Flap support mechanism—C bar

US11034432B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Kevin R. Tsai · Seattle, US
• Bruce A. Dahl · Kent, US
• Gregory M. Santini · Bothell, US
• Kyle Alexander Johnson · Fall City, US
• Seiya Sakurai · Odawara, JP
• Stephen R. Amorosi · Seattle, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 27, 2018
• Grant date: Jun 15, 2021
• Expiry date: Nov 5, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16H51/00
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A trailing edge flap actuation mechanism has a flap drive link with a first end pivotally coupled to a fore flap structure of a flap and a second end pivotally coupled to an underwing support structure. An aft tension link has a leading end pivotally coupled proximate an aft end of the underwing support structure and a trailing end coupled to a mid-section structure of the flap. An actuator, when actuated, rotates the flap drive link about a first pivot axle to move the flap between a retracted position and a deployed lowered position. The actuator, including a ball-screw drive shaft having a universal joint, is positioned in a cove above the underwing support structure whereby the extent that the underwing support structure protrudes below the wing is reduced.