Abstract: A system includes a driver monitor system configured to receive information about driver operation, a relationship table comprising information about an expected relationship between driver operation and a preload force, and a driver controller configured to control a driver in response to the information about driver operation and according to the relationship table. A method of managing a preload force includes providing a first component, providing a second component for compression against the first component, operating a driver to move the first component into contact with the second component, monitoring an operation of the driver, and determining an expected preload force in response to the operation of the driver.

Abstract: Example flap actuation systems and related methods are disclosed herein. An example control surface actuation system includes processor circuitry to cause a first actuator to generate an output to operatively couple the first actuator to a first drive arm; cause a second actuator to generate an output to operatively couple the second actuator to a second drive arm; cause the first actuator and the second actuator to move a control surface when the first actuator and the second actuator are in an operative state; detect the first actuator as in a failed state; and in response to the first actuator being in the failed state, cause first actuator to refrain from generating the output to disrupt the operative coupling between the first actuator and the first drive arm; and cause the second actuator to move the control surface via the first drive arm and the second drive arm.

Abstract: A compact aircraft control surface track mechanism is disclosed. A disclosed example aerodynamic body includes a support structure, a control surface movable relative to the support structure, the control surface including at least two rollers spaced apart along at least a spanwise direction of the aerodynamic body, and at least two tracks associated with the support structure, wherein a first track is to guide a first roller along a first movement pathway, and wherein a second track is to guide a second roller along a second movement pathway shaped differently than the first movement pathway.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to measure multiple control surfaces with a sensor are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus for determining a condition associated with first and second control surfaces includes a sensor to measure a rotation of a shaft operatively coupled thereto. The apparatus also includes a first differential operatively coupled between the shaft and a first pivot of the first control surface, and a second differential operatively coupled between the first differential and a second pivot of the second control surface.

Abstract: An aircraft brake control system for controlling antiskid braking of an aircraft wheel is disclosed including a control assembly having a mode controller which sets the mode of operation of an antiskid brake calculator, configured to set a first mode, when an input of the indication of a brake energy supply configuration indicates a first brake energy supply being used, in which the antiskid brake calculator applies a first restriction level on a rise rate of the antiskid brake command, and a second mode, when the input 305 indicates a second brake energy supply being used, in which the antiskid brake calculator applies a second, lower, restriction level on a rise rate of the antiskid brake command.

Abstract: A trim actuator for a horizontal stabilizer comprises a power screw, a rotary actuator, configured to rotate the power screw, and a nut, configured to translate along the power screw when the power screw is rotated. Trim actuator also comprises an anti-back-drive mechanism, configured to prevent the power screw from rotating in a first rotational direction when a first force is applied to the nut in a first axial direction and to prevent the power screw from rotating in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction, when a second force is applied to the nut in a second axial direction. Trim actuator further comprises a sensor, configured to measure internal loading of the anti-back-drive mechanism when the first force is applied to the nut in the first axial direction or when the second force is applied to the nut in the second axial direction.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a tiltrotor aircraft having a wing, a proprotor pivotably mounted on the wing, and a downstop striker attached to the proprotor using a load pin, wherein the load pin is configured to generate an output signal representing a force between the proprotor and the wing. A downstop mounted on the wing is aligned to be in contact with the downstop striker when the proprotor is in a horizontal position. A conversion actuator moves the proprotor between a horizontal position and vertical position. A flight control computer is coupled to the output signal from the load pin and configured to control the conversion actuator, wherein the flight control computer is configured to cause the conversion actuator to increase the force if the force is less than a first selected preload value or to decrease the force if the force is greater than a second selected preload value.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle system includes an unmanned aerial vehicle, a user input device, and ground station. The user input device is configured to generate a signal and control the unmanned aerial vehicle based on the generated signal. The ground station is coupled to the unmanned aerial vehicle via a tether assembly. The ground station includes a motorized spool and a controller. The motorized spool is coupled to the tether assembly and configured to electromechanically control spooling and unspooling of a tether of the tether assembly. The controller is configured to control operation of the motorized spool based on an anticipated movement of the unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A fishing system includes an unmanned aerial vehicle and a fishing line fixing portion placed on a main body of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the fishing line fixing portion including a first fixing portion for fixing a fishing line and a second fixing portion detachably connected to the first fixing portion. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes an imaging device, a fish school tracking processing unit configured to identify a fish in imaging data captured by the imaging device and control the unmanned aerial vehicle to track the fish. A connection between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion is released when the fish is hooked on an artificial bait attached to a first end of the fishing line.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for an aircraft. This aircraft assembly includes an aircraft control surface. The aircraft control surface includes a first skin, a second skin and a support structure laterally between and connected to the first skin and the second skin. The support structure includes a spar, a first stiffener and a second stiffener. The spar extends spanwise within the aircraft control surface. The first stiffener extends longitudinally within the aircraft control surface to the spar. The second stiffener extends longitudinally within the aircraft control surface to the spar. An actuator receptacle projects longitudinally into the aircraft control surface from a base of the aircraft control surface to the spar. The actuator receptacle extends spanwise within the aircraft control surface between the first stiffener and the second stiffener.

