Abstract: An aircraft moveable element monitoring system is provided. An exemplary aircraft moveable element monitoring system includes a signal generator (108), a signal transmitter coil (110) electrically connected to the signal generator (108); a signal detector (112); a signal receiver coil (114) electrically connected to the signal detector (112); and one or more moveable element signal transmission units (115a-c). An exemplary moveable element signal transmission unit (115) includes a first signal transmission unit coil and a second signal transmission unit coil, the first signal transmission unit coil being electrically connected to the second signal transmission unit coil. Each moveable element signal transmission unit is configured to be installed on a respective moveable element of an aircraft. The signal transmitter coil, the one or more moveable element signal transmission units and the signal receiver coil form an inductively coupled transmission line.

Abstract: An actuator system for controlling movement of a plurality of panels. The system includes two lifting mechanisms connected to each panel at two separate locations on the panel, and, for each panel: an actuator in engagement with a first of the lifting mechanisms to drive the lifting mechanism to move the panel, and a torque tube having a first end in engagement with the actuator so as to be rotated by the actuator as the actuator drives the lifting mechanism, the torque tube having a second end in engagement with the other of the two lifting mechanisms to drive the lifting mechanism due to rotation of the torque tube.

Abstract: A horizontal axis wind turbine comprising a rotor having a plurality of blades, the rotor having a radius R of at least 80 meters, the blades comprising: a root end and a tip end, the blades extending in a spanwise direction from the root end to the tip end; a leading edge and a trailing edge, the blades extending in a chordwise direction along a chord from the leading edge to the trailing edge; a shoulder between the root end and the tip end where a chord length defined between the leading edge and the trailing edge is at a maximum; the blades being twisted between the root end and the tip end and the twist is defined by a twist distribution curve along the spanwise direction of the blades, each blade further comprising: an inboard region between the root end of the blade and the shoulder of the blade; an outboard region between a rotor radius 0.

Abstract: A rotor blade includes a first blade segment and a second blade segment extending in opposite directions from a chord-wise joint. Each of the first and second blade segments has at least one shell member defining an airfoil surface. The first blade segment includes a beam structure having a receiving end with at least one span-wise extending pin extending therefrom. The second blade segment includes a receiving section that receives the beam structure. The receiving section includes a chord-wise member having a pin joint slot defined therethrough. The pin joint slot receives the span-wise extending pin at the receiving end of the beam structure so as to secure the first and second blade segments together. Moreover, the chord-wise member, the pin joint slot, and/or the span-wise extending pin includes at least one compliant structure formed of a compliant material that allows a deformation thereof to follow a shear deformation of the rotor blade.

Abstract: An actuation unit for actuating a foldable wing tip portion of a wing for an aircraft is disclosed including a motor configured to be mounted to a fixed wing for an aircraft, a drive pinion driven rotationally by the motor, a first rack configured to be mounted to the fixed wing, a second rack configured to be mounted to the foldable wing tip portion, a third rack configured to be mounted to the fixed wing movably along a defined first movement path and drivingly engaged by the drive pinion, and a transfer pinion mounted to the third rack rotatably about an axis of rotation extending perpendicular to the first movement path.

Abstract: A flap support for supporting a flap of a wing for an aircraft is disclosed and includes a load bearing fairing shell and a reinforcement structure at least partially received in the interior space of the fairing structure and mounted to the first and second side wall portions of the fairing shell. The fairing shell includes a front attachment device configured for attachment to a main wing, and the reinforcement structure includes an aft attachment device configured for attachment to the main wing. The flap support further includes a hinge device configured for forming an articulated connection to the flap.

Abstract: A flap support mechanism includes a track rotatably connected to an aft fitting of a wing. A forward roller and an aft roller extend laterally from a flap structure, the forward roller and aft roller constrained in a slot in the track. The slot has a profile configured to induce both translation and rotation in the flap, in concert with rotation of the track about the aft fitting, thereby passively mirroring motion of the flap induced by an actuator driven primary main flap support.

