An actuation system for an aircraft control surface. The actuation system may include a rotary driver and three or more actuator modules, and each actuator module may be connected to the rotary driver such that the three or more actuator modules are configured to drive rotation of the rotary driver in combination.
B64C 13/50 - Transmitting means with power amplification using electrical energy
B64C 13/30 - Transmitting means without power amplification or where power amplification is irrelevant mechanical using cable, chain, or rod mechanisms
An actuation system, for example an actuation system for an aircraft control surface (8), is provided. The actuation system may include a rotary driver (80) andthree or more actuator modules (16), and each actuator module may be connected to the rotary driver such that the three or more actuator modules are configured to drive rotation of the rotary driver in combination.
A linear actuator is provided. The linear actuator comprises: a body; a shaft adapted to move linearly relative to the body; a driver adapted to drive the linear movement of the shaft; and a shape memory alloy component configured to compensate for thermal expansion or contraction of the linear actuator due to a change in temperature thereof.
A linear actuator (112) is provided. The linear actuator comprises: a body (140); a shaft (118) adapted to move linearly relative to the body; a driver adapted to drive the linear movement of the shaft; and a shape memory alloy component (148) configured to compensate for thermal expansion or contraction of the linear actuator due to a change in temperature thereof.
F16H 21/46 - Gearings comprising primarily only links or levers, with or without slides with movements in three dimensions
F16H 21/54 - Gearings comprising primarily only links or levers, with or without slides with movements in three dimensions for conveying or interconverting oscillating or reciprocating motions
A rotary damper comprising a fixed structure, a rotor configured to rotate about an axis (R-R), and two opposing bellows. The bellows each extend between the rotor and the fixed structure and are attached thereto. The bellows each define a chamber for holding hydraulic fluid and are configured to expand and contract as the rotor rotates. The damper further comprises a damping orifice extending through the rotor or the fixed structure. The bellows are sealingly engaged around the damping orifice and the damping orifice permits fluid communication between the chambers defined by the bellows.
F16F 9/32 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium Details
A rotary damper (100) comprising a fixed structure (130), a rotor (110) configured to rotate about an axis (R-R), and two opposing bellows (140a, 140b). The bellows (140a, 140b) each extend between the rotor (110) and the fixed structure (130) and are attached thereto. The bellows (140a, 140b) each define a chamber for holding hydraulic fluid and are configured to expand and contract as the rotor (110) rotates. The damper (100) further comprises a damping orifice (118) extending through the rotor (110) or the fixed structure (130). The bellows (140a, 140b) are sealingly engaged around the damping orifice (118) and the damping orifice (118) permits fluid communication between the chambers (140a, 140b) defined by the bellows (140a, 140b).
B64C 13/28 - Transmitting means without power amplification or where power amplification is irrelevant mechanical
F16F 9/10 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using liquid onlySprings, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using a fluid of which the nature is immaterial
F16F 15/023 - Suppression of vibrations of non-rotating, e.g. reciprocating, systemsSuppression of vibrations of rotating systems by use of members not moving with the rotating system using fluid means
A gurney flap arrangement comprises: an airfoil with an opening in a surface of the airfoil; a gurney flap having a first position in which at least a portion of the gurney flap extends through the opening and projects outwardly from the airfoil surface, and a second position in which the gurney flap does not project from the airfoil surface or projects outwardly from the airfoil surface to a lesser extent; and a seal disposed about the opening to seal a gap in the opening between the gurney flap and the airfoil.
There is disclosed a flow control nozzle for controlling the flow of an incompressible fluid, the flow control nozzle having a flow area and comprising a deformable element comprising a shaped memory alloy (SMA) material wherein within a range of operating temperatures the SMA material is configured to reduce the flow area of the flow control nozzle as the operating temperature increases. The flow control nozzle is thus able to dynamically compensate for changes in operating temperature in order to maintain a constant flow.
F15B 13/043 - Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with a single servomotor operated by fluid pressure with electrically-controlled pilot valves
F15B 13/04 - Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with a single servomotor
There is disclosed a flow control nozzle (40, 40') for controlling the flow of an incompressible fluid, the flow control nozzle (40, 40') having a flow area and comprising a deformable element (50, 60) comprising a shaped memory alloy (SMA) material wherein within a range of operating temperatures the SMA material is configured to reduce the flow area of the flow control nozzle as the operating temperature increases. The flow control nozzle (40, 40') is thus able to dynamically compensate for changes in operating temperature in order to maintain a constant flow.
