Linkage Patents (Class 244/99.3)
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Patent number: 12258123Abstract: Flaperon actuation systems for aircraft are disclosed herein. An example aircraft includes a wing including, a fixed wing portion, a flaperon, and an actuation system. The actuation system includes a first actuator coupled to the fixed wing portion. The first actuator is operable to move the flaperon along a first degree of freedom between a stowed position in which the flaperon is aligned with the fixed wing portion and a deployed position in which the flaperon is moved downward relative to the fixed wing portion. The actuation system also includes a linkage assembly coupled between the fixed wing portion and the flaperon. The linkage assembly includes a second actuator operable to move the flaperon along a second degree of freedom to pitch the flaperon between an upward position and a downward position.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2022Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Kevin Raylin Tsai
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Patent number: 12240590Abstract: An actuator assembly for moving a movable aerodynamic surface of an aircraft is disclosed including an input section for introducing an externally provided rotary motion into the actuator assembly, and a geared rotary actuator having at least one actuator slice having a planetary gear with a sun gear couplable to the input section, a fixed gear attachable to a fixed component of the aircraft and an output gear couplable with the movable aerodynamic surface. At least one clutch is connected to the geared rotary actuator and is configured to couple the movable surface with the input section and to selectively decouple the movable surface from the input section, such that it is freely movable.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2022Date of Patent: March 4, 2025Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventor: Christoph Winkelmann
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Patent number: 12221204Abstract: A system and method for actuating one or more high-lift flight control surfaces of an aircraft are disclosed. The system comprises actuators operatively coupled between a driveline and one or more high-lift flight control surfaces associated with a wing of the aircraft. The actuators are configured to cause actuation of the one or more first high-lift flight control surfaces in response to being driven by the first driveline. Each actuator is associated with a no-back device configured to prevent an air load on the one or more high-lift flight control surfaces from driving the one or more high-lift flight control surfaces. The system also comprises a backup brake applicable to the driveline. The backup brake can be applied upon the identification of a developing unsafe condition such as an asymmetry condition between the flight control surfaces of each wing of the aircraft or an uncommanded movement the flight control surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2018Date of Patent: February 11, 2025Assignee: BOMBARDIER INC.Inventor: Ehud Tzabari
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Patent number: 12203504Abstract: A hinged component with one degree of freedom includes at least two concentric rings, movable in rotation in relation to one another around a central axis, defining a friction interface therebetween and including: an outer ring having an inner friction surface and an inner ring having an outer friction surface and an inner friction surface intended to receive a movable member guided by the component in rotation, oscillation and/or translation.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2024Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: HYDROMECANIQUE ET FROTTEMENTInventors: Fabrice Prost, Pierrick Pavallier
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Patent number: 12151803Abstract: Presented are a method and apparatus for an aircraft flight surface actuation system including a motor having an output shaft. A gearbox is coupled with the output shaft, whereby a first driving force output via the motor is converted to a second driving force. A torque shaft assembly is driveably coupled with the gearbox. The torque shaft assembly includes a first tube, a second tube located at least partially through the first tube and located coaxial therewith, wherein the first tube comprises an axial preload operable to mitigate lateral deflection, and wherein the first tube comprises a torsional preload operable to mitigate torsional deflection. In addition, the aircraft flight surface actuation system includes an eccentric cam mechanism driveably coupled with the torque shaft assembly, and a flight surface coupled with the eccentric cam mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2020Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: Moog Inc.Inventor: Christopher A. Moore
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Patent number: 11945585Abstract: An aircraft includes a main body having an empennage, a main rotor assembly mounted on the main body, and a movable control surface assembly supported on the empennage. The movable control surface assembly includes a tube extending from the empennage along a tube axis to a free end, the tube being supported for rotation about the tube axis with respect to the empennage, and a movable control surface mounted on the tube for rotation therewith. The movable control surface is supported on the tube by a connection element that couples the movable control surface to the free end of the tube to rotatably fix the movable control surface with respect to the tube.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2022Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Trevor A. Zook, Jason Quevedo, Ken Chu, David Tam
