actuator

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to actuators and discloses a mechanical actuator with an improved locking mechanism and fewer components. The actuator has a cylinder, a locking recess formed on an inner wall of the cylinder, and a piston assembly that moves between an extended position and a retracted position in response to fluid pressure within the cylinder. A lock is connected to the piston assembly and moves radially between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to fluid pressure within the cylinder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to aircraft flight control systems, and more specifically to actuators configured to control flight control components of an aircraft. Background Technology

[0002] An aircraft includes one or more movable flight control components that allow the pilot and / or onboard systems to adjust and control the aircraft's attitude during flight. Some typical flight control components on an aircraft include, but are not limited to, ailerons on the wings for roll control, elevators on the horizontal tail for pitch control, rudders on the vertical tail for yaw control, and various other movable control surfaces.

[0003] Movement of flight control components is typically achieved by one or more actuators mechanically coupled between a base (e.g., a wing spars) and the flight control component. These actuators are usually hydraulically operated and are supplier-designed parts. However, due to their complex design and numerous different parts, the manufacture and maintenance of conventional actuators are not economical. In particular, conventional actuator designs require a large number of different parts made from various metals and metal alloys. This not only makes the manufacture and maintenance of conventional actuators more expensive and complex but also results in excessively long maintenance wait times and increased turnaround times. These problems associated with conventional actuators used for flight control components need to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Several aspects of this disclosure relate to a mechanical actuator with an improved locking mechanism and fewer parts. Due to these aspects, the actuator configured according to this disclosure is less complex than conventional actuators and has lower manufacturing and maintenance costs. Furthermore, the waiting time and turnaround time associated with repairing such actuators are reduced, thereby helping to address problems associated with conventional actuators.

[0005] Therefore, in one aspect of this disclosure, the actuator for a flight control component includes a cylinder, one or more locking recesses formed on the inner wall of the cylinder, a piston assembly disposed within the cylinder and configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position in response to fluid pressure within the cylinder, and a locking mechanism connected to the piston assembly. The locking mechanism includes one or more locks. Each lock is configured to move radially between a locked position where the lock engages a corresponding locking recess and an unlocked position where the lock disengages from the corresponding locking recess in response to fluid pressure within the cylinder. A biasing member for each lock is configured to radially bias the lock into the locked position when the fluid pressure within the cylinder is less than a predetermined fluid pressure.

[0006] On one hand, the actuator also includes an extension port and a retraction port, through which fluid enters the cylinder to move one or more locks radially to the unlocked position, and through the retraction port to move the piston assembly to the retracted position.

[0007] On one hand, when the fluid pressure at the extension port is not less than a predetermined fluid pressure, each of the one or more locks moves radially to the unlocked position. On the other hand, when the fluid pressure at the extension port is less than the predetermined fluid pressure, each of the one or more locks is radially biased to the locked position.

[0008] On one hand, the piston assembly includes a piston head and a piston rod connected to the piston head.

[0009] On one hand, the piston head is an integral component and includes a piston body section, a piston cap section, a support section axially positioned between the piston body section and the piston cap section, and one or more cavities formed between the piston cap section and the piston body section.

[0010] On one hand, one or more locks move radially within one or more cavities between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0011] On one hand, each biasing member is arranged in a corresponding cavity between the support section and the corresponding lock of one or more locks.

[0012] On one hand, the actuator also includes a castle nut, one end of which is threaded into the cylinder adjacent to the actuator. The castle nut includes a center bore configured to receive a piston rod passing through it.

[0013] On one hand, the slotted nut is an integral component and also includes a scraper assembly and a scraper that are configured to contact the piston rod as the piston rod moves within the central bore.

[0014] On one hand, the slotted nut also includes one or more channels formed thereon, each channel being sized to receive a corresponding washer.

[0015] On one hand, the slotted nut also includes a first washer located in the first channel and configured to form a seal between the inner wall of the slotted nut and the piston rod, and a second washer located in the second channel and configured to form a seal between the outer wall of the slotted nut and the inner wall of the cylinder.