Abstract: An actuation apparatus for an aerodynamic surface includes a cam track plate having a forward cam track and an aft cam track, a support arm coupled to the leading edge slat panel, the support arm having a forward roller and an aft roller thereon, the forward roller disposed in the forward cam track and the aft roller disposed in the aft cam track, and a bell crank pivotally mounted to the cam track plate, the bell crank having an aft end coupled by an aft link to the wing structure and a forward end coupled by a forward link to the support arm. The forward roller translates within the forward cam track and the aft roller translates within the aft cam track to cause downward rotation of the aerodynamic surface and increased camber of the aerodynamic surface as the aerodynamic surface is extended toward a deployed position.

Abstract: Technologies for providing blended wing body aircraft control surfaces are described herein. In some examples, one or more of the control surfaces have angular configurations that reduce the formation of air vortexes when in upward or downward configurations, thereby reducing the drag on the aircraft when the control surfaces are being used.

Abstract: A wheel well fairing for reducing drag on an aircraft fuselage configured with an open wheel well for stowing landing gear of the aircraft. The wheel well fairing includes a Coanda fairing having a convex-shaped lower portion and an upper portion. The upper portion is configured for positioning adjacent an interior vertically-orientated sidewall of the wheel well, and the convex-shaped lower portion has a bottom surface configured to extend substantially parallel to and positioned adjacent with an outer hull surface of the fuselage. The convex-shaped lower portion is curved inwardly within the wheel well between the upper portion and bottom surface. The Coanda fairing is positioned at an aft portion of the wheel well to redirect airflow out of the wheel well in a rearward direction along the bottom hull surface of the fuselage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing operations of an aircraft may include a plasma generator, a sensor, and a controller. The plasma generator may be positioned on an exterior of the aircraft such that it can provide localized heating thereon. The sensor may be configured to sense and transmit information regarding a transonic flight condition such as speed to the controller. The controller may be configured to activate the plasma generator in response to information from the sensor, so as to mitigate a transonic shock wave through localized heating.

Abstract: A delivery rotary-wing aircraft has a plurality of rotary wings, a central portion to which a plurality of arms for supporting the rotary wings are connected, a first mounting portion for loading a package, a second mounting portion which is located on the opposite side to the first mounting portion as viewed from the central portion, a first supporting member for coupling the first mounting portion with the central portion, and a connection portion between the central portion and the first supporting member. The center point of lift occurring in the rotary-wing aircraft with the rotation of the plurality of rotary wings and the center point of gravity of the rotary-wing aircraft coincide with the center point of the connection portion. The first supporting member is equipped with an adjustment mechanism for vertically downwardly extending the length of the first supporting member.

Abstract: A seal plate (201) for maintaining a continuous aerodynamic surface between a fixed part (302) of an aerostructure such as an aerofoil (103) and a movable surface such as a spoiler (304) is provided. The seal plate (201) includes a resilient material such as fiberglass and has an aerodynamic surface (203). It is configured to be mounted to the fixed part (302) of the aerofoil along one edge (205) and to slidably seal with the control surface (304) at a second edge (207). The seal plate (201) is stepped and has a rigid lever (217) to engage behind the control surface (304) to bend the seal plate precisely according to movement of the control surface (304) and maintain the continuous aerodynamic surface.

Abstract: The 3D extension linkage 100 can include at least one arm that includes two elements connected by a joint. The linkage can include an actuation mechanism, additional arms and/or each arm can include more than two elements, tie rods and/or cross pieces connecting two or more arms, and any other suitable components. The linkage 100 functions to translate and rotate a body attached to one end of the arm relative to a primary structure attached to a second end of the arm.

Abstract: A control surface of an aircraft comprises a fixed skin panel, a first flexurally elastic skin panel and a second flexurally elastic skin panel, which is connected to the first flexurally elastic skin panel and is configured to at least partially overlap the fixed skin panel. Furthermore, the control surface comprises an actuator system, which is configured to move the second flexurally elastic skin panel parallel to the fixed skin panel, wherein the actuator system has a fixed structural element arranged in a root region of the control surface, and a structural element that is movable relative to the fixed structural element.

Abstract: A trailing edge flap mechanism for an aircraft incorporates a flap actuator 28 and a fore flap link 30 that pivots by actuation of the flap actuator. The fore flap link has a hinged end 32 pivotally coupled to a fore flap structure 34 and a clevis end 36 pivotally coupled to a fixed wing structure 18 at a first hinge axle 38. A rocking lever 40 is pivotally coupled to a second hinge axle 42 on the fixed wing structure. A connector bar 44 has a first end 46 pivotally coupled to the fore flap link at a first connection axle 48 and a second end 50 pivotally coupled to the rocking lever at a second connection axle 52.