Abstract: A support stay is provided to improve failsafe configurations for movable parts of an aircraft. The support stay supports the movable part with a primary body and a separate secondary body. The primary body and the secondary body provide separate load paths. The secondary body is attached to the primary body by a mechanical connection, e.g., rivets. If one of the bodies becomes structurally compromised, for example by a crack, this configuration does not transfer shear load between the primary and secondary body, so that the other body does not become structurally compromised.

Abstract: A method for controlling a position of a flap of an aircraft includes: receiving, by an actuator, a signal indicative of a desired flap position; when the desired flap position is a retracted flap position: moving the carriage along a track to a first carriage position thereby pivoting the flap to the retracted flap position where the flap is at a neutral flap angle; when the desired flap position is an intermediate flap position: moving the carriage along the track to a second carriage position thereby pivoting the flap to the intermediate flap position where the flap is at a negative flap angle; when the desired flap position is an extended flap position: moving the carriage along the track to a third carriage position thereby pivoting the flap to the extended flap position where the flap is at a positive flap angle. An aircraft flap deployment system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device has at least two components that can be moved relative to each other. A drive device is provided with a drive housing and a drive shaft in order to bring about a relative movement of a first component to a second component. If the drive shaft is coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to the second component, the drive housing is rotatably accommodated on one of the two components and can be coupled by an actuator in a rotationally fixed manner to the first component and can be decoupled therefrom. If the drive housing is coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to the second component, the drive shaft can be coupled by an actuator in a rotationally fixed manner to the first component and can be decoupled therefrom.

Abstract: Embodiments include an aircraft comprising a fuselage; a wing connected to the fuselage; and first and second propulsion systems connected to the wing on opposite sides of the fuselage, wherein at least a portion of each of the first and second propulsion systems and at least a portion of the wing are tiltable between a first position in which the aircraft is in a hover mode and a second position in which the aircraft is in a cruise mode, wherein each of the propulsion systems includes pylon and a rotor assembly comprising a plurality of rotor blades.

Abstract: A hinge-line actuator has: a drive shaft; first and second ground gears spaced apart along the drive shaft, wherein the first and second output gears include first and second contoured outer gear surfaces; and an output gear disposed on the drive shaft and disposed between the first and second ground gears, wherein the output gear includes a third contoured outer gear surface; an actuator housing that includes: contoured first, second and third gear seats that, respectively, seat the first, second and third outer gear surfaces.

