The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 04, 2000
Filed:
Oct. 16, 1997
Kenneth Ray Cox, Arlington, TX (US);
Northrop Grumman Corporation, Los Angeles, CA (US);
Abstract
A wing flap structure includes a wing, a flap, and a hinge mechanism connecting the wing and the flap. The hinge mechanism includes first and second hinge links connected between the wing and the flap. The pivot points for the hinge links are oriented so that as the flap moves away from the wing, the flap moves in a circular arc path relative to the wing. The first hinge link includes a first elongate link having a first end rotatably connected to the wing. The second hinge link includes a second elongate link having a first end rotatably connected to the second end of the first link, and having a second end rotatably connected to the flap. The rotatable connections have axes of rotation that meet at a point below the wing to define an axis of rotation for the circular arc of the flap. The hinge mechanism is contained substantially along the circular arc of the flap as the flap is extended and retracted. A drive mechanism is connected to the wing and to the flap for moving the flap through a circular arc. The drive mechanism is also contained substantially along the circular arc path of the flap. The drive mechanism is powered by a linear actuator. The drive mechanism controls the pivot points of the hinge to ensure that the flap follows a circular arc as it extends, and provides lateral stability for the structure.