Directional elastomeric coupler
US6666648B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 23, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/30
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An elastomeric coupler assembly having a helical elastomeric bearing movably supports an active slat relative to a main element. An inner elastomeric coupler assembly and an outer elastomeric coupler assembly support the slat therebetween. Centrifugal force operates to drive the slat to a first position and an actuator rod operates in tension to pull upon the inner elastomeric coupler assembly to drive the slat in opposition to the centrifugal force to a second position. The helical elastomeric bearing is layered such that it defines a section of a circular helix. The circular helix provides a coupling, which converts a linear input parallel to a virtual hinge axis into a rotary output to pitch the slat. In operation, centrifugal force operates to slide the slat outboard toward the blade tip such that the attached slat moves elastomerically along the helical arc of the helical elastomeric bearing to rotate the slat nose down. To retract the slat, the actuator operates to place the actuator rod under tension to pull upon the active member and retract the slat in opposition to centrifugal force.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.