Abstract: Aircraft wing assemblies are disclosed herein. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a trailing edge of a wing of an aircraft. The trailing edge has an elastically deformable skin defining a first surface. The trailing edge has a first end to be fixed to the wing and a second end opposite the first end that is to move relative to the first end. A flap is movably coupled to the second end of the trailing edge. The flap is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The trailing edge is to elastically elongate when the flap moves from the stowed position to the deployed position and the trailing edge is to elastically collapse when the flap moves from the deployed position to the stowed position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for actuating a control surface which is pivotably coupled to a trailing edge of an aircraft wing. The control surface actuation system has a compact footprint and high capability. The control surface actuation system includes a rotatable torque shaft that is coupled (by means of meshed surfaces) to the control surface so that rotation of the torque shaft by a deflection angle causes the control surface to pivot by an equal deflection angle. Rotation of the torque shaft is actuated by a pair of redundant mutually opposing actuation mechanisms. The redundant actuation mechanisms are situated inside of the fuselage, while the torque shaft is disposed partly inside the fuselage and partly inside the control surface.

Abstract: Provided is a trailing edge assembly of a wind turbine rotor blade, which includes a mounting portion; a flap portion flexibly connected to the mounting portion so that a flap angle subtended between the mounting portion and the flap portion can be altered; a volume adjustable chamber arranged between the mounting portion and the flap portion and realised to alter its volume between a minimum volume associated with a minimum flap angle and a maximum volume associated with a maximum flap angle; and at least one tube to face into an airflow passing over the airfoil region of the rotor blade, and an inner orifice arranged to face into the interior of the volume adjustable chamber such that an airflow between the outer orifice and the inner orifice alters the volume of the volume adjustable chamber. Embodiments of the invention further describe a wind turbine rotor blade.

Abstract: A camber adjustment system for a wing of an aircraft includes a droop panel that is configured to moveably couple to a portion of the wing, a flap, a cam rod moveably coupled to the droop panel, a bell crank cam arm moveably coupled to the flap, and a jackscrew interface between the cam rod and the bell crank cam arm. The droop panel is configured to move in response to movement of the flap via the jackscrew interface.

Abstract: A system for driving and guiding a trailing edge control surface on a trailing edge region of an aircraft wing comprises a first guide device coupled with the control surface to guide the control surface along a predetermined trajectory relative to the trailing edge region between a retracted position and an extended position, a first drive device couplable with the wing and the control surface to move the control surface along the trajectory, and a second drive device coupled with the control surface and couplable with one of the wing and the first guide device to influence the incidence angle of the control surface, wherein the first drive device and the second drive device are separate from each other and are operable independently, such that the incidence angle of the control surface is influencable at least in the retracted position of the control surface.

Abstract: A flap deployment apparatus and system for a wing of an aircraft that includes a support structure having a first aerodynamic surface. A nose fitting secures the support structure to a forward portion of an aircraft wing and an aft fitting secures the support structure to an aft portion of the wing. A carrier beam having a second aerodynamic surface is coupled to the support structure. The carrier beam is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. Links guide the carrier between the positions. The first and second aerodynamic surfaces are configured to define a continuous aerodynamic surface when the carrier beam is in the stowed position. The apparatus includes a nose fairing having a third aerodynamic and a mid fairing cover having a fourth aerodynamic surface. The third and fourth aerodynamic surfaces also defines the continuous aerodynamic surface when the carrier beam is in the stowed position.

Abstract: A wing flap includes a flap body and a torque member. The torque member is integrally formed with at least a portion of the flap body.

Abstract: An aircraft wing having a fixed wing with a wing tip device. The wing tip device is movable between a flight configuration for use during flight, and a ground configuration for use during ground-based operations. The wing has a master flight control surface associated with the fixed wing and a slave flight control surface associated with the wing tip device. An interface between the master flight control surface and the slave flight control surface is arranged to provide a rigid connection between the master flight control surface and slave flight control surface when the wing tip device is in the flight configuration. Moving the master control surface about a control axis causes the slave control surface to be moved about the control axis. The interface is arranged to de-couple the slave and master control surfaces when the wing tip device is moved from the flight configuration into the ground configuration.