Abstract: An aircraft system monitors health of passive safety brakes on a plurality of auxiliary lift wing devices of an aircraft wing. The wing includes an actuator driveline, and a plurality of actuators are secured to the driveline for extending and retracting the auxiliary lift wing devices. Each actuator incorporates a passive safety brake, and a flight computer enables the actuators to synchronously extend and retract the auxiliary lift wing devices. Torque sensors are fixed to the actuator driveline, each torque sensor being positioned adjacent an actuator for sensing static torque values at that actuator location. When an aerodynamic load acting on any one extended auxiliary lift wing device creates a higher static torque value at one actuator location relative to others, the aircraft system generates a warning signal and/or message to indicate occurrence of a potential safety brake failure within the one actuator.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture for a distributed aircraft actuation system are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a non-responsive component detector to determine a position difference between a first position of a first control surface of an aircraft and a second position of a second control surface of the aircraft, the first position lagging the second position, and a command generator, in response to determining that the position difference satisfies a threshold, the command generator is to cease movement of the second control surface at the second position, attempt to move the first control surface to the second position, and cease movement of the first control surface when moved to the second position.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for differentially actuating a plurality of high-lift surfaces of an aircraft may include a common rotary and a plurality of clutches incorporated into the common driveline. The plurality of clutches may include a first clutch provided between a first outboard driveline section and a central driveline section of the common driveline, and a second clutch provided between a second outboard driveline section and the central driveline section of the common driveline. A first and second power drive unit (PDU) may be arranged remote from a fuselage of the aircraft and mechanically coupled to the common driveline at a drive connection disposed in a region of the first clutch and the second clutch, respectively. The first clutch and the second clutch may mechanically connect and disconnect the first and second outboard driveline section from the central driveline section, respectively.

Abstract: Provided is a method and an apparatus for installing and replacing a lighting controller of an outdoor lighting fixture that includes a base portion supplying power, a telescopic stick portion attached to the base portion at a first end thereof, an extension stick portion attached to a second end of the telescopic stick portion, and a drone-type device attached to the extension stick portion at an end opposite telescopic stick portion. The drone-type device receives power from the base portion through the telescopic stick portion and travels over and land at a top surface of the outdoor lighting fixture and perform installation or replacement of the lighting controller.

Abstract: A rotary actuator includes a housing, a rotor assembly rotatably journaled in said housing and including a rotary output shaft, a central actuation assembly including a central mounting point formed in an external surface of the rotary output shaft, said central mounting point proximal to the longitudinal midpoint of the rotary output shaft, a mounting assembly adapted for attachment to an external mounting connector of a mounting surface of an aircraft structural member, and an actuation arm removably attached at a proximal end to the central mounting point, said actuation arm adapted at a distal end for attachment to an external mounting feature of an aircraft assembly to be actuated.

Abstract: Disclosed is an actuator for varying the position of a flight control surface on an aircraft, wherein the actuator comprises a no-back device including a backlash adjuster, which is arranged to select a plurality of different backlash lengths. The backlash adjuster may be a nut which moves relative a housing of the no-back device by rotating the nut. Also disclosed is a method of adjusting the backlash (B) in a flight control surface actuator, by moving the backlash adjuster axially to adjust the backlash (B) to a desired value.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture for a distributed aircraft actuation system are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a collection engine to obtain first monitoring information corresponding to a first set of control surfaces of an aircraft, the first set including a first control surface on a first side of the aircraft and a second control surface on a second side of the aircraft, the second side opposite the first, and obtain second monitoring information corresponding to a second set of control surfaces of the aircraft, the second set including a third control surface on the first side and a fourth control surface on the second side.

Abstract: An upper attachment system for a trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA) comprises: a housing, holding a yoke and a ballscrew; a nut coupled to the housing and cooperating with the ballscrew such that rotation of the ballscrew relative to the nut results in linear motion of the ballscrew; a recess formed between the yoke and the ballscrew and arranged to receive, in use, an upper part of a tie bar of the secondary load path of the actuator; and a biasing mechanism arranged such that, in use, when no axial load is applied to the tie bar, the yoke and the ballscrew are held by balanced forces from the biasing mechanism in a position within the recess.