B05B 1/30 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages
B05B 1/34 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to influence the nature of flow of the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. to produce swirl
B05B 12/00 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area
10.
Actuator rod assembly for a blade pitch control system
An actuator rod assembly for a blade pitch control system is provided herein. The actuator rod assembly includes a tubular outer rod and an inner rod. The outer rod has a first end and a second end. The inner rod has a first end and a second end and extends through the tubular outer rod. The inner rod is tensioned against the tubular outer rod so as to place the outer rod in compression.
An actuator rod assembly (106) for a blade pitch control system is provided herein. The actuator rod assembly (106) includes a tubular outer rod (42) and an inner rod (44). The outer rod (42) has a first end (46) and a second end (48). The inner rod (44) has a first end (50) and a second end (52) and extends through the tubular outer rod(42). The inner rod (44) is tensioned against the tubular outer rod (42) so as to place the outer rod (42) in compression.
B64C 27/78 - Mechanisms for controlling blade adjustment or movement relative to rotor head, e.g. lag-lead movement in association with pitch adjustment of blades of anti-torque rotor
A hydraulic damper comprises an outer cylinder, and an inner cylinder slidably mounted within the outer cylinder for movement relative to the outer cylinder along a longitudinal axis. The inner cylinder has a circumferential wall circumscribing a bellows assembly. The bellows assembly comprises a first bellows section, a second bellows section, a damping plate attached to and separating the first and second bellows sections, a first closure element closing an end of the first bellows section opposite the damping plate to define a first chamber, and a second closure element closing an end of the second bellows section opposite the damping plate to define a second chamber. The first closure element is attached to the inner cylinder for movement therewith relative to the outer cylinder. The second closure element is also attached to the inner cylinder for movement therewith relative to the outer cylinder.
F16F 9/18 - Devices with one or more members, e.g. pistons, vanes, moving to and fro in chambers and using throttling effect involving only straight-line movement of the effective parts with a closed cylinder and a piston separating two or more working spaces therein
F16F 9/32 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium Details
F16F 9/36 - Special sealings, including sealings or guides for piston-rods
F16F 9/43 - Filling arrangements, e.g. for supply of gas
A hydraulic damper (10) comprises an outer cylinder (12), and an inner cylinder (20) slidably mounted within the outer cylinder (12) for movement relative to the outer cylinder (12) along a longitudinal axis (A). The inner cylinder (20) has a circumferential wall (37) circumscribing a bellows assembly (B). The bellows assembly (B) comprises a first bellows section (24), a second bellows section (28), a damping plate (32) attached to and separating the first and second bellows sections (24, 28), a first closure element (46) closing an end (45) of the first bellows section (24) opposite the damping plate (32) to define a first chamber (26), and a second closure element (60) closing an end of the second bellows section (28) opposite the damping plate (32) to define a second chamber (30). The first closure element (46) is attached to the inner cylinder (20) for movement therewith relative to the outer cylinder (12). The second closure element (60) is also attached to the inner cylinder (20) for movement therewith relative to the outer cylinder (12). The damping plate (32) has a damping passage (40) extending therethrough and fluidly connecting the first chamber (26) and the second chamber (30). The damping plate (32) is fixed to the outer cylinder (12) by a plurality of elements (34), each element (34) extending through a respective opening (36) in the circumferential wall (37) of the inner cylinder (20), whereby the damping plate (32) remains fixed relative to the outer cylinder (12) in the longitudinal direction during movement of the
F16F 9/19 - Devices with one or more members, e.g. pistons, vanes, moving to and fro in chambers and using throttling effect involving only straight-line movement of the effective parts with a closed cylinder and a piston separating two or more working spaces therein with a single cylinder
F16F 9/36 - Special sealings, including sealings or guides for piston-rods
A rotary seal comprises a seal element comprising a disc-shaped body having a first axial side and an opposed second axial side. The seal element further comprises a radially inner central circular opening for receiving a rotary shaft, the opening having an inner periphery for sealing engagement with the shaft. A radially outer rim portion of the seal element comprises an axially facing annular sealing surface provided on the first axial side for sealing engagement in use with an opposed axially facing sealing surface of an adjacent first static housing and an axially facing pocket provided on the second axial side and having an axially facing surface for receiving, in use, an annular elastomeric biasing element. At least one drainage passage is formed through the outer rim portion from an inlet on the second axial side to an outlet on a radially outer portion of the rim portion.