[0016] In another aspect of this disclosure, a method for operating an actuator for a flight control component is provided. In this respect, the method involves moving a piston assembly disposed within an actuator cylinder between a retracted position and an extended position in response to fluid pressure within the cylinder; radially moving one or more locks connected to the piston assembly between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to fluid pressure within the cylinder, wherein in the locked position, each of the one or more locks engages a corresponding locking recess formed on the inner wall of the cylinder, and in the unlocked position, each of the one or more locks disengages from the corresponding locking recess; and radially biasing the locks into the locked position when the fluid pressure within the cylinder is less than a predetermined fluid pressure.

[0017] On one hand, radially moving one or more locks between the locked and unlocked positions includes supplying hydraulic fluid to the cylinder via an extension port, such that when the fluid pressure at the extension port reaches a predetermined fluid pressure, the one or more locks move radially to the unlocked position.

[0018] On one hand, each of one or more locks moves radially within a cavity formed inside the piston head of the piston assembly between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0019] On one hand, each of one or more locks is radially offset within the cavity toward a corresponding locking recess formed on the inner wall of the cylinder.

[0020] On one hand, the method also includes threading the cylinder with an integral slotted top nut at one end adjacent to the actuator.

[0021] In one aspect, the method also includes the integral slotted nut scraping against the piston rod connected to the piston head as the piston rod moves through a central hole formed in the integral slotted nut.

[0022] In another aspect of this disclosure, the vehicle includes one or more actuators. In this respect, each actuator includes a cylinder, one or more locking recesses formed on the inner wall of the cylinder, a piston assembly disposed within the cylinder and configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position in response to fluid pressure within the cylinder, and a locking mechanism connected to the piston assembly. The locking mechanism includes one or more locks and a biasing member for each lock, each lock being configured to move radially between a locked position where the lock engages a corresponding locking recess and an unlocked position where the lock disengages from a corresponding locking recess in response to fluid pressure within the cylinder. The biasing member is configured to radially bias the lock into the locked position when the fluid pressure within the cylinder is less than a predetermined fluid pressure.

[0023] On one hand, the actuator also includes an extension port and a retraction port, through which fluid enters the cylinder to move one or more locks radially to the unlocked position, and through the retraction port to move the piston assembly to the retracted position.

[0024] In one respect, the means of transportation is an airplane. In this respect, at least one of one or more actuators is arranged on the flight control components of the airplane. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The aspects of this disclosure are shown by way of example and are not limited to the accompanying drawings, with similar reference numerals indicating similar elements.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with actuators according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of an actuator configured according to one aspect of this disclosure and mounted on an aircraft wing.

[0028] Figure 3A This is a cross-sectional view showing an actuator in the retracted position according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3B This is a cross-sectional view showing an actuator in an extended position according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figures 3C-3D This is a cross-sectional view showing a locking mechanism configured according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 4A This is a cross-sectional view showing a grooved nut with a seal configured according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view showing a slotted nut without a seal according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an actuator according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for a locking mechanism for a movable actuator according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 7 It is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an actuator having a slotted nut configured according to one aspect of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Several aspects of this disclosure relate to mechanical actuators with improved locking mechanisms and fewer components compared to conventional actuators. In particular, in one aspect, the actuator configured according to this disclosure has a cylinder, a locking recess formed on the inner wall of the cylinder, and a piston assembly that moves between an extended position and a retracted position in response to fluid pressure within the cylinder. A lock is attached to the piston assembly and moves radially between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to fluid pressure within the cylinder. In the locked position, a biasing member radially biases the lock toward the locking recess, causing the lock to engage the locking recess. This engagement prevents movement of the piston assembly within the cylinder. In the unlocked position, the lock disengages from the locking recess, thereby allowing movement of the piston assembly within the cylinder.

[0037] The actuator configured according to this disclosure creates or facilitates a system that offers significant benefits over conventional actuators by reducing the number of parts used to construct such actuators. In particular, fewer parts reduce the complexity of the actuator, thereby significantly saving costs in the manufacture and maintenance of the actuator. Furthermore, fewer parts reduce the weight of vehicles utilizing the actuator. This means that the cost of operating the vehicle is also positively impacted.

