Jam protection and alleviation for control surface linkage mechanisms
US9573677B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 27, 2015 |
| Grant date | Feb 21, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49826
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An aircraft comprising: a flight control surface and a rigid hinged panel both pivotably coupled to a wing; a drive linkage which links the flight control surface to the panel so that rotation of the former drives rotation of the latter, the drive linkage comprising first and second links, a first joint which pivotably couples the first and second links to each other, and a second joint which pivotably couples the first link to the flight control surface; and a cam track structure mounted to the wing, the cam track structure comprising first and second cam surfaces having extra run-out space at both ends thereof to prevent jamming. At least one of the links comprises a weakened portion which is designed to fail when a structural overload is produced due to jamming. Additional features can be added to the mechanism to block, shield, and shed other obstruction avenues.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.