Aeronautics and astronautics – Aircraft control – Pilot operated
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-26
2001-05-01
Jordan, Charles T. (Department: 3644)
Aeronautics and astronautics
Aircraft control
Pilot operated
C244S212000, C244S215000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06224022
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an apparatus for controlling airplane high lift surfaces, and more specifically, airplane leading edge flaps, or slats, or trailing edge flaps.
One type of prior art airplane flap drive system uses a centrally located power drive unit with mechanical transmission to the flap locations. The power drive unit includes either an electrical motor, a hydraulic motor or both types of motor. Because the power drive unit is not located at the flap locations, additional transmission components are required to connect the power drive unit to the flaps.
Another type of prior art airplane flap drive system uses separate power drive units positioned at each flap location. Each power drive unit includes an electric motor having its own controller. During repositioning of the flaps, both flaps require approximately the same torque output (within a given tolerance) from their respective drive motors. A separate controller is used to drive each motor such that both flaps move in a similar manner. Any position difference between the left and right flaps is eliminated through use of a synchronizer mechanism such as a torque bar.
In view of the foregoing, it is an object of this invention to provide a simplified airplane high lift surface drive system apparatus.
It is also an object of this invention to provide an airplane high lift surface drive system apparatus that eliminates the need for multiple controllers and that drives airplane flaps.
It is another object of this invention to provide an airplane high lift surface drive system apparatus that eliminates the need for multiple controllers and includes power drive units or actuators positioned near the flap locations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These and other objects of the invention are accomplished in accordance with the principles of the invention by using multiple drive motors that are electrically connected to each other in series and are governed by a single controller.
Further features of the invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1373873 (1921-04-01), Emmet
patent: 1407425 (1922-02-01), Junkers
patent: 1802184 (1931-04-01), Pollock
patent: 1856093 (1932-05-01), Ford et al.
patent: 2315110 (1943-03-01), Dornier
patent: 3935754 (1976-02-01), Comollo
patent: 3958779 (1976-05-01), Townsend
patent: 4159642 (1979-07-01), Hudson et al.
patent: 4398683 (1983-08-01), Schmetzer
patent: 4633984 (1987-01-01), Hudson
patent: 4688744 (1987-08-01), Aldrich
patent: 4695014 (1987-09-01), Mourani
patent: 4779822 (1988-10-01), Burandt et al.
patent: 4802544 (1989-02-01), Maeda
patent: 5535481 (1996-07-01), Hartmeier et al.
patent: 5686907 (1997-11-01), Bedell et al.
patent: 5720222 (1998-02-01), Reichardt et al.
patent: 5884872 (1999-03-01), Greenhalgh
patent: 6053842 (2000-04-01), Kitada et al.
patent: 0 483 504 A1 (1992-05-01), None
Dinh Tien
Fish & Neave
Jackson Robert R.
Jordan Charles T.
Leroy Martin A.
LandOfFree
Airplane high lift surface drive system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Airplane high lift surface drive system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Airplane high lift surface drive system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2570054