[0038] Now turn to the attached diagram. Figure 1 An aircraft 10 is shown equipped with one or more actuators according to one aspect of this disclosure. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the aircraft 10 includes a pair of wing members 12a and 12b (collectively referred to as wings 12) and a tail section 14 connected to the fuselage 16. Multiple flight control members of different types 18a, 18b, and 18c (collectively referred to as flight control members 18) are distributed on the aircraft 10. As a non-limiting example, the flight control members 18 may be arranged on the wings 12 or the tail section 14, and may include, but are not limited to, rudders, elevators, ailerons, wing leading and trailing edge devices, and spoilers. According to various aspects of this disclosure, the flight control members 18 are movably attached to the aircraft 10. During flight, the pilot and / or control system onboard the aircraft 10 uses actuators configured according to this disclosure to change the orientation of the flight control members 18 to adjust and control the attitude of the aircraft.

[0039] Figure 2This is a top view of wing 12a, which, according to one aspect of this disclosure, shows a possible arrangement of one or more actuators 30 on the aircraft 10, the actuators 30 being configured to control movement of flight control member 18a. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the specific positioning of the actuators 30 on wing 12a is for illustrative purposes only. In practice, the actuators 30 may be arranged on other parts of the aircraft 10 besides wing 12a, such as wing 12b and / or tail section 14, and in other locations and orientations. However, regardless of the specific arrangement and orientation, the actuators 30 are arranged between the support structure 20 of the aircraft 10 and the flight control member 18a such that the actuators 30 control movement of the flight control member 18a.

[0040] Figures 3A-3D This is a cross-sectional view of the actuator 30 configured according to one aspect of this disclosure. Specifically, Figure 3A The actuator 30 is shown in the retracted position and Figure 3B The actuator 30 is shown in its extended position. Figures 3C-3D This is a close-up view of actuator 30, which, according to this aspect, shows the internal structure of actuator 30.

[0041] like Figures 3A-3D As shown, the actuator 30 configured according to various aspects of this disclosure includes a cylinder 32 having an internal chamber 34. One or more locking recesses 36a, 36b, 36c (collectively referred to as locking recesses 36) are formed on the inner wall 38 of the cylinder 32. In one aspect ( Figure 3C The actuator 30 includes a plurality of locking recesses 36a, 36b formed on the inner wall 38. In this respect, each locking recess 36a, 36b is formed independently and spaced apart from another locking recess 36a, 36b. However, on the other hand ( Figure 3D The actuator 30 includes a single locking recess 36c formed on the inner wall 38 of the cylinder 32 as an annular channel or seat. However, regardless of the specific structure of the locking recess 36, the piston assembly 130 is arranged within the cylinder 32 and configured to respond to fluid pressure in the chamber 34. Figure 3A The retraction position shown and Figure 3B The actuator 30 moves between the extended positions shown. One end 41 of the actuator 30 includes a first connecting member 40, which is configured to securely attach the actuator 30 to the support structure 20 on the aircraft 10.

[0042] The piston assembly 130 includes a piston head 50 and a piston rod 70. One end 71a of the piston rod 70 is connected to the piston head 50. The opposite end 71b of the piston rod 70 has a connecting member 72, which is configured to be attached to a flight control member 18 on the aircraft 10. As the piston assembly 130 moves between an extended position and a retracted position, the connecting member 72 moves the flight control member 18 accordingly.

[0043] In this aspect of the disclosure, the piston head 50 is an integral component comprising a piston body section 52, a piston cap section 54, and a support section 56 axially positioned between the piston body section 52 and the piston cap section 54. The piston head 50 also includes a locking mechanism 140 comprising one or more locks 60a, 60b, 60c (collectively referred to as locks 60), a biasing member 61 for each lock 60, one or more cavities 58, and a washer 62 disposed between the piston body section 52 and the inner wall 38 of the cylinder 32. Figures 3C-3D As shown, the number and structure of the locks 60 and one or more cavities 58 can depend on the number and structure of the locking recesses 36. On the other hand, when the actuator 30 is formed to include a plurality of locking recesses 36a, 36b, the actuator 30 includes a plurality of corresponding locks 60a, 60b—one lock per cavity and locking recess. Figure 3C However, on the other hand, actuator 30 includes a single lock 60c ( Figure 3D In these respects, a single lock 60c has a cut-in "slit" that allows the lock 60c to be compressed without engaging with the locking recess 36c. Thus, the lock 60c is fitted within a cavity 58 and configured to slide in and out of the locking recess 36c, wherein the cavity 58 is formed in the piston cap section 54, and the locking recess 36c is formed as a channel or seat on the inner wall 38 of the cylinder 32.