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Patent number: 11932377Abstract: An actuation mechanism includes a control surface having a hinged end pivotally coupled to a wing structure, a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm coupled to the control surface, a first drive rod coupled to the first pivot arm, and a second drive rod coupled to the second pivot arm. A first bell crank is coupled via a first pivot pin to the wing structure at a first position and to the first drive rod. A second bell crank is coupled via a second pivot pin to the wing structure at a second position spaced apart from the first position and to the second drive rod. A coupling rod extends between the first bell crank and the second bell crank such that a rotation of the first bell crank is synchronized with a rotation of the second bell crank.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Noah W. Gibson, Kevin Tsai
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Patent number: 11897611Abstract: Distributed trailing edge actuation systems and methods for aircraft are described herein. An example aircraft includes a wing, a flap coupled to the wing, the flap movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, and a distributed trailing edge (DTE) actuation system including a flap actuator coupled to the wing to move the flap. The flap actuator includes an integrated hydraulic powered actuator and electric powered actuator. The flap actuator is operable in a hydraulic powered mode in which the hydraulic powered actuator is activated to move the flap, an electric powered mode in which the electric powered actuator is activated to move the flap, and a hybrid mode in which the hydraulic powered actuator and the electric powered actuator are activated simultaneously to move the flap.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Neal V. Huynh
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Patent number: 11897613Abstract: A wing for an aircraft, comprising a main wing and a slat assembly with a slat and a connection assembly with a slat track. The front end of the slat track is mounted to the slat, and the rear end and/or the intermediate portion of the slat track are mounted to the main wing by a roller or slide bearing. The slat track is movable along the track longitudinal axis. The connection assembly includes a drive unit. The drive unit includes a rotary actuator mounted to the main wing and having at least one drive arm rotatably driven about a rotation axis and drivingly engaging the slat track, and one of the drive arm and the slat track has at least one groove and the other one of the drive arm and the slat track comprises at least one spigot drivingly engaging the groove.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2022Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventors: Bernhard Schlipf, Florian Lorenz
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Patent number: 11884394Abstract: Wing assemblies (100) comprise an inboard flight control surface (102), an outboard flight control surface (104) positioned directly adjacent to and outboard of the inboard flight control surface (102), and a dual actuation assembly (106) coupled directly to and forming a linkage between the inboard flight control surface (102) and the outboard flight control surface (104). The dual actuation assembly (106) is configured to selectively transition the inboard flight control surface (102) and the outboard flight control surface (104), in tandem, amongst a retracted configuration (108) and a range of extended configurations (110).Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2022Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Kevin Raylin Tsai
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Patent number: 11873094Abstract: A hinge mechanism for hingedly coupling a flight control member having a top surface to an aircraft component having a top surface includes a first hinge member pivotably coupled to the flight control member about a first axis and slidingly coupled to the aircraft component and a second hinge member pivotably coupled to the aircraft component about a second axis and slidingly coupled to the flight control member. The first hinge member is pivotably coupled to the second hinge member about a central axis. The first hinge member and the second hinge member are configured to cooperatively facilitate movement the flight control member relative to the aircraft component between at least a stowed position and a deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2022Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Kevin R. Tsai
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Patent number: 11851160Abstract: An actuation apparatus for a control surface rotatably coupled to a swept-wing includes a pivot arm coupled to the control surface and proximate the hinged end of the control surface, a drive rod oriented normal to the trailing edge of the swept-wing, the drive rod having an aft end coupled to the pivot arm, a pivot fitting pivotally coupled to a lower surface of the swept-wing by a pivot pin, the pivot fitting having an aft portion coupled to a forward end of the drive rod, and an actuator disposed on the lower surface of the swept-wing. The actuator is coupled to the pivot fitting such that an applied force by the actuator in the streamwise direction rotates the pivot fitting such that the applied force is translated to the drive rod to rotate the control surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2021Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael Yan Ye, Bret A. Bowers