F16J 15/32 - Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces with elastic sealings, e.g. O-rings
F16J 15/3232 - Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces with elastic sealings, e.g. O-rings with at least one lip having two or more lips
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
F16K 41/04 - Spindle sealings with stuffing-box with at least one ring of rubber or like material between spindle and housing
A hydraulic spool valve assembly comprising a housing defining a bore having a longitudinal axis (L), a hydraulic spool valve, a sleeve disposed within the bore and a temperature compensation device disposed between the sleeve and the housing. The hydraulic spool valve having a first end for connection to a drive arm, and an opposing second end disposed within the bore. The sleeve disposed between the hydraulic spool valve and the housing. The temperature compensation device configured to expand in a first longitudinal direction in response to a temperature increase, to oppose movement of the sleeve in an opposing second longitudinal direction caused by the temperature increase.
F15B 21/045 - Compensating for variations in viscosity or temperature
F15B 18/00 - Parallel arrangements of independent servomotor systems
F16K 27/04 - Construction of housingsUse of materials therefor of sliding valves
F16K 11/07 - Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valvesPipe fittings incorporating such valvesArrangement of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluid with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves with linearly sliding closure members with cylindrical slides
F15B 13/04 - Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with a single servomotor
F15B 13/12 - Special measures for increasing the sensitivity of the system
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
A roller bearing comprises inner and outer rings defining a toroidal inner raceway rotatable about a bearing axis (A). A plurality of concave rolling elements is arranged in a single row between the outer and inner rings. Each of the plurality of concave rolling elements is a symmetrical cylindrical roller having circular ends, a roller axis passing through the center of the circular ends, and a concave side profile that extends continuously between the circular ends. The toroidal inner and outer raceways each have a convex race surface that continuously engages the concave side profile between the circular ends of each concave rolling element with a first radius and extends axially beyond the circular ends of each concave rolling element with a second radius that is less than the first radius.
F16C 33/36 - RollersNeedles with bearing-surfaces other than cylindrical, e.g. taperedRollersNeedles with grooves in the bearing surfaces
F16C 19/26 - Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing rollers essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows, e.g. needle bearings for radial load mainly with a single row of rollers
F16C 23/08 - Ball or roller bearings self-adjusting
F16C 19/36 - Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing rollers essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows, e.g. needle bearings for both radial and axial load with a single row of rollers
F16C 33/54 - Cages for rollers or needles made from wire, strips, or sheet metal
F16K 11/07 - Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valvesPipe fittings incorporating such valvesArrangement of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluid with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves with linearly sliding closure members with cylindrical slides
G05G 23/00 - Means for ensuring the correct positioning of parts of control mechanisms, e.g. for taking-up play
A spool valve arrangement comprising a spool arranged for linear movement within a bore to regulate flow of fluid through the bore according to the linear position of the spool relative to the bore, the spool having an end arranged to be engaged, in use, by a drive member to cause the linear movement, the spool valve arrangement further comprising a sliding block component moveably attached to the spool end and arranged to engage with the drive member, in use, such that the drive member engages with the spool end via the sliding block component and the sliding block component moves relative to the spool to compensate for non-linear movement of the drive member.
F16K 11/07 - Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valvesPipe fittings incorporating such valvesArrangement of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluid with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves with linearly sliding closure members with cylindrical slides
F16K 31/524 - Mechanical actuating means with crank, eccentric, or cam with a cam
F16K 11/14 - Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valvesPipe fittings incorporating such valvesArrangement of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluid with two or more closure members not moving as a unit operated by one actuating member, e.g. a handle
F15B 13/044 - Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with a single servomotor operated by electrically-controlled means, e.g. solenoids, torque-motors
F16K 31/52 - Mechanical actuating means with crank, eccentric, or cam
A gurney flap arrangement includes: an airfoil 2 with a trailing edge 6 and an opening 14 in a surface 8 of the airfoil 2; a gurney flap 1 having a first position in which at least a portion of the gurney flap 1 extends through the opening 14 and projects outwardly from the airfoil surface 8, and a second position in which the gurney flap 1 does not project from the airfoil surface 8 or projects outwardly from the airfoil surface 8 to a lesser extent; and a gurney flap actuator 3 for moving the gurney flap 1 between at least the first position and the second position.