[0044] In at least one respect, gasket 62 is a rubber gasket (e.g., an O-ring). In operation, gasket 62 forms a seal between piston body section 52 and inner wall 38 of cylinder 32, preventing hydraulic fluid from flowing between piston body section 52 and inner wall 38 of cylinder 32.

[0045] Each lock 60 is configured to be in the locked position ( Figure 3A ) and unlock location ( Figure 3B The piston assembly 130 moves radially within corresponding cavities 58 formed in the piston head 50. In the locked position, each lock 60 engages a corresponding locking recess 36a, 36b and prevents axial movement of the piston assembly 130 between the retracted and extended positions. In the unlocked position, each lock 60 disengages from its corresponding locking recess 36, allowing the piston assembly 130 to move freely from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0046] According to this disclosure, the radial movement of the lock 60 from the locked position to the unlocked position is responsive to fluid pressure within the chamber 34. For this purpose, one aspect of the cylinder 32 includes a first conduit 66 connected to the extension port 64 and a second conduit 68 connected to the retraction port 69. When the piston assembly 130 is in the locked position, hydraulic fluid is pumped into the cylinder 32 via the extension port 64 and into the chamber 34 at or near the piston cap section 54. When the fluid pressure within the cylinder 32 and at the extension port 64 reaches a predetermined amount (i.e., greater than the biasing force of the biasing member 61), the lock 60 disengages from the locking recess 36 and moves radially toward the support section 56. Simultaneously, the hydraulic fluid already in the chamber 34 is pumped out of the cylinder 32 via the retraction port 69. Once the lock 60 is fully disengaged from the locking recess 36, the increased fluid pressure on the piston cap section 54 causes the piston assembly 130 to move toward the extended position.

[0047] To move the piston assembly from the extended position to the retracted position, hydraulic fluid already present in chamber 34 is pumped out of cylinder 32 via extension port 64, while hydraulic fluid is pumped into chamber 34 via retracted port 69. Therefore, the pressure of the hydraulic fluid entering chamber 34 via retracted port 69 (i.e., the pressure of the fluid pressing on piston body section 52) increases, while the pressure of the hydraulic fluid leaving chamber 34 via extension port 64 (i.e., the pressure of the fluid pressing on piston cap section 54) decreases. This change in fluid pressure within chamber 34 causes piston assembly 130 to move axially from the extended position to the retracted position. Furthermore, because the hydraulic fluid applies a reduced amount of fluid pressure to lock 60, biasing member 61 radially biases lock 60 back into engagement with locking recess 36.

[0048] In addition to the piston head 50, the actuator 30 is also configured to include an integral slotted top nut 80. As shown, the integral slotted top nut 80 is configured to thread into the inner wall 38 of the cylinder 32 adjacent to one end of the actuator 30 and includes a body 82 having an inner wall 82a and an outer wall 82b, a first channel 84 formed on the outer wall 82b of the slotted top nut 80, a second channel 88 formed on the inner wall 82a of the slotted top nut 80, a first washer 86 and a second washer 90 (e.g., O-rings) sized to fit within the corresponding first channel 84 and second channel 88, respectively, an end cap scraper 92, and a scraper assembly 94.

