Three-piece safety assurance clamp

Abstract

A three-piece safety assurance clamp is disclosed. The three-piece safety assurance clamp includes a center portion having a center top surface, a flat first outer surface, and a flat second outer surface. The second outer surface is oriented opposite the first outer surface. A channel in the center portion is configured to receive a tension and compression member. A left side portion is connected adjacent the first outer surface. The left side portion has a flat first inner surface received against the first outer surface and a left top surface coplanar with the center top surface. A right side portion is connected adjacent the second outer surface. The right side portion has a flat second inner surface received against the second outer surface and a right top surface coplanar with the center top surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the field of aircraft deployment systems having underwing supports with three-piece safety clamps. Background Technology

[0002] Aircraft employ deployment systems to articulate surfaces. For example, commercial aircraft have flaps that deploy to increase the wing's camber and chord for enhanced performance during takeoff and landing. Various mechanical devices have been developed to deploy flaps from a retracted position to an extended position. The flap support typically extends below the lower surface of the wing, and flap deployment causes sections of the flap and the flap support element to extend below the wing. The primary structural element (PSE) within the flap support element complies with safety requirements. This can mean a "back-to-back" replication of the structural sections primarily bearing tension. For lugs, this is a relatively simple addition to the design, but for clamps, it becomes more complex, expensive, and difficult to manufacture.

[0003] On existing commercial aircraft, one can find applications such as... Figures 1A to 1C The example shown is a safety clamp for an underwing support fitting, which consists of a main outer portion 2 and an inner nested portion 4 of the fitting 3. This structure requires the interface between these inner and outer portions to include three surfaces orthogonal to each other. For machined parts, this necessitates tighter tolerances, which are expensive to meet and result in higher scrap rates, as well as the need for filler in the gap design. Furthermore, the fastener 5, shared by both parts of the fitting and mating component 6, must penetrate a thicker stack than the fastener 7, which only penetrates the outer portion, thus preventing the use of a single clamping length without other structural adaptations. The varying clamping length makes assembly more complex, slower, and more expensive.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an underwing support that overcomes these shortcomings of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An exemplary implementation of the three-piece safety clamp includes a central portion having a central top surface, a flat first outer surface, and a flat second outer surface. The second outer surface is oriented opposite to the first outer surface. A channel in the central portion is configured to receive tensioning and compression members. A left-side portion is connected adjacent to the first outer surface. The left-side portion has a flat first inner surface received against the first outer surface and a left top surface coplanar with the central top surface. A right-side portion is connected adjacent to the second outer surface. The right-side portion has a flat second inner surface received against the second outer surface and a right top surface coplanar with the central top surface.

[0006] An exemplary implementation provides a method for engaging a tensioning and compression member with a three-piece safety clamp. A central portion having a central top surface is received on the lower surface of a wing. The central portion has a left inner flange and a left inner shank with a flat first outer surface, and a right inner flange and a left inner shank with a flat second outer surface, the second outer surface being oriented opposite to the first outer surface. A first plurality of field fasteners are used adjacent to the first outer surface to connect a left outer flange and a left outer shank, the left portion having a flat first inner surface received against the first outer surface and a left top surface coplanar with the central top surface and received on the lower surface. A second plurality of field fasteners are used adjacent to the second outer surface to connect a right outer flange and a right outer shank, the right portion having a flat first inner surface received against the first outer surface and a right top surface coplanar with the central top surface and received on the lower surface. The tensioning and compression member is received in a channel located between the left inner shank and the right inner shank in the central portion. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The features, functions, and advantages already discussed can be implemented independently in various implementations or combined in other implementations, further details of which can be seen in the following description and figures.