The present disclosure relates to an adjustment system a method for compensating for temperature variations in a spool valve. The spool valve and adjustment system may be parts in a duplex hydraulic actuator. The adjustment device comprises a spring, a pivot point, and a shape memory alloy (SMA) device. The spring and SMA device are disposed on either side of the pivot point to hold the pivot point in a first position. The SMA device is configured to change size in response to a temperature change so as move the pivot point to a second location. This may eliminate force fight in the duplex hydraulic actuator by preventing asynchronous activation of the spool valves due to thermal expansion within the spool valves.
F15B 13/12 - Special measures for increasing the sensitivity of the system
F16H 21/44 - Gearings comprising primarily only links or levers, with or without slides all movement being in, or parallel to, a single plane for conveying or interconverting oscillating or reciprocating motions
F15B 11/20 - Servomotor systems without provision for follow-up action with two or more servomotors controlling several interacting or sequentially-operating members
F15B 13/08 - Assemblies of units, each for the control of a single servomotor only
F15B 21/045 - Compensating for variations in viscosity or temperature
F15B 18/00 - Parallel arrangements of independent servomotor systems
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
F15B 11/22 - Synchronisation of the movement of two or more servomotors
A gurney flap arrangement comprises: an airfoil with an opening in a surface of the airfoil; a gurney flap having a first position in which at least a portion of the gurney flap extends through the opening and projects outwardly from the airfoil surface, and a second position in which the gurney flap does not project from the airfoil surface or projects outwardly from the airfoil surface to a lesser extent; and a seal disposed about the opening to seal a gap in the opening between the gurney flap and the airfoil.
A load bearing assembly comprises: a lug body; an outer race disposed within and supported by the lug body; an inner race disposed within and supported by the outer race; and a relief slot defined between the adjacent surfaces of the outer race and the lug body, wherein the relief slot is formed in the surface of the outer race.
An electrohydraulic spool valve, comprising: a spool, axially movable within a manifold; a position feedback system provided at a first end of the spool; and an end cap provided on said first end so as to form a first high pressure reservoir between the end cap and the first end of the spool. The end cap provided on the end of the spool partly defines the high pressure reservoir by containing the high pressure fluid in the vicinity of the spool end.
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
F16K 31/40 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the conduit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor with electrically-actuated member in the discharge of the motor
F16K 31/383 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the conduit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor in which the fluid works directly on both sides of the fluid motor, one side being connected by means of a restricted passage and the motor being actuated by operating a discharge from that side the fluid acting on a piston
F15B 13/043 - Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with a single servomotor operated by fluid pressure with electrically-controlled pilot valves
F16K 11/07 - Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valvesPipe fittings incorporating such valvesArrangement of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluid with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves with linearly sliding closure members with cylindrical slides
F16K 31/42 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid by means of electrically-actuated members in the supply or discharge conduits of the fluid motor
F15B 13/04 - Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with a single servomotor
A spool for a hydraulic spool valve, comprising: a pressure chamber for connecting a pressure line to a hydraulic cylinder; at least one return chamber for connecting the hydraulic cylinder to a reservoir; and an actuator slot for receiving a drive lever; wherein the spool further comprises a fluid path connecting said pressure chamber to said actuator slot and a pressure plate movably mounted in the slot such that in use it is disposed between the fluid path and the drive lever.
F15B 13/04 - Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with a single servomotor
F16K 11/07 - Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valvesPipe fittings incorporating such valvesArrangement of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluid with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves with linearly sliding closure members with cylindrical slides
A rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade, a rotatable flap portion disposed along a span of the rotor blade. A rotary actuator is located inside the rotor blade and is operably connected to the flap portion to rotate the flap portion about a flap axis. A rotary-winged aircraft includes an airframe and a main rotor assembly operably connected to the airframe. The main rotor assembly includes a plurality of rotor blade assemblies rotatable about a rotor assembly axis. At least one rotor blade assembly of the plurality of rotor blade assemblies includes a rotor blade and a rotatable flap portion disposed along a span of the rotor blade. A rotary actuator located inside the rotor blade and is operably connected to the flap portion to rotate the flap portion about a flap axis. The rotary actuator is absent oil, grease or other fluid lubricant.
