs received from an operator through the operator interface and are connectable into respective left and right aileron control linkages of an aileron actuator assembly. | 05-30-2013 |
20130146705 | WING CONTROL SYSTEM - The invention provides a wing control system aimed at countering the aeroelastic effect of twisting of a length of wing of an aircraft due to dynamic air pressure acting on an aileron of the wing. The wing control system includes a shaft extending along the length of wing and actuation means responsive to aileron control inputs to induce a variable torque T in the shaft. Outboard of the length of wing, the system operatively transfers T partially to the aileron to pivot the aileron and partially to the wing at an outboard end of the length of wing to counter twisting of the length of wing due to dynamic air pressure on the aileron. Inboard of the length of wing, the system operatively transfers T to the aircraft, e.g. to its fuselage, thereby effectively balancing the sum of the moments transferred respectively to the aileron and the wing. | 06-13-2013 |
20130181089 | ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM OF AN AEROPLANE WITH AN ADJUSTABLE FLAP - An adjustment system of an aeroplane, having: at least one adjustable flap on each of the wing of an aeroplane, adjustable with an adjustment device, a drive device for purposes of driving the adjustment devices, and a load sensor for purposes of recording the load occurring in the load path between the actuator and the adjustable flap of the respective adjustment device. The load sensor is embodied as a sensor for purposes of measuring the longitudinal force occurring in a drive rod along its longitudinal direction. | 07-18-2013 |
20130200212 | CONTROL BOX - The invention provides a control box for selectively delivering orders to receivers ( | 08-08-2013 |
20130214092 | AERODYNAMIC BODY WITH AN ANCILLARY FLAP - An aerodynamic body with at least one ancillary flap on the aerodynamic body so it can be moved with a guide mechanism, and with a drive device for actuating the ancillary flap. The guide mechanism has a connecting lever, which at its first end is articulated on the aerodynamic body by a first pivotal articulation, and which at its second end is articulated on the ancillary flap by a second pivotal articulation. The second pivotal articulation is located at some distance from a trailing edge of the ancillary flap, and from a leading edge of the ancillary flap. The guide mechanism has an actuation element, which is coupled with the drive device. The actuation element is articulated on the ancillary flap by a third pivotal articulation. The third pivotal articulation is arranged such that it can be moved in the chordwise direction of the aerodynamic body. | 08-22-2013 |
20130233967 | LINKAGE FOR GUIDING A FLEXIBLE CABLE - A linkage guides a flexible cable between two structures. The linkage includes a proximal arm with a proximal pivot joint for coupling the proximal arm to a first one of the two structures; and a distal arm which is coupled to the proximal arm by one or more intermediate pivot joints. The distal arm is shaped to follow a three-dimensional curve along a majority of its length. Shaping the distal arm to form a three-dimensional curve along a majority of its length enables the distal arm to pass through a relatively small aperture as the linkage is adjusted between its retracted and extended positions. It also enables the proximal arm to move in a locus of movement which does not interfere with other system components. The linkage can be used to guide a flexible cable between any two structures, for instance a fixed aircraft wing and a slat. | 09-12-2013 |
20130277498 | HIGH-LIFT SYSTEM FOR A WING OF AN AIRCRAFT - A high-lift system for a wing of an aircraft is provided. The high-lift system includes movably held high-lift flaps, at least one drive unit, at least one transmission shaft connected to the drive unit, and several actuator devices, distributed on the transmission shaft and connected to the high-lift flaps, for moving the high-lift flaps. The actuator devices each comprise a driven element and a torque limiting means. In one example, the driven elements of two adjacent actuator devices are interconnected in a non-rotational manner with the use of a separate torque transmitting means. If one actuator device is blocked, for example as a result of a defective tooth arrangement or some other defect, the torque to be produced by the intact actuator device increases and triggers its torque limiting means. This ensures synchronous operation and in the case of malfunction prevents damage to or detachment of a flap. | 10-24-2013 |