[0049] like Figures 3A-3B As shown, as the piston assembly 130 moves between the extended and retracted positions, the piston rod 70 moves axially through the center hole 98 of the slotted nut 80 (in... Figures 4A-4B(As best shown in the diagram). Furthermore, washers 86 and 90 form their respective seals to prevent hydraulic fluid leakage from chamber 34. Specifically, washer 86 is located in the first channel 84 and configured to form a seal between the outer wall 82b of the slotted nut 80 and the inner wall 38 of the cylinder 30, preventing hydraulic fluid leakage between the inner wall 38 and the body 82 of the slotted nut 80. Washer 90 is located in the second channel 88 and configured to form a seal between the inner wall 82a of the slotted nut 80 and the piston rod 70, preventing hydraulic fluid leakage between the inner wall 82a of the slotted nut 80 and the piston rod 70. An end cap scraper 92 is arranged in a channel formed on the inner wall 82a of the slotted nut 80, and when the piston rod 70 moves through the central hole 98, the end cap scraper 92 scrapes the piston rod 70 to collect dirt and prevent it from entering chamber 34. The scraper assembly 94 includes a scraper and a washer (e.g., another O-ring). The scraper is configured to contact the piston rod 70 when the piston rod 70 moves within the central bore 98, and to scrape the piston rod 70 when the piston rod 70 moves axially through the central bore.

[0050] The slotted nut 80 configured according to this aspect provides benefits not offered by conventional slotted nuts. By way of example only, the slotted nut 80 configured according to this aspect is a monolithic component made of titanium. Therefore, the slotted nut 80 includes fewer parts than a conventional slotted nut. Furthermore, parts no longer included in the slotted nut 80 are made of aluminum and aluminum alloys. By eliminating these parts, the slotted nut 80 configured according to this disclosure is lighter than a conventional slotted nut. Moreover, because the slotted nut 80 is monolithic, repair or replacement is less complicated.

[0051] Figure 4A It shows Figures 3A-3B An enlarged view of the end cap scraper 92 is shown, illustrating washers 86 and 90, the end cap scraper 92, and the scraper assembly 94. As previously described, the first and second channels are sized to receive corresponding first washers 86 and 90. However, those skilled in the art will understand that while these components are useful, they may not be included in some examples of the actuator 30. For example, in at least one embodiment, as... Figure 4B As shown, the integral slotted nut 80 does not include washers 86 and 90, end cap scraper 92, and scraper assembly 94. Also by eliminating these components, this aspect of the present disclosure can further reduce the costs associated with manufacturing and maintaining such a slotted nut 80 and actuator 30, thereby increasing profitability and saving costs.

[0052] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method 100 for operating actuator 30 according to one aspect of this disclosure. Figure 5As shown, method 100 begins by moving the piston assembly 130 within cylinder 32 between a retracted position and an extended position (box 102). As previously described, the movement of the piston assembly 130 is responsive to the pressure of the hydraulic fluid within cylinder 32. Method 100 then requires radial movement of a lock 60 connected to the piston assembly 130 between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position, the lock 60 engages a locking recess formed on the inner wall 38 of cylinder 32, and in the unlocked position, the lock 60 disengages from the locking recess 36 (box 104). As described above, the lock 60 moves radially within cavity 58 in response to fluid pressure within cylinder 32. Method 100 then requires biasing the lock 60 into the locked position when the fluid pressure within cylinder 32 is less than a predetermined fluid pressure (box 106). In one aspect, the biasing member 61 biases the lock 60 into the locked position when the predetermined fluid pressure at the extended port is less than the biasing force applied to the lock 60 by the biasing member 61.

[0053] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method 110 for a locking mechanism 140 for a movable actuator 30, according to one aspect of this disclosure. Figure 6 As shown, method 110 requires supplying hydraulic fluid to cylinder 32 via extension port 64, such that when the fluid pressure at extension port 64 reaches a predetermined fluid pressure (e.g., greater than the biasing force applied to lock 60 by biasing member 61), lock 60 moves radially to the unlocked position (box 112). To move locking mechanism 140 to the locked position, method 110 requires supplying hydraulic fluid to cylinder 32 via retracted port 69, such that when the fluid pressure at extension port 64 drops below a predetermined fluid pressure (e.g., less than the biasing force applied to lock 60 by biasing member 61), lock 60 moves radially to the locked position (box 114).