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Patent number: 11845550Abstract: A wing leading-edge device is disclosed having a slat body having a front side with a forward skin and a back side with a rearward skin, and at least a drive arrangement having at least one lug and a slat track, wherein the back side extends between an upper spanwise edge of the forward skin and a lower spanwise edge of the forward skin. The back side is defined by a continuously curved profile contour for receiving a fixed leading edge, and the at least one lug is at least partially arranged between the back side and the front side. The slat track is coupled with the first lug. The connection points to the slat body are shifted far forward to improve the load introduction and reduce moments acting on the drive mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2020Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GmbHInventors: Stefan Bensmann, Marcus Erban, Martin Fees
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Patent number: 11807366Abstract: A wing (5) for an aircraft (1) including a main wing (11) and a high lift assembly (13) having a high lift body (15), and a connection assembly (17) movably connecting the high lift body (15) to the main wing (11), wherein the connection assembly (17) includes a first connection element (19) and a second connection element (21) movably mounted to the main wing (11) and mounted to the high lift body (15), wherein the connection assembly (17) includes a first drive unit (27) drivingly coupled to the first connection element (19), a second drive unit (29) drivingly coupled to the second connection element (21) and a third connection element (57) movably mounted to the main wing (11) and mounted to the high lift body (15), the third connection element (57) is arranged between the first connection element (19) and the second connection element (21).Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Bernhard Schlipf, Marc Hencke
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Patent number: 11548619Abstract: A flap support mechanism includes a carrier beam on which a flap is mounted. The carrier beam is rotatably mounted to a flap support for rotation relative to a wing. A crankshaft assembly is rotatable about an axis and has a crankshaft eccentrically extending between an inboard cylindrical support and an outboard cylindrical support. A coupler link is rotatably engaged to the crankshaft and pivotally connected to the carrier beam. Rotation of the crankshaft from a first eccentric position to a second eccentric position translates the coupler link between a retracted position and a deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2021Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Kevin R. Tsai, Michael Chih-Huan Wang
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Patent number: 11447232Abstract: Linkage assemblies for aircraft wing hinged panels are described herein. An example linkage assembly includes a flap follower arm coupled between a spoiler support beam and a flap, a rocker, a panel link coupled between the hinged panel and the rocker, and a cross-bar link coupled between the flap follower arm and the rocker. The flap follower arm, the rocker, the panel link, and the cross-bar link are configured to coordinate adjustment of positions of the hinged panel and the flap relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2018Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Michael T. Mortland
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Patent number: 11433988Abstract: An aircraft wing including a mobile leading edge flap associated with a guiding device arranged at the front of a front spar of a wing box, and including: —a pivoting member having one end connected to the spar by an articulated linkage; —a pivoting member connected to one end of the member by an articulated linkage, the end of this member being connected to the flap via an articulated linkage; —a guide rail receiving a tracking member supported by the member, the rail defining a path inscribed on the surface of an imaginary sphere, the centre of which corresponds to a point of convergence of the axes of the three linkages.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2019Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: SONACA S.A.Inventor: Xavier Godfroid
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Patent number: 11338904Abstract: A flight control surface assembly adapted to be mounted to a main wing of an aircraft includes a flight control surface having a first portion and a second portion spaced from each other, a connection assembly adapted for movably connecting the flight control surface to the main wing, such that the flight control surface is selectively movable in a predetermined movement between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the main wing, and for each of the flight control surface, a first roller with a first axial face and a second roller with a second axial face facing the first axial face mounted rotatably and coaxially. with a gap between the first and second axial end faces. A biasing mechanism biasing the first and second rollers towards each other, and a transmission mechanism coupled between the flight control surface and the rollers are included.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2019Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Inventor: Stefan Bensmann
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Patent number: 11300185Abstract: An actuator includes a ball screw, a rod provided at least partially within the ball screw, a ball nut, a ball nut restraint, a first biasing member disposed at least partially between a proximate end of the rod and a proximate end of the ball screw, and a second biasing member disposed at least partially between a distal end of the ball nut and an inner surface of the ball nut restraint.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2018Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Sorin Gavriliuc, Joshua M. Byron, David R. Smit, Paolo J. Messina