20130313358 | Tie Rod Lock - A stabilizer actuator has a first end for connecting to an aircraft support structure and a second end for connecting to a stabilizer. The actuator includes a primary load path for transmittal of loads acting on the stabilizer to the aircraft support structure, and a secondary load path for transmittal of loads acting on the stabilizer to the aircraft support structure upon failure of the primary load path. The secondary load path includes a tie rod extending along a longitudinal axis, a load path locking mechanism coupled to the tie rod, a lock housing having a central bore for receiving the locking mechanism, and at least one radially movable segment that, upon failure of the primary load path, moves radially to lock the tie rod to the lock housing against axial and/or radial movement. | 11-28-2013 |
20130334363 | FLAP PANEL SHUTTLE SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR - An aircraft control system is presented. The system includes a wing including a flap track, and a shuttle connected to the flap track and configured to slide along a length of the flap track. The system includes a flap panel pivotally attached to the shuttle at a flap pivot. The flap panel is configured to rotate about the flap pivot. When the shuttle is deployed along a length of the flap track, the shuttle is configured to prevent rotation of the flap panel about the flap pivot, and when the shuttle is withdrawn into a stowed position, the shuttle is configured to allow the flap panel to rotate about the flap pivot. | 12-19-2013 |
20130334364 | SLAT SUPPORT ASSEMBLY - A slat support assembly is disclosed. It comprises a slat support arm which is movable to deploy a slat from a leading edge of an aircraft wing about an axis of rotation of the arm and a slat mount on a slat which is coupled to one end of said slat support arm by a joint. The joint is configured to allow the slat mount to slide in a direction of the axis of rotation of the arm. | 12-19-2013 |
20140001309 | DEVICE FOR MECHANICAL CONNECTION OF A CONTROL SURFACE TO A FIXED STRUCTURAL ELEMENT OF AN AIRCRAFT AND AIRCRAFT WING ELEMENT EQUIPPED WITH SAID DEVICE | 01-02-2014 |
20140014771 | SUPPORT STRUT FOR SUPPORTING PRIMARY COMPONENTS AS WELL AS GUIDING SYSTEMS WITH SUCH A SUPPORT STRUT AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH A SUPPORT STRUT - A support strut for use as a primary load-bearing structural component for the hinged coupling of at least one additional primary load-bearing structural component. The support strut includes: a rod-shaped base body extending in a longitudinal direction, a fiber composite with an annular cross section, central hole originating from the first end of the base body, and with annular holes spaced apart relative to each other in the circumferential direction of the annular cross section and originating from the first end of the base body as well as running along the longitudinal direction in the base body; roving bundles imbedded in a matrix material that fills up the respective annular hole; and a hinged connecting body with a bearing receptacle for holding a swivel joint; as well as a guiding system with such a support strut and a method for manufacturing such a support strut. | 01-16-2014 |
20140042269 | DRIVE SYSTEM FOR CONTROL SURFACES OF AN AIRCRAFT - A drive system for driving control surfaces of an aircraft includes at least one drive unit, at least one main shaft connectable to the at least one drive unit and at least two adjusting units for each control surface to be driven. Each adjusting unit includes a differential, two rotary actuators and an adjustment lever. The differential has at least one input means and two output means and is adapted to transfer torque from the at least one input means to the two output means. The input means is connectable to the main shaft, the two rotary actuators each have a rotation input means and a motion output means. The rotation input means is connectable to one of the output means of the differential each and the adjustment lever is connected to the motion output means of both rotary actuators. | 02-13-2014 |
20140061380 | MODULARIZED AIRPLANE STRUCTURES AND METHODS - A modularized airplane includes two separably interconnected modules. A first module, incorporating substantial airplane styles, includes a fuselage portion and at least one wing or stabilizer with an associated control surface. A second module carries a set of essential flight components sufficing airplane operations, including propulsion unit, servo for moving control surface, and power source. Magnetic connectors affixed on the modules facilitate inter-modular structural connection. A control linkage assembly, linking control surface on first module and associated servo on second module, is formed with two portions longitudinally movable and separably connected by two magnetic connectors oppositely affixed on each portion. The structural connection and the servo-to-control surface linkage assembly facilitate substantially effortless inter-modular connections to form a functional airplane, as well as nondestructive inter-modular disconnection. The second module can be connected to different aerodynamic styled first modules to form airplanes for different applications, using same essential components. | 03-06-2014 |