[0054] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method 120 for operating an actuator 30 having an integral slotted top nut 80, according to one aspect of this disclosure. Figure 7 As shown, method 120 requires threading the cylinder 32 with an integral slotted nut 80 at one end adjacent to the actuator 30 (box 122). In one aspect, the slotted nut 80 includes an end cap scraper 92. In these aspects, method 120 requires scraping the piston rod 70 as it moves through a central hole 98 formed in the integral slotted nut 80 (box 124). As described above, the end cap scraper 92 removes and collects dirt from the piston rod 70, thereby preventing dirt from entering the chamber 34.

[0055] In this disclosure, methods 100, 110, and 120 are shown and interpreted as corresponding to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art should readily understand that this is for illustrative purposes only. In some aspects, Figure 5The method 100 shown may also include, respectively, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The steps of method 110 and / or method 120.

[0056] Furthermore, this disclosure includes embodiments as described in the following terms:

[0057] Clause 1. An actuator (30) for a flight control component (18), the actuator comprising:

[0058] Cylinder (32);

[0059] One or more locking recesses (36a, 36b) are formed on the inner wall (38) of the cylinder;

[0060] Piston assembly (130), disposed within a cylinder and configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position in response to fluid pressure within the cylinder; and

[0061] Locking mechanism (140), connected to piston assembly, includes:

[0062] One or more locks (60), each lock being configured to move radially between a locked position where the lock engages a corresponding locking recess and an unlocked position where the lock disengages from the corresponding locking recess in response to fluid pressure within the cylinder; and

[0063] A biasing member (61) is used for each lock, the biasing member being configured to radially bias the lock into a locked position when the fluid pressure in the cylinder is less than a predetermined fluid pressure.

[0064] Clause 2. The actuator pursuant to Clause 1 further includes:

[0065] Extension port (64), through which fluid enters the cylinder to radially move one or more locks to the unlocked position; and

[0066] The retractable port (69) allows fluid to enter the cylinder to move the piston assembly to the retracted position.

[0067] Clause 3. Actuator as described in Clause 2:

[0068] When the fluid pressure at the extension port is not less than a predetermined fluid pressure, each of one or more locks moves radially to the unlocked position; and

[0069] When the fluid pressure at the extension port is less than a predetermined fluid pressure, each of one or more locks is radially biased to the locked position.

[0070] Clause 4. The actuator according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the piston assembly includes a piston head (50) and a piston rod (70) connected to the piston head.

[0071] Clause 5. The actuator pursuant to Clause 4, wherein the piston head is an integral component comprising:

[0072] Piston body section (52);

[0073] Piston cap section (54);

[0074] Support section (56), axially positioned between piston body section and piston cap section; and

[0075] One or more cavities (58) are formed between the piston cap section and the piston body section.

[0076] Clause 6. The actuator according to Clause 5, wherein one or more locks move radially within one or more cavities between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0077] Clause 7. The actuator according to Clause 6, wherein each biasing member is arranged in a corresponding cavity between the support section and a corresponding lock in one or more locks.

[0078] Clause 8. The actuator according to any one of Clauses 4 to 7 further includes a slotted nut (80) that is threaded to a cylinder at one end adjacent to the actuator, and includes a center bore (98) configured to receive a piston rod passing through therethrough.

[0079] Clause 9. The actuator according to Clause 8, wherein the slot top nut is an integral component and further includes a scraper assembly (94) comprising a scraper (92) configured to contact the piston rod as the piston rod moves within the central bore.

[0080] Clause 10. The actuator according to Clause 9, wherein the slotted nut further includes one or more channels (84, 88) formed thereon, wherein each channel is sized to receive a corresponding washer (86, 90).

[0081] Clause 11. The actuator according to Clause 10, wherein the slotted nut further comprises:

[0082] A first washer (86), located in a first channel (84) and configured to form a seal between the outer wall (82b) of the slotted nut and the inner wall of the cylinder; and

[0083] A second washer (90) is located in the second channel (88) and is configured to form a seal between the inner wall (82a) of the slotted nut and the piston rod.

