Neutral position locking system for aircraft control surfaces
US4930730A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jun 5, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64C13/16
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automatic neutral position locking system for a control surface of an aircraft. A hydraulic prime mover is provided for moving the control surface. A locking device is capable of locking the control surface against movement. A ratchet-and-pawl device is operatively associated with a rotary drive train between the prime mover and the control surface for actuating the locking device in response to the control surface reaching a neutral position. The ratchet-and-pawl device normally is maintained in inactive condition when hydraulic pressure exists in the prime mover. A pneumatic piston-and-cylinder device, when under pressure, maintains the ratchet-and-pawl device in normally inactive condition. With a loss of hydraulic pressure, the ratchet-and-pawl device is effective to actuate the locking device in response to the control surface itself reaching the neutral position as the control surface moves under external loads.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.