20140061381 | ACTUATION SYSTEM FOR A LIFT ASSISTING DEVICE AND LINED TRACK ROLLERS USED THEREIN - An actuation system for deploying and retracting a lift assisting device of a leading edge of a wing of an aircraft including a track pivotally coupled to the lift assisting device. The track has first and second outer surfaces and side surfaces. The actuation system includes a shaft rotationally coupled within the wing of the aircraft and operable, in response to flight control signals, to deploy or retract the lift assisting device. The actuation system includes an actuator for actuating the lift assisting device, coupled to the shaft, between a retracted position to a deployed position along an arcuate path. The actuation system includes a plurality of track roller bearings rotatably contacting the first and second outer surfaces of the track to guide the track along the arcuate path. The plurality of track roller bearings includes one or more lined track roller assembly. | 03-06-2014 |
20140091174 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAINTAINING A TENSION IN A CABLE CONTROL SYSTEM - A cable support apparatus for an aircraft cable control system comprises at least one cable support unit. The cable support unit includes a pulley adapted to carry a cable of the aircraft cable control system, a support link with a first joint between the pulley and the support link and a second joint between the support link and the structure of the aircraft, and a compensation link connected with the structure of the aircraft. The thermal expansion of the compensation link causes a displacement of the support link. An aircraft and a method for maintaining a tension of a cable of a cable control system of an aircraft are also provided. | 04-03-2014 |
20140131512 | SEAL AND ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR FOR LINED TRACK ROLLERS USED ON ACTUATION SYSTEM FOR AIRCRAFT LIFT ASSISTING DEVICES - An electrical conductor for a bearing defines an annular base and is manufactured from an electrically conductive material. The electrical conductor includes a first electrical connector positioned proximate a radially outer peripheral area of the annular base. The electrical conductor includes a second electrical connector positioned proximate a radially inner peripheral area of the annular base. The second electrical connector defines one or more contact edges extending away from the annular base. The contact edge is configured for sliding electrical contact with the bearing. | 05-15-2014 |
20140138480 | HIGH LIFT SYSTEM FOR AN AIRCRAFT WITH TWO SEPARATE DRIVE UNITS - A high-lift system on a wing of an aircraft is provided. The wing includes a right-hand and a left-hand wing half with movably held high-lift flaps and the right-hand and left-hand wing half are attached to an aircraft fuselage, thus forming a wing root. Each wing half in a region in close proximity to the wing root, includes a drive unit. In each case this drive unit is joined to a transmission shaft mechanically connected to the respective drive unit, which transmission shaft extends from the drive unit in the direction of the end of the respective wing half and is designed to mechanically move the high-lift flaps arranged in the respective wing half. By means of such an arrangement it is possible to do without deflection gear arrangements from a central drive unit to the individual wing halves. | 05-22-2014 |
20140138481 | DEPLOYMENT MECHANISM - The invention provides a deployment mechanism | 05-22-2014 |
20140145029 | RUDDER BIAS GAIN CHANGER - A bias gain system for aircraft rudder comprises a pair of connector ends receiving an actuation force from a bias actuator. A rudder bar interface is positioned between the connector ends. The interface rotates about the rudder bar as a function of the actuation forces from the bias actuators. A mechanism comprises links and joints between the connector ends and the rudder bar is actuatable between a contracted configuration, in which first moment arms are defined between the connector ends and the rudder bar interface, and an expanded gain configuration, in which second moment arms have a greater dimension than the first moment arms. An actuator is connected to the mechanism to actuate the mechanism to actuate the mechanism independently from the actuation forces from the bias actuators, to move the mechanism between configurations. An aircraft and a method for controlling a torque on a rudder bar of an aircraft are also provided. | 05-29-2014 |