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Patent number: 11287019Abstract: There is provided an actuator comprising screw shaft and a nut assembly. The nut assembly comprises a primary nut for transmitting load through the actuator along a primary load path, and a secondary nut for transmitting load through the actuator along a secondary load path. The secondary nut comprises first and second portions movable relative to one another. As load is transmitted through the actuator along the primary load path the secondary nut does not transmit load through the actuator, wherein upon failure of the primary load path the first and second portions move relative to each other, such relative movement causing the first and second portions to engage the screw shaft and enable transmittal of load through the secondary nut of the actuator along the secondary load path.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2019Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS SASInventors: Raphael Medina, Rui Amaral
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Patent number: 11247767Abstract: A wireless autopilot system includes an aircraft attachment device having a mounting plate for securement onto a flight control surface of an aircraft, and a flight control device that is hingedly connected to the aircraft attachment device. The flight control device including an airfoil that is connected to the mounting plate, and a steering tab that is connected to the trailing edge of the airfoil. A main body extends outward from the airfoil to function as an anti-flutter counterbalance. A servomotor is connected to the steering tab by an elongated rigid rod, and a controller having a wireless transceiver for communicating with an application on an externally located processor enabled device. Changes in the position of the servomotor during flight are instructed by the application, and result in a change to the orientation of the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Inventor: Ruben Leon
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Patent number: 11208199Abstract: An aircraft flap deployment system has a track, a carriage supported by the track; an actuator operatively connected to the carriage for moving the carriage along the track between various carriage positions; a flap pivotally connected to the carriage and to a link such that each position of the carriage has a corresponding flap position; and a flap controller communicating with the actuator for controlling actuation of the actuator. In at least one carriage position, the flap is in an intermediate flap position at a negative flap angle and the actuator maintains the carriage and the flap in position. An aircraft wing assembly having the flap deployment system, an aircraft having the aircraft wing assembly, and a method for controlling a position of a flap of an aircraft are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2019Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: BOMBARDIER INC.Inventor: Ali Tfaily
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Patent number: 11155329Abstract: A variable camber system for an aircraft wing including a wing bracket extending downward from a wing, a flap bracket pivotably coupled to the wing bracket, and a flap pivotably coupled to the flap bracket such that the flap pivots around an axis of rotation through the flap. The variable camber system is configured to adjust position of both the flap and the flap bracket relative to the wing while maintaining position of the flap relative to the flap bracket. The variable camber system is also configured to adjust position of the flap relative to the flap bracket.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2019Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Inventor: Farzad Mokhtarian
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Patent number: 11104417Abstract: A device includes a lever associated with a body carrying a plate that is connected to the body by a pivot connection for pivoting about a first axis, the lever being connected to the plate by a pivot connection for pivoting about a second axis, a first transmission shaft and a first connection mechanism for connecting the lever to the first transmission shaft, a second transmission shaft and a second connection mechanism for connecting the control lever to the second shaft. The first shaft and the first connection mechanism are connected together by a pivot connection for pivoting about a fifth axis that is inclined relative to the first axis and to the third axis, and the second shaft and the second connection mechanism are connected together by a pivot connection for pivoting about a sixth axis that is inclined relative to the second axis and to the fourth axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSEInventor: Mickael Werquin
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Fixed end electronic detection of secondary load path engagement of aircraft flight control actuator
Patent number: 10974846Abstract: A detection system for detecting failure in a primary load path of a flight control actuator and annunciating engagement in a secondary load path of the flight control actuator. The failure in the primary load path causes axial movement in a secondary rod of the secondary load path. The detection system includes a secondary mounting assembly that guides axial movement of the secondary rod; and a sensor that electronically detects relative axial displacement between the secondary rod and the secondary mounting assembly upon a primary load path failure and annunciates transition to engagement in the secondary load path.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2017Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Parker-Hannifin CorporationInventors: Brian Curtis Hale, Abbas M. Charafeddine -
Patent number: 10974811Abstract: An upper attachment system for a trimmable horizontal stabiliser 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS SASInventors: Raphael Medina, Anh-Vu Abdul-Bari