Abstract: A method for controlling the supply of power to a power system for an aircraft having a plurality of power-consuming components includes supplying power to the power system with a generator having a power output, determining a power requirement of the power system, and supplying the power to the power-consuming components.

Abstract: A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment is disclosed. The power system includes a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about seventy degrees Celsius and about two hundred and fifty degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage; wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts, for at least two charge-discharge cycles. Methods of use and fabrication are provided. Embodiments of additional features of the power supply are included.

Abstract: An aircraft electric actuator drive apparatus has an electric actuator and a secondary power supply device. The electric actuator is driven using electric power from a main power unit provided in an aircraft. The secondary power supply device can temporarily supply electric power to the electric actuator while electric power from the main power unit is applied to the electric actuator.

Abstract: A high lift control system for an aircraft having at least one high lift surface includes a selector having a predetermined number of discrete positions, at least one of the predetermined positions corresponding to different positions of the at least one high lift surface.

Abstract: A flight control actuator drive including a first motor for providing a first rotational input, a second motor for providing a second rotational input and a speed summing device for combining the first and second rotational inputs into a rotational output for controlling an actuator. The speed summing device comprises first and second input gears to which the first and second motors are connected via first and second irreversible gears so that the first and second input gears can each transmit power in one direction only. The speed summing device may be a planetary gear assembly.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator (“EMA”) comprising an actuator drive unit (“ADU”) housing and a ball screw is disclosed. The ball screw and ADU housing may interface to form a multi-row thrust bearing (MRTB). Further, the ball screw may be situated at least partially about the ADU housing, an outer surface of the ADU housing may include a first ADU raceway, and an inner surface of the ball screw may include a second inner ball screw raceway. Either or both raceways may comprise hemispherical structures. Further, the first raceway and the second raceway may interface to form a multi-row thrust bearing (“MRTB”).

Abstract: In the context of the wings of aircraft, the ability to compensate for variations in movement and to absorb assembly tolerances, and flexibility for mounting, are all desired. An object of the disclosure thus relates to a wing portion of an aircraft, having a connecting device between a rigid structure and a flexible structure, the connecting device being attached to a structural element of the wing portion via the intermediary of an attachment support, wherein the attachment support is mounted in translation on the structural element by at least one translation spindle. The disclosure is applicable in the field of aeronautics, in particular for the hydraulic equipment of an aircraft.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft having at least one high lift system which is arranged at the wing of the aircraft and which comprises a drive for converting electrical or hydraulic energy into a speed-controlled rotational movement, wherein the aircraft furthermore has at least one control unit which controls the high lift system, wherein the drive comprises in accordance with the invention a main drive and an alternative drive, wherein the alternative drive is fed by a decentralized energy source.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator for a movable flight control surface of an aircraft, the actuator comprising an electric motor having an outlet shaft with first and second directions of rotation, a movement transmission arranged to connect the outlet shaft of the motor to the movable flight control surface, and a control unit for controlling the motor. The transmission incorporates a pawl device arranged to oppose the transmission of movement in the first direction of rotation, and the control unit is connected to a pawl declutching member for declutching the pawl and enabling movement to be transmitted in the first direction of rotation.

Abstract: The disclosure disclosed a connection device for connecting first means of the airplane to second means of the airplane. The first means and the second means are provided with connection regions, which lengthwise extend in a first direction and are connected with each other, respectively. A plurality of finger-like grooves, which are parallel with each other and extend respectively in a second direction inclined relative to the first direction in which the connection region extends, are provided respectively on a connection face of the connection region of the first means and a connection face of the connection region of the second means.