20140158822 | SUPPORT ASSEMBLY - An assembly to support a wing leading or trailing edge device during deployment and retraction of the device includes a fixed support member attachable to the support structure of an aircraft wing, an intermediate link arm having one end pivotally mounted for rotation relative to the support member about a first axis and, a primary link arm having a first end pivotally mounted to the opposite end of the intermediate link arm for rotation relative to the intermediate link arm about a second axis. A second end of the primary link arm is for attachment to the device via a bearing element so that the device can move relative to the primary link arm in any direction when the intermediate and primary link arms rotate about the first and second axes, respectively, during deployment or retraction of the device from the aircraft wing. | 06-12-2014 |
20140175216 | ACTUATOR DEVICE FOR FLIGHT CONTROL SURFACE, FLIGHT CONTROL SURFACE OF AIRCRAFT, AND AIRCRAFT - To provide an actuator device for a flight control surface which can reduce a stress applied to the flight control surface when one of two actuators is operated. The present invention relates to a hydraulically-operated actuator device | 06-26-2014 |
20140175217 | FLAP DEPLOYING DEVICE AND AIRCRAFT - The flap deploying device deploys a flap provided at a leading edge or a trailing edge of a main wing of the aircraft, the deploying device including: a drive source; a moving mechanism with a moving body advancing and retracting by power of the drive source; a carriage mechanism that carries advancing and retracting motion of the moving body to the flap so as to deploy the flap between a retracted position and a deployed position; and a rail that guides the carriage mechanism. Since the moving mechanism is arranged lateral to the rail in the wingspan direction of the main wing, the dimension of the wing in a thickness direction can be reduced at least by a dimension corresponding to the moving mechanism. Therefore, the wing can be made thinner, or the projecting height of a flap track fearing can be reduced. | 06-26-2014 |
20140197272 | AIRCRAFT WING FLAP DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - A wing flap control system on a wing comprising at least two control plates having an opening sized to accommodate a drive shaft, a drive shaft that engages each of the openings in each of the plurality of plates, a sprocket rotatively affixed the drive shaft with the drive shaft penetrating the other control plate, at least two idler sprockets between the control plates, a chain wrapped around the sprocket and idler sprockets, a support arm rotatively coupled to the chain by a chain shoe and to a foreflap, a link arm rotatively coupled to the support arm and to a flap, where movement of the drive shaft causes the foreflap and flap to extend and retract to increase or decrease the surface area of the wing. | 07-17-2014 |
20140209734 | SLAT OF AIRCRAFT, METHOD FOR ADJUSTING ATTACHMENT POSITION OF SLAT, AND AIRCRAFT - The present invention includes: a slat | 07-31-2014 |
20140217235 | ACTUATOR ARRANGEMENT AND CONTROL SURFACE ARRANGEMENT, ESPECIALLY FOR AN AIRCRAFT - An improved actuator arrangement for operating a driven element with different actuators. The actuator arrangement comprises a first actuator that drives a driven element in a first direction via a first output member and a second actuator that drives the driven element in a second direction opposite to the first direction via a second output member. The first and second actuators are configured to work in a counter-acting manner to move the driven element in the first and second directions. An additional connecting and supporting device is connected between the first and second output members to support the output members to bear transversal forces transversal to the moving direction and/or to bear pre-load force for pre-loading the actuators. | 08-07-2014 |
20140246540 | AIRFOIL WITH A MAIN WING AND A HIGH-LIFT BODY AND METHOD FOR REALIZING ADJUSTING MOVEMENTS OF A HIGH-LIFT BODY RELATIVE TO A MAIN WING - An airfoil and method with a main wing and high-lift body on the leading edge of the main wing movable between an initial adjusting position and a maximally changed adjusting position referred to the initial adjusting position, with at least one guide mechanism. The high-lift body is movably coupled to the main wing and with a driving device. An adjusting lever arrangement and adjusting lever are coupled to the high-lift body. A first main wing lever coupled to the main wing is formed between the first adjusting lever pivot joint and the high-lift body, and a second main wing lever is coupled to the main wing such that an effective lever arm is formed between a second adjusting lever pivot joint and a first adjusting lever pivot joint. | 09-04-2014 |