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Patent number: 10710700Abstract: An airframe (10) for an air vehicle comprising an outer skin layer (12) and a support layer (13) defining a fuselage of said air vehicle, wherein said outer skin layer (12) is magnetically coupled to said support layer (13).Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2016Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: BAE Systems plcInventor: Howard James Price
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Patent number: 10065728Abstract: An actuator assembly having a primary load path for tightly coupling an actuated surface to a reference structure and a secondary load path having a backlash portion for coupling the actuated surface to the reference structure with backlash, wherein the secondary load path is unloaded during an operative state of the primary load path and loaded during a failure state of the primary load path. The actuator assembly includes at least one sensor configured to sense the failure state of the primary load path when a relative displacement between a portion of the primary load path and a portion of the secondary load path exceeds a predetermined value or is within a predetermined range of values.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2012Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: PARKER-HANNIFIN CORPORATIONInventor: Luc P. Cyrot
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Patent number: 9494185Abstract: A support strut for use as a primary load-bearing structural component for the hinged coupling of at least one additional primary load-bearing structural component. The support strut includes: a rod-shaped base body extending in a longitudinal direction, a fiber composite with an annular cross section, central hole originating from the first end of the base body, and with annular holes spaced apart relative to each other in the circumferential direction of the annular cross section and originating from the first end of the base body as well as running along the longitudinal direction in the base body; roving bundles imbedded in a matrix material that fills up the respective annular hole; and a hinged connecting body with a bearing receptacle for holding a swivel joint; as well as a guiding system with such a support strut and a method for manufacturing such a support strut.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: M. Ichwan Zuardy, Claus Fastert, Holger Purol, Pierre Zahlen, York Caesar Roth
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Patent number: 9346534Abstract: An assembly to support a wing leading or trailing edge device during deployment and retraction of the device includes a fixed support member attachable to the support structure of an aircraft wing, an intermediate link arm having one end pivotally mounted for rotation relative to the support member about a first axis and, a primary link arm having a first end pivotally mounted to the opposite end of the intermediate link arm for rotation relative to the intermediate link arm about a second axis. A second end of the primary link arm is for attachment to the device via a bearing element so that the device can move relative to the primary link arm in any direction when the intermediate and primary link arms rotate about the first and second axes, respectively, during deployment or retraction of the device from the aircraft wing.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITEDInventors: Anthony Langley, Simon King
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Patent number: 9174724Abstract: The invention provides a deployment mechanism 60 for deploying an auxiliary wing surface device 30 from an aircraft wing body 20, the deployment mechanism providing a first connector portion 75, 576 for connecting the deployment mechanism to the aircraft wing body, a second connector portion 65 for connecting the deployment mechanism to the auxiliary wing surface device, and a telescopic rod 61 linking the first and second connector portions, the telescopic rod comprising an inner rod 64 extendable from inside of an outer rod 63 to increase the length of the telescopic rod, such that the distance between the first and second connector portions can be increased. The invention also provides an aircraft wing 10, 510, an aircraft and a method of operating an aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2013Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Airbus Operations LimitedInventor: Nebojsa Sakota
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Patent number: 9016623Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Robert D. Maclean, Jan A. Kordel, Warren H. Steyaert, David D. Boes
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Patent number: 9016637Abstract: A system and method to enable natural laminar flow over a fluid-dynamic body using a variable camber Krueger flap is disclosed. A sequence of flap positions is deployed where the variable camber Krueger flap is below and aft of the wing leading edge before reaching a configured takeoff and landing position. The variable camber Krueger flap is positioned in a high position relative to a wing leading edge when the variable camber Krueger flap is fully deployed.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Seiya Sakurai, Stephen J. Fox, Victor Reyes, Kara Marie Charles
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Patent number: 8998132Abstract: An aerodynamic wing load distribution control apparatus for increasing flight performance of an aircraft. The apparatus may include an aileron uprigger connectable to left and right ailerons of an aircraft and configured to uprig the left and the right wing ailerons of such aircraft. An operator interface communicates operator command inputs to the aileron uprigger. The aileron uprigger includes left and right actuators actuable in response to command inputs received from an operator through the operator interface and are connectable into respective left and right aileron control linkages of an aileron actuator assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Curt B. Burris