Abstract: A camber adjustment system for a wing of an aircraft includes a droop panel that is configured to pivotally couple to a portion of a main body of a wing, a flap, and a coupler having a track that moveably couples the droop panel to the flap. The droop panel is configured to move in response to movement of the flap via the coupler.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a control surface. A desired position for the control surface associated with an aerodynamic aircraft structure is identified. The control surface is moved to the desired position using an electronically controlled rotary actuator system located inside of the aerodynamic aircraft structure, wherein a shape of the aerodynamic aircraft structure with the electronically controlled rotary actuator system has a desired aerodynamic performance.

Abstract: A method of configuring a wing tip device (7) on an aircraft (1), including: undertaking ground-based operations at an airport with the wing tip device (7) in a ground configuration, in which the span of the aircraft is within an airport compatibility limit, moving the wing tip device (7) to a take-off configuration in which the wing tip device (7) is moved away from the ground configuration such that the span of the aircraft is increased and such that the wing tip device (7) has a first lift coefficient; taking-off with the wing tip device (7) in the take-off configuration; moving the wing tip device from the take-off configuration to a flight configuration, in which the wing tip device has a second lift coefficient, the second lift coefficient being lower than the first lift coefficient. The lift coefficient may be changed by adjusting the sweep of the wing tip device (7).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a foldable aerodynamic structure, such as a wing, for an aircraft. The wing (1) including an inner region (1) and an outer region (3) rotatable relative to the inner region between a flight configuration and a ground configuration. The method includes designing the foldable aerodynamic structure by determining the location and orientation of an Euler axis of rotation (11) about which the outer region rotates to achieve the ground configuration and determining a cut plane (13), perpendicular to that Euler axis, separating the inner and outer regions; and iteratively repeating this process until a preferred cut plane (13) is obtained that satisfies at least one design criteria.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting relative movement between two adjacent components includes a first member, a second member rotatable about an axis relative to the first member, and a fuse element including a first electrical contactor connected to the first member and a second electrical contactor connected to the second member. When the first member and the second member are skewed, the first electrical contactor and the second electrical contactor are not in electrical contact.

Abstract: An aircraft aerodynamic surface (1) including a torsion box (2) having a front spar (21) and rear spar (22), a first control surface (3) including a front spar (31) and a trailing edge (32) and a second control surface (4) having a front spar (41), a trailing edge (42), and a pivot device (5, 6, 7, 8) for pivotally attaching the first control surface (3) and the second control surface (4) to the rear spar (22) of the torsion box (2), the first control surface is an inboard control surface (4) including two lateral ribs (9, 9?), six inner ribs (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 10) and an inner spar (16), and the second control surface (3) is an outboard control surface which includes two lateral ribs (20, 20?), three internal ribs (17, 18, 19), two internal spars (24, 24?) and one internal spar (23).

Abstract: A system for driving and guiding a trailing edge control surface arranged on a wing of an aircraft includes a first guide device attachable to the wing and coupled with an inboard section of the control surface for guiding the inboard section along a trajectory relative to the trailing edge region of the wing between a retracted position and an extended position, a second guide device attachable to the wing and holding a connecting means of an outboard section of the control surface, and a drive device attachable to the wing and the control surface for moving the control surface. The trajectory is a spatial path at least along one dimension, wherein a distance between the inboard section of the control surface and a fixed part of the wing changes during a motion of the inboard section on the trajectory.

Abstract: An airfoil body for an aircraft extending from an inner end to an outer end, between a leading edge and a trailing edge and having a pressure surface and a suction surface, the airfoil body having an outer surface and an inner support structure, the outer surface including a fixed skin section and a movable skin section, wherein the movable skin section comprises a first portion including an array of transducer elements, and the airfoil body including an actuator for moving the movable skin section to selectively position the transducer elements on the outer surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a horizontal stabilizer spar is held on the empennage of a rotorcraft by saddle fittings clamping the stabilizer spar at positions spaced apart along a longitudinal direction of the stabilizer spar. Stabilizer mounts are connected at respective ends to the saddle fittings and to vertical spars on the empennage. At least one of the stabilizer mounts is constructed to allow movement of the saddle fittings with respect to the vertical spars with at least four directions of freedom. The movable stabilizer mount is floatingly attached to a vertical spar, while the saddle fittings are connected to the respective stabilizer mounts by way of spherical bearings.