20140263828 | TELESCOPIC STRUT - A telescopic strut for electrically connecting a fixed structure of an aircraft to a movable structure mounted to the fixed structure, wherein the strut is adapted to be mechanically connected to the fixed structure by its one end and to be mechanically connected to the movable structure by its opposite end, the strut comprising a plurality of telescopic elements and containing a helically coiled electrical cable, wherein the cable is adapted to move between retracted and extended positions with the telescoping of the strut. Also, a method of operating an aircraft having a movable structure mounted to a fixed structure, and one or more of the telescopic struts mechanically and electrically connected between the fixed and movable structures. | 09-18-2014 |
20140326828 | AN ELECTROMECHANICAL ACTUATOR FOR AN AIRCRAFT CONTROL SURFACE, AND AN AIRCRAFT PROVIDED WITH SUCH AN ACTUATOR - An electromechanical actuator for a movable flight control surface of an aircraft, the actuator comprising an electric motor having an outlet shaft with first and second directions of rotation, a movement transmission arranged to connect the outlet shaft of the motor to the movable flight control surface, and a control unit for controlling the motor. The transmission incorporates a pawl device arranged to oppose the transmission of movement in the first direction of rotation, and the control unit is connected to a pawl declutching member for declutching the pawl and enabling movement to be transmitted in the first direction of rotation. | 11-06-2014 |
20140332626 | AIRCRAFT REACTION LINK AND MOVING SURFACE DRIVE UNIT - An aircraft reaction link includes a head portion and a link body portion that is made of fiber reinforced plastic and formed integrally. The link body portion has a pair of leg portions, and a connecting portion that connects one end portion of each of the pair of leg portions to each other. The other end portion of each of the pair of leg portions is provided pivotably with respect to a second end side of the actuator. The head portion has a plurality of head constituent members that are fixed to the connecting portion in a state of being arranged so as to surround the outer periphery of the connecting portion, one of the head constituent members being provided with a bearing, and the head portion is provided pivotably with respect to the moving surface via the bearing. | 11-13-2014 |
20140339358 | ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR FOR LINED TRACK ROLLERS USED ON ACTUATION SYSTEM FOR AIRCRAFT LIFT ASSISTING DEVICES - An electrical conductor for a bearing includes an electrically conductive spring ring having a split therein. The spring ring has a plurality of first electrical contact surfaces in electrical communication with a plurality of second electrical contact surfaces. The plurality of second electrical contact surfaces are positioned radially outward from the plurality of first electrical contact surfaces. The plurality of first electrical contact surfaces and the plurality of second electrical contact surfaces are movable relative to one another. | 11-20-2014 |
20150014480 | COUPLING MECHANISM BETWEEN A MANUAL FLIGHT CONTROL MEMBER AND A TRIM ACTUATOR OF AN AIRCRAFT - A coupling mechanism between a control member ( | 01-15-2015 |
20150060602 | Electromechanically Controlled Decoupling Device for Actuators - An aircraft includes an electromechanical actuator and a decoupling device. A form-fit between a drive element and a linkage point outside of the actuator element can be reversibly decoupled and recoupled. The decoupling device allows the actuator element to run freely in the event of a malfunction, which effectively prevents a jam. | 03-05-2015 |
20150069177 | ELECTRICAL POWER TRANSMITTING TELESCOPIC STRUT - A telescopic strut comprises a plurality of hollow members arranged to slide one within another between a retracted and an extended position. Adjacent hollow members are arranged to be electrically connected by one or more electrical connector assemblies as the hollow members move between the retracted and extended positions. Each electrical connector assembly includes an electrically conductive pad on one of the hollow members which is in sliding contact with an electrically conductive strip on the other of the hollow members. The telescopic strut may be used to electrically connect a moveable control surface to a fixed aerofoil structure in an aircraft. | 03-12-2015 |
20150076282 | AIRCRAFT - The invention relates to an aircraft having at least one high lift system which is arranged at the wing of the aircraft and which comprises a drive for converting electrical or hydraulic energy into a speed-controlled rotational movement, wherein the aircraft furthermore has at least one control unit which controls the high lift system, wherein the drive comprises in accordance with the invention a main drive and an alternative drive, wherein the alternative drive is fed by a decentralized energy source. | 03-19-2015 |
