Enhanced rudder control system

US6923405B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Paul J. Cline · Bothell, US
• Neal V. Huynh · Seattle, US
• Leonard J. Inderhees · Bothell, US
• Munior Orgun · Woodinville, US
• Mark H. Smith · Newark, US
• Alexander Craig Oleson · Edmonds, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 17, 2003
• Grant date: Aug 2, 2005
• Expiry date: Nov 17, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T50/40
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A reliably redundant PCU for an aircraft. The PCU includes an override mechanism coupled to the aircraft's control path and a first control member coupled to the override mechanism whereby the override mechanism attempts to transmit a command from the command path to the first control member. The unit also includes a second control member coupled to the control path whereby the command path transmits the command to the second control member. Additionally, the PCU includes two actuator members coupled to the control members whereby the actuator members attempt to move in response to the command. If the first control member resists moving the override mechanism allows the second control member to actuate the rudder. The PCU also includes a common actuator coupled to the actuator members and the control surface, whereby the actuator moves the control surface. Moreover, a unitary housing contains the first and the second actuator members.