[0084] Clause 12. A method (100) for operating an actuator (30) for a flight control component (18), the method comprising:

[0085] In response to the fluid pressure within the cylinder moving between the retracted position and the extended position (102), a piston assembly (130) arranged within the cylinder (32) of the actuator;

[0086] In response to the fluid pressure within the cylinder, radial movement (104) between a locked position and an unlocked position engages one or more locks (60) connected to the piston assembly, wherein in the locked position, each of the one or more locks engages a corresponding locking recess (36a, 36b) formed on the cylinder inner wall, and in the unlocked position, each of the one or more locks disengages from the corresponding locking recess; and

[0087] When the fluid pressure in the cylinder is less than the predetermined fluid pressure, the lock radial (106) is biased to the locked position.

[0088] Clause 13. The method according to Clause 12, wherein radial movement of one or more locks between the locked position and the unlocked position comprises supplying hydraulic fluid (112) to the cylinder via an extension port (64) such that when the fluid pressure at the extension port reaches a predetermined fluid pressure, the one or more locks are radially moved to the unlocked position.

[0089] Clause 14. The method according to Clause 12 or Clause 13, wherein one or more locks are radially movable within a cavity (58) between a locked position and an unlocked position, the cavity (58) being formed inside the piston head (50) of the piston assembly.

[0090] Clause 15. The method according to Clause 14, wherein each of one or more locks is radially biased within the cavity toward a corresponding locking recess formed on the inner wall of the cylinder.

[0091] Clause 16. The method described in accordance with Clause 14 or Clause 15 further includes threading (122) the cylinder to an integral slotted top nut (80) at one end adjacent to the actuator.

[0092] Clause 17. The method according to Clause 16 further includes, when the piston rod moves through the center hole (98) formed in the integral slotted nut, the integral slotted nut scrapes (124) against the piston rod (70) connected to the piston head.

[0093] Clause 18. A means of transport (10), comprising:

[0094] One or more actuators (30), each actuator comprising:

[0095] Cylinder (32);

[0096] One or more locking recesses (36a, 36b) are formed on the inner wall (38) of the cylinder;

[0097] Piston assembly (130), disposed within a cylinder and configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position in response to fluid pressure within the cylinder; and

[0098] Locking mechanism (140), connected to piston assembly, includes:

[0099] One or more locks (60), each lock being configured to move radially between a locked position where the lock engages a corresponding locking recess and an unlocked position where the lock disengages from the corresponding locking recess in response to fluid pressure within the cylinder; and

[0100] A biasing member (61) is used for each lock, the biasing member being configured to radially bias the lock into a locked position when the fluid pressure in the cylinder is less than a predetermined fluid pressure.

[0101] Clause 19. The vehicle as described in Clause 18, wherein each actuator further comprises:

[0102] Extension port (64), through which fluid enters the cylinder to radially move one or more locks to the unlocked position; and

[0103] The retractable port (69) allows fluid to enter the cylinder to move the piston assembly to the retracted position.

[0104] Clause 20. A means of transport as described in Clause 18 or Clause 19, wherein the means of transport is an aircraft, and at least one of one or more actuators is arranged on the flight control components (18a, 18b) of the aircraft.

[0105] The foregoing description and drawings represent non-limiting examples of the methods and apparatus taught herein. For example, this disclosure describes actuator 30 in the context of aircraft 10. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that this is for illustrative purposes only, and the aspects described herein are not limited to use on aircraft. Rather, the previously described aspects can be implemented on other types of vehicles to achieve the same or similar benefits. Such vehicles include, but are not limited to, manned and unmanned vehicles, manned and unmanned aircraft, manned and unmanned rotorcraft, manned and unmanned rockets and / or missiles, manned and unmanned surface vehicles, manned and unmanned underwater vehicles, and the like and combinations thereof. Therefore, aspects of this disclosure are not limited to the foregoing description and drawings. Rather, aspects of this disclosure are limited only to the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. An actuator (30) for a flight control component (18), said actuator comprising: Cylinder (32) with a longitudinal axis; One or more locking recesses (36a, 36b) are formed on the inner wall (38) of the cylinder; Piston assembly (130), disposed within the cylinder and configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position in response to fluid pressure within the cylinder, the piston assembly comprising: An integral piston head, comprising: Piston body; A piston cap, which is spaced apart from and opposite to the piston body; A support member, the central axis of which is positioned between the piston body and the piston cap; Multiple cavities are formed between the piston cap and the piston body; and A seal, disposed between the piston body and the inner wall of the cylinder and configured to prevent fluid flow between the piston body and the inner wall of the cylinder; and A piston rod, connected to the piston head, such that the piston body, the piston cap, and the support are offset from each other and extend along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder; and A locking mechanism (140) connected to the piston assembly, the locking mechanism comprising: Multiple locks (60), each lock being configured to move radially between a locked position where the lock engages a corresponding locking recess and an unlocked position where the lock disengages from the corresponding locking recess in response to fluid pressure within the cylinder; and Multiple biasing members (61), wherein each biasing member is arranged in a corresponding cavity between the support and the corresponding lock of the plurality of locks and is configured to radially bias the corresponding lock to the locked position when the fluid pressure in the cylinder is less than a predetermined fluid pressure.