Abstract: A linear actuator has a housing, a piston slideable within the housing along a slide axis, a first shaft rotatable about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the slide axis, a second shaft rotatable about a second axis parallel to the slide axis, in which the second shaft and the piston are engaged to convert rotational motion of the second shaft into linear motion of the piston, and in which the first shaft and the second shaft are engaged by a ball-worm gear.

Abstract: A flaperon mechanism that provides jam protection while preventing the component departing from the airplane or causing unacceptable collateral damage. The jam protection feature comprises a controlled failure (fused) mechanism that is associated with the flaperon and flaperon hinge panel and maintains functional movement of the devices. Additional features can be added to the mechanism to block, shield, allow runout and shed other obstruction avenues.

Abstract: An aircraft hatch emergency opening actuator, includes, a cylinder connected to the hatch at one end to a reference frame at the other end to which the hatch is connected, fluid means feeding the cylinder for emergency opening of the hatch, means for injection of the fluid means at a point of a fluid circuit feeding the cylinder for emergency opening of the hatch, said injection means configured to adopt: a rest position, in which the fluid means are isolated from the cylinder, and an active position, in which the fluid means are injected at the point of the fluid circuit, means for delaying the injection of the fluid means into the cylinder including a mobile element in the fluid circuit, delaying opening of the circuit when the injection means are in the active position, the injection delay being determined by a time of movement of the mobile element.

Abstract: A method for regulating an actuator for a control surface is provided, which actuator has an angular position controlled by an autopilot on an aircraft with mechanical flight control. When the value of the torque exerted by the actuator is less than a threshold torque value, the actuator is regulated in terms of position and the maximum speed of movement of the control surface is limited to a value that is dependent on the torque value. When the value of the torque exerted by the actuator is greater than the threshold torque value, the actuator is regulated in terms of torque.

Abstract: A system for optimizing performance of an aircraft may include a flight control computer for computing an optimum flap setting based on aircraft data. The system may further include a flap control system having a flap control device. The system may additionally include a flap actuation system coupled to the flap control system for positioning the trailing edge device at the optimum flap setting.

Abstract: An system for increasing the descent rate of an aircraft may include a flight control computer, an edge control system, and a speedbrake control device. The flight control computer may be configured to compute a first setting for a leading edge device and/or a trailing edge device of an aircraft wing. The edge control system may be communicatively coupled to the flight control computer and may include an edge control device having a plurality of control device positions including a cruise position. The speedbrake control device may include a plurality of speedbrake detents including a flight detent. The edge control system may be configured to automatically command the leading edge device, the trailing edge device, or both, to a deflection angle corresponding to the first setting if the edge control device is in the cruise position and the speedbrake control device is in the flight detent.

Abstract: A slat control system for an aircraft may include a flight control computer configured to generate a gap command in response to an occurrence of a gap-command condition. The slat control system may further include an edge control system including an edge control device having a plurality of control device positions including at least one designated control device position. The slat control system may additionally include a device actuation system configured to move a leading edge device of an aircraft. The edge control system may be configured to automatically command the device actuation system to extend the leading edge device from a sealed position to a gapped position when the edge control device is in the designated control device position and the gap command is received by the edge control system.

Abstract: A stabilizer actuator has a first end for connecting to an aircraft support structure and a second end for connecting to a stabilizer. The actuator includes a primary load path for transmittal of loads acting on the stabilizer to the aircraft support structure, and a secondary load path for transmittal of loads acting on the stabilizer to the aircraft support structure upon failure of the primary load path. The secondary load path includes a tie rod extending along a longitudinal axis, a load path locking mechanism coupled to the tie rod, a lock housing having a central bore for receiving the locking mechanism, and at least one radially movable segment that, upon failure of the primary load path, moves radially to lock the tie rod to the lock housing against axial and/or radial movement.

Abstract: A landing gear retraction/extension device includes a hydraulic actuator, a hydraulic circuit, a hydraulic pump, an electric motor, and a driver. Part of the hydraulic circuit is provided such that heat is exchangeable between operation oil and each of the electric motor and the driver. The driver supplies power to the electric motor before landing of an aircraft such that an operation oil temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature upon the landing of the aircraft.