Abstract: A flexurally controlled system comprises an elongated structure, a tendon attached to the elongated structure, and an actuator operable to apply a tensile load to the tendon. The actuator is operable to apply the tensile load to the tendon when at least one of the first side of the elongated structure is under a first tensile stress or the second side of the elongated structure is under a first compressive stress. The actuator is also operable to apply no load to the tendon when the first side and the second side of the elongated structure are not under stress. The tendon is non-coaxial with a central axis of the elongated structure and is aligned with at least one region of the elongated structure.

Abstract: This relates to changes in wing profiles. In order to make available an aerodynamic structure that can be variably adjusted and changed with respect to the wing profile, it is provided that an aerodynamic structure for a wing or rudder arrangement of an aircraft comprises a support structure and an outer skin. The support structure comprises a fixed spar in the longitudinal direction, which extends from a root area to an outer end area. The support structure also comprises several adaptive framework segments in the transverse direction, which each consist of a plurality of strung together triangular compartments, which are formed by fixed-length guide elements and adjustable-length guide elements The framework segments are joined to the fixed spar. At least one side of a portion of the triangular compartments comprises one of the adjustable guide elements, so that the shape of the framework segments can be adjusted.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a track roller failure detection system. The system may include a main aerodynamic device and a secondary aerodynamic device including a track supported by one or more rollers and a marker. Failure of the one or more rollers may result in the track contacting the marker. Operation of the secondary aerodynamic device when one or more of the rollers have failed may result in the marker leaving a mark and/or a trail on a portion of the main aerodynamic device and/or a portion of the secondary aerodynamic device. Failure of the one or more rollers may then be determined from the mark and/or trail.

Abstract: An adaptive trailing edge system for an aircraft may include an adaptive trailing edge element mounted to a trailing edge. An electric motor actuator having an electric motor may be configured to actuate the adaptive trailing edge element. A linkage system may couple the electric motor actuator to the adaptive trailing edge element for actuation thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a wingtip control system. The wingtip control system comprises a switch system for a flight deck of an aircraft and a controller. The switch system is configured to be placed into an armed state and generate an armed signal. The controller is in communication with the switch system. The controller is configured to receive the armed signal from the switch system, visually indicate a desired position for a wingtip of the aircraft in the switch system in response to an event occurring during operation of the aircraft, and generate a movement command to move the wingtip.

Abstract: A flap support structure for an aircraft wing having a trailing edge flap, the flap support structure comprising: a flap support beam including an aerodynamic fairing; and a drive unit including a universal support structure which rotatably receives a drive shaft connected to a drive arm for moving the trailing edge flap, wherein the universal support structure also forms part of the flap support beam and supports the aerodynamic fairing.

Abstract: Morphing aircraft wing with a mobile upper surface comprising a double skinning on the upper surface of the wing wherein one of the skinnings corresponds to the leading edge and the other corresponds to the trailing edge and they overlap in the central area of the wing with the possibility of relative displacement between the two skinnings and they extend in the direction of the chord of the wing profile, the wing comprises actuators that are positioned on the main wing spars and which exert a reaction force against said spars when they exert the force required to morph the wing displacing the skinnings in the direction of the chord of the profile to the configuration of low speed flight, take-off and landing.

Abstract: The invention regards an apparatus or method for controlling the profile of a blade on a wind turbine having at least a first blade and a second blade, the first blade comprise at least one first sensor system adapted to determine a first blade state and the second blade comprise at least one second sensor system adapted to determine a second blade state, wherein the profile of the second blade is controlled based on the determined first blade state and the determined second blade state.

Abstract: An airfoil, a flap mechanism and an associated method are provided to controllably actuate a flap positioned proximate the trailing edge of an airfoil body. The flap mechanism includes a carrier beam hingedly connected to an airfoil body and also pivotally connected to a flap proximate the trailing edge of the airfoil body. The flap mechanism further includes an actuator, a first plurality of links and a second plurality of links. The first plurality of links is operably connected to the airfoil body, the actuator and the carrier beam. The first plurality of links causes the carrier beam to be rotated with respect to the airfoil body in response to actuation by the actuator. The second plurality of links is responsive to rotation of the carrier beam with respect to the airfoil body. The second plurality of links causes the flap to be rotated with respect to the carrier beam.