[0008] Figure 1A This is a rear-view perspective view of existing underwing support components; Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Rear view of existing underwing support components; Figure 1C yes Figure 1A Exploded view of the components of the underwing support fitting; Figure 2A It is a representation of an aircraft that can adopt the implementation method disclosed in this paper; Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A top view of the aircraft's wings and flaps; Figure 2C This is a detailed side view of a flap structure incorporating an underwing support fitting that can be implemented using the disclosed method (with the fairing removed). Figure 3A This is a rear-view perspective view of a three-piece safety clamp used for underwing support components; Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Rear view of the three-piece safety clamp; Figure 3C yes Figure 3A A bottom view of the three-piece safety clamp; Figure 3D yes Figure 3ASide view of the three-piece safety clamp; Figure 3E yes Figure 3A Left rear exploded view of the components of the three-piece safety clamp; Figure 3F yes Figure 3A An exploded right rear view of the components of the three-piece safety clamp; Figure 3G This is a rear perspective view showing an alternative construction of the clamp for a single pin engagement; Figure 4A This is a perspective view of the first safety assurance condition, which has a crack in one of the external components of the example implementation. Figure 4B This is a side view of the first safety assurance situation; Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a second safety feature where a crack exists in the central component of the example implementation; and Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for engaging tensioning and compression components with a three-piece safety clamp.

[0009] Specific implementation method

[0010] The implementation described herein provides a underwing support with a three-piece safety clamp that combines three laterally adjacent components. This simplifies the assembly process and reduces or eliminates the need for design gaps that may require filling. The common flange thickness in all three laterally adjacent components allows for the use of a single fastener with a common clamping length. This three-piece safety clamp maintains the necessary structural performance characteristics and meets safety requirements.

[0011] Although the implementation is described here with reference to the underwing support structure used in flap systems, the implementation can be applied to any primary structural element (PSE).

[0012] Refer to the attached diagram. Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C An aircraft 10 is shown with a wing 12 having a system of operating flaps 14. The flaps 14 are engaged to the wing 12 at multiple attachment points, wherein flap supports 15a, 15b are at least partially housed within a fixed fairing 16a and a movable fairing 16b. The flaps 14 deploy to enhance aerodynamic performance during takeoff and landing using a flap actuation mechanism 18 that causes the flaps 14 and the movable fairing 16b to rotate rearward and downward relative to the wing 12.

[0013] like Figure 2CAs shown, with the fixed fairing 16a and the movable fairing 16b removed, the flap supports 15a and 15b extending from the structure of the wing 12 are combined with underwing fittings using a three-piece safety clamp 20, as will be described in more detail later. In the example shown, the rotary actuator 22 is supported between a pair of flap support ribs 23 (the outer flap support rib is removed for clarity), wherein the drive arm 24 extends radially from the actuator to rotate after the actuator is activated. The flap support ribs 23 are connected to the rear spar 25, which is close to the upper flange 27. The connecting link 26 is pivotally attached to the drive arm 24 at its front end by means of a pivot pin 29, whereby rotation of the actuator causes rotation of the drive arm 24 to extend the connecting link 26.

[0014] A spherical bearing or similar engagement element can be used in the front end of the connecting rod 26 to accommodate angular alignment. The flap 14 is mounted on the load-bearing beam 30 and rotatably connected to the wing 12 via the flap support rib 23. The load-bearing beam 30 is rotatably attached at its lower apex 34 to a rear clamp 36 formed by the inner and outer ribs 23 via a shaft 32. The connecting rod 26 extends from the drive arm 24 to the load-bearing beam 30 and is pivotally attached to the load-bearing beam via a second pivot pin 33.

[0015] In the example shown, a three-piece safety clamp 20 attached to the lower surface 35 of the wing 12 provides tension support at the rear clamp 36 using a tensioning and compression member 37 or other structural links connected to the rear clamp 36 via pins 38. The tensioning and compression member 37 engages with breakable pins 39a and 39b via the safety clamp 20 to obtain ground contact safety.

[0016] Figures 3A to 3E An example implementation of a three-piece safety clamp 20 is shown. The three-piece safety clamp 20 has a central portion 102 with a central top flange 104. The main body portion 106 has a left inner flange 108a and a right inner flange 108b that hang vertically from the central top flange 104. A left inner foot 110a extends rearward from the left inner flange 108a, and a right inner foot 110b extends rearward from the right inner flange 108b. The left inner flange 108a and the left inner foot 110a have a flat first outer surface 112, while the right inner flange 108b and the right inner foot 110b have a flat second outer surface 114 that is parallel to and oppositely oriented to the first outer surface 112. The right inner surface 116a of the left inner foot 110a and the left inner surface 116b of the right inner foot 110b span a channel 118 configured to receive a tensioning and compression member 37.