Abstract: A lift flap bearing apparatus is improved with respect to aerodynamics, construction space and assembly, for guiding and adjusting a first lift flap and a second lift flap. The lift flap bearing apparatus comprises a first guiding device for guiding the first lift flap and a second guiding device for guiding the second lift flap. The first and the second guiding devices each have a first curved guide rail and a second curved guide rail.

Abstract: An aircraft electric actuator drive apparatus has an electric actuator and a secondary power supply device. The electric actuator is driven using electric power from a main power unit provided in an aircraft. The secondary power supply device can temporarily supply electric power to the electric actuator while electric power from the main power unit is applied to the electric actuator.

Abstract: A wing is provided, including a high-lift flap arranged on the wing such that it is movable by means of at least two adjustment mechanisms arranged side-by-side in the spanwise direction of the wing and adjustable by means of a drive device. Each adjustment mechanism includes a first adjustment lever, articulated on a main wing surface via a first pivotal articulation, with the formation of a first rotation axis; a second adjustment lever, articulated on the high-lift flap via a second pivotal articulation, with the formation of a second rotation axis; and a central articulation, linking together the first and the second adjustment levers, with the formation of a third rotation axis. An intermediate articulated part is arranged on at least one of the adjustment mechanisms for coupling the first adjustment lever and the main wing surface, or for coupling the second adjustment lever and the high-lift flap.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for arbitrating sensor and actuator signals in various devices. One system includes input/output (I/O) circuitry, redundant computation circuits coupled to the I/O circuitry, and an arbitration circuit coupled between the I/O circuitry and the redundant computation circuits. The I/O circuitry is configured to be coupled to multiple non-redundant systems, and the redundant computation circuits are configured to be coupled to one of multiple system buses. One such device is an aircraft including multiple non-redundant systems and a plurality of system buses that are configured to transmit redundant messages to the non-redundant systems.

Abstract: A device (13) for detecting the breakage of a primary path in a flight control actuator, said actuator having a primary path (1) comprising a rotary hollow screw (2), a secondary path (10) comprising a safety rod (3) that reacts the load passing through the screw (2), said device (13) being characterized in that it comprises a position sensor (15), connected to the screw (2), to measure information representative of the angular position thereof, and a disconnection system (17) able to disconnect the screw (2) position sensor (15) in the event of relative movement of the rod (3) with respect to the screw (2) if there is a break in the primary path (1).

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing the exchange of vehicle information between software modules with different safety importance. In one embodiment, a vehicle health management system includes a mission critical software module, a flight critical software module and a gatekeeper. The mission critical software module receives vehicle state information and provides it to the flight critical software module if the gatekeeper confirms the validity of the vehicle information.

Abstract: The invention provides a control box for selectively delivering orders to receivers (8, 12), the control box comprising: a shaft (14) mounted to turn about an axis of rotation (X), while being capable of sliding along said axis (X) between a rest position towards which it is urged by return means (24), and an active position; order delivery means (16, 11) co-operating with the shaft (14) to deliver orders as a function of the angular position of the shaft (14); rotary drive means (15) for causing the shaft to turn; and safety actuation means (23) for causing the shaft to slide from the rest position in which anti-rotation means (27, 28) prevent the shaft from turning to the active position in which the anti-rotation means (27, 28) leave the shaft free to turn under drive from the rotary drive means (15).

Abstract: A cable (7) is routed between a pair of links (1, 2) that are pivotally connected about a lateral pivot axis (4). A wound section (8) is provided in the cable with the winding axis coincident with the pivot axis of the links. The wound section (8) may be preformed. A cable protector (10, 11) is provided each end of the wound section (8) along the pivot axis (4) so as to constrain the adjacent end of the wound section (8) to be keyed with it and the adjacent link.