20150076283 | Flap System for an Aircraft High Lift System or an Engine Actuation and Method for Monitoring a Flap System - The invention relates to a flap system for an aircraft high lift system or an engine actuation with a rotary shaft system, one or more drive stations as well as elements for transmitting the drive energy from the rotary shaft system to the one or more drive stations, wherein at least one drive station includes at least two independent load paths with at least one rotational transmission each for actuating the flap kinematics, and per load path at least one mechanically coupling-free synchronization unit is provided for compensating regular load fluctuations between the load paths. The invention furthermore relates to a method for monitoring a flap system with at least two redundant load paths which each comprise at least one rotational transmission, wherein it is cyclically checked whether the difference of the output-side torques of the at least two load paths exceeds a defined threshold value and/or lies within a defined limit range. | 03-19-2015 |
20150083852 | VARIABLE CAMBER FLAP SYSTEM AND METHOD - A variable camber system for an aircraft may include a variable camber trim unit (VCTU) positioned between an inboard device and an outboard device. The inboard device and the outboard device may be mounted to at least one of a leading edge and a trailing edge of a wing. The VCTU may include a speed sum gearbox having an inboard shaft coupled to the inboard device and an outboard shaft coupled to the outboard device. The VCTU may additionally include a VCTU electric motor engaged to the speed sum gearbox. The VCTU electric motor may be selectively operable in conjunction with the speed sum gearbox to rotate the outboard shaft independent of the inboard shaft in a manner causing the outboard device to be actuated independent of the inboard device. | 03-26-2015 |
20150083853 | ADAPTIVE TRAILING EDGE ACTUATOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - An adaptive trailing edge system for an aircraft may include an adaptive trailing edge element mounted to a trailing edge. An electric motor actuator having an electric motor may be configured to actuate the adaptive trailing edge element. A linkage system may couple the electric motor actuator to the adaptive trailing edge element for actuation thereof. | 03-26-2015 |
20150083854 | AERODYNAMIC SURFACE DRIVE MECHANISM - There is described an aerodynamic surface drive mechanism ( | 03-26-2015 |
20160046363 | ACTUATION SYSTEM FOR A LIFT ASSISTING DEVICE AND LINED TRACK ROLLERS USED THEREIN - An actuation system for deploying and retracting a lift assisting device of a leading edge of a wing of an aircraft including a track pivotally coupled to the lift assisting device. The track has first and second outer surfaces and side surfaces. The actuation system includes a shaft rotationally coupled within the wing of the aircraft and operable, in response to flight control signals, to deploy or retract the lift assisting device. The actuation system includes an actuator for actuating the lift assisting device, coupled to the shaft, between a retracted position to a deployed position along an arcuate path. The actuation system includes a plurality of track roller bearings rotatably contacting the first and second outer surfaces of the track to guide the track along the arcuate path. The plurality of track roller bearings includes one or more lined track roller assembly. | 02-18-2016 |
20160083081 | TRACK ROLLER BEARINGS WITH ROLLING ELEMENTS OR LINERS - A track roller assembly includes a split inner ring, a split outer ring, a one piece inner ring and/or a one piece outer ring and a liner or plurality of rolling elements engaging therewith, the track roller assembly being disposed in a structure of an Airbus A-350 aircraft, an Airbus A-320 aircraft, an Airbus A320Neo aircraft, an Airbus A330 aircraft, an Airbus A330Neo aircraft, an Airbus A321 aircraft, an Airbus A340 aircraft, and an Airbus A380 aircraft. | 03-24-2016 |
20160097441 | COMPOUND MOTION STRUCTURE - A compound motion structure ( | 04-07-2016 |
20160129991 | CONNECTING ROD FOR A FLIGHT CONTROL SURFACE ACTUATION SYSTEM - A connecting rod assembly for a flight control surface actuation system, the assembly comprising a connecting rod for connecting a flight control surface to a rotary actuator and a position sensor mounted to the connecting rod for sensing the position of the connecting rod relative to a rotary actuator. | 05-12-2016 |
20160194075 | Apparatus and Method for Arrestment of a Flight Control Surface | 07-07-2016 |
20170233095 | AERODYNAMIC CONTROL SURFACE MOVEMENT MONITORING SYSTEM | 08-17-2017 |