Abstract: An actuator system for a flight control surface of an aerial vehicle includes a differential gear set having a first sun gear, a second sun gear and at least one planet gear to directly drive the flight control surface. The actuator system includes a first electric servomotor coupled to the aerial vehicle, and the first electric servomotor drives the first sun gear to drive the at least one planet gear. The actuator system includes a second electric servomotor coupled to the aerial vehicle, and the second electric servomotor drives the second sun gear to drive the at least one planet gear such that the first electric servomotor and the second electric servomotor cooperate to rotate the flight control surface relative to the aerial vehicle by producing a single rotary output.

Abstract: An actuator system for a flight control surface of an aerial vehicle includes a differential gear set having a first sun gear, a second sun gear and at least one planet gear to directly drive the flight control surface. The actuator system includes a first electric servomotor coupled to the aerial vehicle, and the first electric servomotor drives the first sun gear to drive the at least one planet gear. The actuator system includes a second electric servomotor coupled to the aerial vehicle, and the second electric servomotor drives the second sun gear to drive the at least one planet gear such that the first electric servomotor and the second electric servomotor cooperate to rotate the flight control surface relative to the aerial vehicle by producing a single rotary output.

Abstract: An actuator assembly having an outer section and an inner section that are moveable relative to each other has a clutch assembly mounted on the outer section. The clutch includes a clutch housing, a clutch motor, and a plurality of pins. The clutch housing is rotatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The clutch motor is coupled to the clutch housing and is configured to rotate the clutch housing between the engaged position and the disengaged position. The pins are disposed within, and extend radially inwardly from, the clutch housing, and each pin is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. When the clutch housing is rotated into the engaged position, the pins are moved to, and retained in, the extended position, and when the clutch housing is rotated into the disengaged position, the pins are movable to the retracted position.

Abstract: An actuator assembly having an outer section and an inner section that are moveable relative to each other has a clutch assembly mounted on the outer section. The clutch includes a clutch housing, a clutch motor, and a plurality of pins. The clutch housing is rotatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The clutch motor is coupled to the clutch housing and is configured to rotate the clutch housing between the engaged position and the disengaged position. The pins are disposed within, and extend radially inwardly from, the clutch housing, and each pin is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. When the clutch housing is rotated into the engaged position, the pins are moved to, and retained in, the extended position, and when the clutch housing is rotated into the disengaged position, the pins are movable to the retracted position.