Method and apparatus for sensing preload in a tilt rotor downstop
US6220545A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 6, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 6, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D35/04
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A improved tilt rotor aircraft comprising an airframe, at least one wing member coupled to the airframe, and at least one tilt rotor assembly carried by the at least one wing member. The tilt rotor assembly is actuated by a conversion actuator. The improved tilt rotor aircraft includes a low-height tunable downstop assembly for absorbing oscillatory vibration loads, such as pitch loads and yaw loads. The low-height tunable downstop assembly comprises a pivotable striker assembly having an adjustable stiffness, and a cradle assembly adapted to releasably receive the striker assembly. The striker assembly is attached to the tilt rotor assembly and the cradle assembly is attached to the wing member. A plurality of sensor modules are bonded to the cradle assembly. The sensor modules include a plurality of strain gages arranged to sense shear strain in the cradle assembly. The sensor modules are electrically coupled to sensor circuits and flight control computers. As the conversion actuator pivots the tilt rotor assembly into the airplane mode, the conversion actuator forces the striker assembly into contact with the cradle assembly at a selected preload. The sensor modules directly sen…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.