B64C 27/615 - Transmitting means, e.g. interrelated with initiating means or means acting on blades mechanical including flaps mounted on blades
F16H 21/40 - Gearings comprising primarily only links or levers, with or without slides all movement being in, or parallel to, a single plane for interconverting rotary motion and oscillating motion
A rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade and a movable trim tab located along a span of the rotor blade. A linear positioner is located inside the rotor blade and operably connected to the trim tab to move the trim tab thereby reducing rotor blade vibration. A method for reducing vibration of a rotor assembly includes energizing a linear positioner located inside a rotor blade of the rotor assembly and moving an output piston of the linear positioner. A trim tab located at the rotor blade is moved to a selected trim tab angle relative to the rotor blade by the output piston, and the linear positioner is deenergized thereby locking the trim tab at the selected trim tab angle.
A bearing assembly and a method of forming a bearing assembly is provided including a housing having a bore. The bore has a generally concave inner surface. The bearing assembly also includes a bearing having an inner member. The inner member is movable about a central axis and is dimensioned to fit within the bore. The inner member has a generally convex outer surface complementary to the concave inner surface of the bore. The housing functions as an outer member of the bearing.
A rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade and a rotatable flap portion located along a span of the rotor blade. A linear actuator located inside the rotor blade is operably connected to the flap portion to rotate the flap portion about a flap axis and is absent oil, grease or other fluid lubricant. A rotary-winged aircraft includes an airframe and a main rotor assembly operably connected to the airframe. The main rotor assembly includes a plurality of rotor blade assemblies rotatable about a rotor assembly axis. At least one rotor blade assembly of the plurality of rotor blade assemblies includes a rotor blade and a rotatable flap portion located along a span of the rotor blade. A linear actuator positioned inside the rotor blade is operably connected to the flap portion to rotate the flap portion about a flap axis and is absent oil, grease or other fluid lubricant.
This disclosure relates to a landing gear system that includes a landing gear strut rotatable between stowed and deployed positions. A lock-stay is connected to the landing gear strut and is movable between locked and unlocked conditions. An unlock actuator is connected to the lock-stay and includes first and second members movable relative to one another. The first member is movable between first and second positions that correspond to the locked and unlocked conditions. A controller is in communication with the unlock actuator and is configured to command the unlock actuator between the first and second positions in response to an input. The second member is permitted to free-drive relative to the first member between the stowed and deployed positions with the lock-stay in the unlocked condition.
This disclosure relates to a landing gear system (10) that includes a landing gear strut (14) rotatable between stowed and deployed positions. An actuator (18) is connected to the landing gear strut, and includes main and emergency drives housed within a common body and operable independently from one another. A controller (32) in communication with the actuator(18) is configured to command the actuator between the stowed and deployed positions in response to an input. The controller (32) commands the main drive during a normal operating condition and commands the emergency drive in a failure condition of the main drive. The actuator (18) includes a body supporting emergency and main leadscrews arranged coaxially with one another. Main and emergency motors respectively are coupled to the main and emergency leadscrews. An output rod is supported by and extends from the body. The output rod is threadingly coupled to and is coaxial with the main leadscrew and configured to move axially in response to rotation of the main leadscrew. A brake selectively enables and disables the emergency drive.
H02K 7/00 - Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
A landing gear system that includes a landing gear strut rotatable between stowed and deployed positions. An actuator is connected to the landing gear strut, and includes main and emergency drives housed within a common body and operable independently from one another. A controller in communication with the actuator is configured to command the actuator between the stowed and deployed positions in response to an input. The controller commands the main drive during a normal operating condition and commands the emergency drive in a failure condition of the main drive. The actuator includes a body supporting emergency and main leadscrews arranged coaxially with one another. Main and emergency motors respectively are coupled to the main and emergency leadscrews. An output rod is supported by and extends from the body. The output rod is threadingly coupled to and is coaxial with the main leadscrew and configured to move axially in response to rotation of the main leadscrew. A brake selectively enables and disables the emergency drive.
patents