2. The actuator according to claim 1, further comprising: An extension port (64) through which fluid enters the cylinder to radially move the plurality of locks to the unlocked position; as well as The fluid enters the cylinder through the retracted port (69) to move the piston assembly to the retracted position.

3. The actuator according to claim 2: When the fluid pressure at the extension port is not less than the predetermined fluid pressure, each of the plurality of locks moves radially to the unlocked position; and When the fluid pressure at the extension port is less than the predetermined fluid pressure, each of the plurality of locks is radially biased to the locked position.

4. The actuator of claim 1 further includes a slotted nut (80) adjacent to one end of the actuator engaging with the cylinder, and includes a central bore (98) configured to receive the piston rod passing through it.

5. The actuator of claim 4, wherein the slot top nut is an integral component and further comprises a scraper assembly (94) including a scraper (92) configured to contact the piston rod as the piston rod moves within the central bore.

6. The actuator of claim 5, wherein the slotted nut further comprises one or more channels (84, 88) formed thereon, wherein each channel is sized to receive a corresponding washer (86, 90).

7. The actuator of claim 6, wherein the slot-top nut further comprises: A first washer (86), located in a first channel (84) and configured to form a seal between the outer wall (82b) of the slotted nut and the inner wall of the cylinder; and The second washer (90) is located in the second channel (88) and is configured to form a seal between the inner wall (82a) of the slot-top nut and the piston rod.

8. The actuator according to claim 1, further comprising: A first connecting member, configured to securely attach the actuator to the aircraft's support structure, and The second connecting member is fixedly attached to the piston rod and configured to be attached to the flight control components of the aircraft.

9. The actuator of claim 8, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member are arranged at opposite ends of the actuator.

10. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the support extends longitudinally between the piston cap and the piston body, and wherein the end of each biasing member is attached to the support.

11. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the piston assembly is configured to move an aircraft flight control component when the piston assembly moves between the retracted position and the extended position.

12. A method of operating an actuator for a flight control component, the method comprising: A piston assembly is provided within the cylinder of the actuator, the piston assembly comprising: An integral piston head, comprising: Piston body; A piston cap, which is spaced apart from and opposite to the piston body; A support member, whose central axis is positioned between the piston body and the piston cap; and Multiple cavities are formed between the piston cap and the piston body; and A seal, disposed between the piston body and the inner wall of the cylinder and configured to prevent fluid flow between the piston body and the inner wall of the cylinder; and A piston rod, connected to the piston head, such that the piston body, the piston cap, and the support are offset from each other and extend along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder; and A piston assembly within the actuator cylinder moves between a retracted position and an extended position in response to fluid pressure within the cylinder. In response to the fluid pressure within the cylinder, each of a plurality of locks connected to the piston assembly moves radially in a corresponding cavity between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position, each lock engages a corresponding locking recess formed on the inner wall of the cylinder, and in the unlocked position, each lock disengages from the corresponding locking recess. A plurality of biasing members are provided within the piston head, wherein each biasing member is disposed in a corresponding cavity formed within the piston head between the support and the corresponding locks of the plurality of locks; and When the fluid pressure inside the cylinder is less than a predetermined fluid pressure, each of the plurality of locks in the corresponding cavity is radially biased to the locked position.

Images