Parker-hannifin Corporation

David Edwards

Abbas M Charafeddine

Eric A Polcuch

A linear electro-mechanical actuator assembly includes a linear actuator having an output rod end, and a bell crank assembly having a bell crank that is rotatable around a central axis and that has a rod connection opening for receiving the rod end. The bell crank further includes a tube opening along the central axis for receiving a torque tube. First and second bearing plates are positioned on opposite sides of the bell crank, whereby the bank crank rotates relative to the first and second bearing plates. A connection pin provides a hinge connection of the rod end to the bell crank such that linear motion of the rod end imparts rotational motion to the bell crank. The bell crank includes bearing supports positioned on opposite sides of the bell crank body. Circular bearings are positioned within the bearing plates, and around the bearing supports, to support the rotational motion of the bell crank.

Control surface actuator with bell crank assembly

A load detent assembly for restricting creep of a rotating assembly of an actuator used to actuate an aircraft flight control surface. The load detent assembly includes an engagement member having circumferentially spaced engagement surfaces/protruding portions, and a load detent having a stoppage member radially biasable towards the engagement member for interengagement between the engagement surfaces to restrict creep of the rotating assembly. One of the engagement member or the load detent is configured for rotation radially inward of the other of the engagement member or the load detent through at least 360 degrees of rotation. The other of the engagement member or the load detent is configured for being fixed radially outward of the one of the engagement member or the load detent.

Aircraft actuator with no-back, load detent assembly

A control rod assembly is provided for moving a control surface of a flight vehicle. The control rod assembly includes a first connector for connecting to a first structure of vehicle, and a second connector for connecting to a second structure of the vehicle. A connecting rod may be operably coupled between the first and second connectors, and an actuator may be operably coupled to the connecting rod. The actuator may include a screw-and-nut assembly, and a motor that is configured to drive the screw-and-nut assembly. The actuator may be operable such that driving the screw-and-nut assembly via the motor causes the connecting rod to translate linearly along a longitudinal axis to thereby vary a distance between the first and second connectors. The actuators may be electromechanical actuators which may be controlled by a controller without pilot interaction. Two such actuators may be provided on opposite sides of the assembly.

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Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, United States of America

David Edwards