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Publication number: 20150083853Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2013Publication date: March 26, 2015Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Matthew A. Moser, Michael R. Finn
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Publication number: 20150083852Abstract: A variable camber system for an aircraft may include a variable camber trim unit (VCTU) positioned between an inboard device and an outboard device. The inboard device and the outboard device may be mounted to at least one of a leading edge and a trailing edge of a wing. The VCTU may include a speed sum gearbox having an inboard shaft coupled to the inboard device and an outboard shaft coupled to the outboard device. The VCTU may additionally include a VCTU electric motor engaged to the speed sum gearbox. The VCTU electric motor may be selectively operable in conjunction with the speed sum gearbox to rotate the outboard shaft independent of the inboard shaft in a manner causing the outboard device to be actuated independent of the inboard device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2013Publication date: March 26, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Matthew A. Moser, Michael R. Finn, Mark J. Gardner, Mark S. Good, Sarah A. Jones
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Publication number: 20150083854Abstract: There is described an aerodynamic surface drive mechanism (20) containing at least a drive combination (50, 50?), each drive combination (50, 50?) comprising a fixed element (21) associated to a fixed aircraft structure and a first mobile component (22) connected pivotably by a first end to the fixed element (21) by way of an articulation axis (E) and associated to an actuator (30) by an opposite end, the aerodynamic surface drive mechanism (20) further comprises a second mobile component (23) rotationally associated to the first mobile component (22) by way of primary swivel joints (24, 24?) linearly disposed along a vertical axis (Y) and rotationally connected to the aerodynamic surface (40) by way of secondary swivel joints (25, 25?) linearly disposed along a horizontal axis (Z); the first mobile component (22) and the second mobile component (23) simultaneously moving the aerodynamic surface (40) linearly and rotatively by means of the actuator (30) and of the primary swivel joints (24, 24?) and secondaryType: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventors: Clóvis Augusto Eça FERREIRA, Israel Da Silva
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Patent number: 8985510Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Parker-Hannifin CorporationInventor: Brian Curtis Hale
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Publication number: 20150076282Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventor: Bernhard Hauber
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Publication number: 20150076283Abstract: The invention relates to a flap system for an aircraft high lift system or an engine actuation with a rotary shaft system, one or more drive stations as well as elements for transmitting the drive energy from the rotary shaft system to the one or more drive stations, wherein at least one drive station includes at least two independent load paths with at least one rotational transmission each for actuating the flap kinematics, and per load path at least one mechanically coupling-free synchronization unit is provided for compensating regular load fluctuations between the load paths. The invention furthermore relates to a method for monitoring a flap system with at least two redundant load paths which each comprise at least one rotational transmission, wherein it is cyclically checked whether the difference of the output-side torques of the at least two load paths exceeds a defined threshold value and/or lies within a defined limit range.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventors: Bernd Schievelbusch, Manfred Fischer
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Publication number: 20150069177Abstract: A telescopic strut comprises a plurality of hollow members arranged to slide one within another between a retracted and an extended position. Adjacent hollow members are arranged to be electrically connected by one or more electrical connector assemblies as the hollow members move between the retracted and extended positions. Each electrical connector assembly includes an electrically conductive pad on one of the hollow members which is in sliding contact with an electrically conductive strip on the other of the hollow members. The telescopic strut may be used to electrically connect a moveable control surface to a fixed aerofoil structure in an aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventor: Timothy SANDERSON
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Publication number: 20150060602Abstract: An aircraft includes an electromechanical actuator and a decoupling device. A form-fit between a drive element and a linkage point outside of the actuator element can be reversibly decoupled and recoupled. The decoupling device allows the actuator element to run freely in the event of a malfunction, which effectively prevents a jam.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: Alexander NAUBERT, Markus CHRISTMANN
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Patent number: 8967550Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2010Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Bernhard Schlipf, Xavier Hue
