Parker-hannifin Corporation

Brian Curtis Hale

Abbas M Charafeddine

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.

Fixed end electronic detection of secondary load path engagement of aircraft flight control actuator

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.

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Syracuse, UT, United States of America

Brian Curtis Hale