Retractable self-aligning aircraft stablizer strut assembly and aircraft including the same
US9868521B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 14, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64C25/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Self-aligning retractable strut stabilization assemblies that are ground engageable in use are provided to stabilize a vehicle, e.g., a cargo aircraft during loading/unloading operations. The strut stabilization assembly may be on-board equipment associated with an aircraft that may be actuated (e.g., via on-board hydraulic and/or electric actuation systems) by the aircraft operator so as to stabilize the aircraft during certain ground operations, e.g., cargo and/or personnel loading/unloading operations. A laterally separated pair of centering mechanisms are attached to the main strut and define a zero-spring bias load state corresponding to an aligned condition of the main strut. Displacement of the main strut out of the aligned condition responsively causes at least one centering mechanism to exert a spring-biased load in an opposite direction of the displacement causing the at least one centering mechanism to return to the zero-spring bias load state thereby returning the main strut to the aligned condition thereof.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.