Abstract: The invention provides an aircraft with a trimmable horizontal stabilizer (13) that not requires a cut-out in resistant areas of the rear fuselage and that occupies less space that in conventional horizontal stabilizers. The rear fuselage (5) comprises at least a first section (9) having a resistant fuselage and a second section (11), aft of the first section, having a non-resistant fuselage (i.e. a fairing). The load-bearing structure (30) of the horizontal stabilizer and the trimming actuator (50) are disposed inside said second section (11). The pivot element (41) is mounted on its forward side and coupled to the first section (9) of the rear fuselage. The connection fitting (21) is mounted on its rearward side and the trimming actuator (50) is disposed so that it exerts a force in the direction of the Z-axis of the aircraft on the connection fitting (21) during a trimming operation.

Abstract: An airfoil may include a leading edge and a shape control mechanism. The leading edge may include a flexible leading edge skin having a first end, a second end, and an arc length defined therebetween. The shape control mechanism may be attached to the flexible leading edge skin at a plurality of support locations and may transition the flexible leading edge skin from a first shape having a first curvature profile to a second shape having a second curvature profile different than the first curvature profile without a change in the arc length.

Abstract: Aircraft wing assemblies are disclosed herein. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a trailing edge of a wing of an aircraft. The trailing edge has a flexible skin defining a first surface. The example apparatus also includes a flap movably coupled to the trailing edge. The flap defines a second surface. The first surface and the second surface form a substantially continuous surface when the flap is in a stowed position and when the flap is in a deployed position.

Abstract: An aircraft reaction link includes a head portion and a link body portion that is made of fiber reinforced plastic and formed integrally. The link body portion has a pair of leg portions, and a connecting portion that connects one end portion of each of the pair of leg portions to each other. The other end portion of each of the pair of leg portions is provided pivotably with respect to a second end side of the actuator. The head portion has a plurality of head constituent members that are fixed to the connecting portion in a state of being arranged so as to surround the outer periphery of the connecting portion, one of the head constituent members being provided with a bearing, and the head portion is provided pivotably with respect to the moving surface via the bearing.

Abstract: The invention provides a wing control system aimed at countering the aeroelastic effect of twisting of a length of wing of an aircraft due to dynamic air pressure acting on an aileron of the wing. The wing control system includes a shaft extending along the length of wing and actuation means responsive to aileron control inputs to induce a variable torque T in the shaft. Outboard of the length of wing, the system operatively transfers T partially to the aileron to pivot the aileron and partially to the wing at an outboard end of the length of wing to counter twisting of the length of wing due to dynamic air pressure on the aileron. Inboard of the length of wing, the system operatively transfers T to the aircraft, e.g. to its fuselage, thereby effectively balancing the sum of the moments transferred respectively to the aileron and the wing.

Abstract: A planar component (1), in particular a sheet metal element, which is provided with at least one piezoelectric actuator (7-9) for its active vibration damping, wherein the piezoelectric actuator (7-9) is applied to the inside or the outside (15) of a bead (3-5) formed in the component.

Abstract: A rotor blade is provided, in particular for wind turbine generators including a means for the modification of the camber, wherein the modification of the camber is realized by means of elements passively coupled to one another, i.e. without external energy supply (apart from the energy contained in the airflow surrounding the rotor blade). One of the elements is therefore arranged at the leading and the trailing edge of the airfoil of the rotor blade, respectively. The coupling of the elements, the stiffness of the airfoil and the strength of the damping are hereby arranged in a manner suitable to be modified.

Abstract: A fastening system (10) for hanging mountable overhead containers (12) is provided. The system includes at least one pair of support lugs (20, 22) mounted on a support structure (14) or on the overhead container (12). The support lugs (20, 22) can be detachably connected to each other by a pin (30) that can be drawn back in a pin guide (40) and thereby spring-loaded in the exit direction. When the support lug (22) attached to the overhead container (12) is inserted into the support lug (20) having the pin guide (40) when installing the container, the pin (30) is unlatched in the pin guide (40) and automatically moves out into the support eye (22) attached to the overhead container (12). Using a lever joined (60) to the pin guide (40) by a hinge, the pin (30) can be moved out completely into an end position, and locked in said position. In order to remove the overhead container (12), the lever (60) must simply be pivoted back.