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Patent number: 8967549Abstract: An actuation system configured to deploy a high-lift device on a leading edge of an aircraft wing. The system comprises: a link pivotally connected to the wing at a first pivot point and to the high-lift device at a second pivot point; a first actuation mechanism configured to rotate the high-lift device about the first pivot point; and a second actuation mechanism configured to rotate the high-lift device about the second pivot point. The second actuation mechanism is operable independently of the first actuation mechanism, and can be operated in order to generate a sealing force between the high-lift device and the leading edge of the aircraft wing.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2008Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Airbus Operations LimitedInventors: Francois Cathelain, Edmund Kay
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Patent number: 8960031Abstract: An actuator for actuating movement of a control surface relative to a structure can include a high-efficiency assembly and a low-efficiency assembly. The high-efficiency assembly can be connectable between a control surface and a structure for providing a first load transfer assembly and the assembly can have minimum backlash. The low-efficiency assembly is connectable between the control surface and the structure for providing a second load transfer assembly. The low-efficiency or irreversible assembly can be disposed in parallel relationship to the high-efficiency assembly and can have a higher backlash than the low-efficiency assembly. The low-efficiency assembly can be unloaded in normal operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Parker-Hannifin CorporationInventors: Nancy Kay Keech, Luc P. Cyrot, Eric A. Polcuch
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Patent number: 8950705Abstract: This invention relates to a device for monitoring the synchronism of one or more flaps of aircraft wings, wherein the device includes a control cable which is connected with the flaps such that the control cable follows the flap movement. In accordance with the invention, the path of installation of the control cable extends from a first point to a second point, one or both of which are arranged on non-movable structural components of the aircraft wing.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbHInventor: Bernd Schievelbusch
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Patent number: 8950706Abstract: A control system, in particular an aircraft flight control system, having a linkage with a force-transmission link (3), the link having a body (5) having at least one end housing (8) slidably receiving a coupling rod (9) for coupling the link to an adjacent element of the linkage, the housing being closed by an elastically-deformable test member (10) through which the rod passes and that has an inner periphery fastened to the rod and an outer periphery fastened to a wall defining the end housing, and the end housing receiving at least one sensor (11) for sensing relative movement between the rod and the body.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2010Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Sagem Defense SecuriteInventors: Arnaud Duyck, Bruno Tilly, François Guillot, Jérôme Piaton
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Patent number: 8944372Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2011Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Goodrich Actuation Systems SASInventors: Thomas Moulon, Raphaël Medina
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Patent number: 8939411Abstract: An aerofoil wing with a main aerofoil, a high-lift flap movably arranged on the aerofoil wing by adjustment mechanisms. Each of the adjustment mechanisms including a first adjustment lever hinged to the main aerofoil via a first rotary linkage, with the formation of a first axis of rotation, a second adjustment lever hinged to the high-lift flap via a second rotary linkage, with the formation of a second axis of rotation, and a central linkage, with the formation of a third axis of rotation, such that the first, second and third axes of rotation pass through a common pole. The aerofoil wing further includes a drive device with a drive module mounted on the main aerofoil, and movable with respect to the drive module a drive lever coupled to the high-lift flap, and a stop device to limit the maximum extended setting of the high-lift flap.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2010Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Bernhard Schlipf, Markus Gibbert, Daniel Schulze, Timo Danne
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Publication number: 20150014480Abstract: A coupling mechanism between a control member (1?) that generates manual flight commands and a trim actuator (4) forming part of a mechanical transmission train for transmitting flight commands in an aircraft. The coupling mechanism comprises axial engagement means between a lever arm (3) mechanically connected to the control member (1?) and a pivot shaft (10) forming part of the trim actuator (4). The axial engagement means comprise co-operating interlocking members (13, 14) arranged on coupling members (18, 19) constrained to move in rotation respectively with the lever arm (3) and with the pivot shaft (10). Each of the coupling members (18, 19) includes axial passages (26) enabling the other coupling member (18, 19) to pass axially therethrough. An interruption of said axial engagement causes the coupling members (18, 19) to move axially one through the other under the effect of axial thrust (P) exerted by elastically deformable means (15) used for obtaining said axial engagement.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Brice LEBERNICHEUX, Andre LE-GALL