[0017] The left portion 202 is connected to the first outer surface 112 of the central portion 102, while the right portion 302 is connected to the second outer surface 114 of the central portion 102, which is opposite to that of the left portion 202. The left portion 202 has a left top flange 204. A left outer flange 206 hangs vertically from the left top flange 204, and a left outer foot 208 extends rearward from the left outer flange 206. The left outer flange 206 and the left outer foot 208 together form a flat first inner surface. The first inner surface of the left portion 202 is received against the first outer surface 112 of the central portion 102.

[0018] The right side portion 302 has a right top flange 304. A right outer flange 306 hangs vertically from the right top flange 304, and a right outer foot 308 extends rearward from the left outer flange 206. The right outer flange 306 and the right outer foot 308 together form a flat second inner surface 309. The second inner surface 309 of the right side portion 302 is received abutting against the second outer surface 114 of the central portion 102.

[0019] The left top surface 210 of the left top flange 204 and the right top surface 310 of the right top flange 304 are coplanar with the central top surface 111 of the central top flange 104. This provides a single flat top surface 113 for the three-piece safety clamp 20. The central top flange 104 has a first plurality of holes 120 configured to receive a first plurality of fasteners 122a. The left top flange 204 has a plurality of holes 220 to receive a second plurality of fasteners 122b, and the right top flange 304 has a third plurality of holes 320 to receive a third plurality of fasteners 122c. The first thickness 130 of the central top flange 104, the second thickness 230 of the left top flange 204, and the third thickness 330 of the right top flange 304 are equal. This allows the first plurality of fasteners 122a, the second plurality of fasteners 122b, and the third plurality of fasteners 122c to have equal clamping lengths 123 for attachment to the underwing skin.

[0020] The left portion 202 is secured to the center portion 102 using a first plurality of field fasteners 124, while the right portion 302 is secured to the center portion 102 using a second plurality of field fasteners 126.

[0021] The first hole array 128a in the left inner flange 108a is concentrically aligned with the first mating hole array 228a in the left outer flange 206. Similarly, the second hole array 128b in the right inner flange 108b is concentrically aligned with the second mating hole array 328b in the right outer flange 306.

[0022] The third hole array 129a in the left inner foot 110a is concentrically aligned with the third mating hole array 229a in the left outer foot 208. Similarly, the fourth hole array 129b in the right inner foot 110b is concentrically aligned with the fourth mating hole array 329b in the right outer foot 308.

[0023] The first hole array 128a, the first mating hole array 228a, the third hole array 129a, and the third mating hole array 229a receive a first plurality of field fasteners 124. Similarly, the second hole array 128b, the second mating hole array 328b, the fourth hole array 129b, and the fourth mating hole array 329b receive a second plurality of field fasteners 126.

[0024] In the example implementation of the engagement of the easy-break pins 39a and 39b, the first pair of receiving holes 140a and 140b in the left inner shank 110a and right inner shank 110b are concentrically aligned with the first mating receiving hole 240 in the left outer shank 208 and the second mating receiving hole 340 in the right outer shank 308, and the second pair of receiving holes 142a and 142b are concentrically aligned with the third mating receiving hole 242 in the left outer shank 208 and the fourth mating receiving hole 342 in the right outer shank 308. Figure 3G In the alternative implementation shown, a single pair of receiving holes 150a and 150b in the left inner foot 110a and right inner foot 110b, which are concentrically aligned with the first mating receiving hole 250 in the left outer foot 208 and the second mating receiving hole 350 in the right outer foot 308, can be used for a single pin engagement.

[0025] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the geometry of the first mating hole array 228a, the second mating hole array 328a, the third mating hole array 229a, and the fourth mating hole array 329b is configured to surround a potential propagating crack in either the left outer flange 206 or the right outer flange 306, or in either the left outer shank 208 or the right outer shank 308, to be transferred or loaded to the left inner flange 108a or the right inner flange 108b, or the left inner shank 110a or the right inner shank 110b, via corresponding field fasteners. Example crack 400 is shown in the left outer flange and the left outer shank.

[0026] Similarly, such as Figure 5 As shown, the geometric arrangement of the first hole array 128a, the second hole array 128b, the third hole array 129a, and the fourth hole array 129b is configured to surround or in the left inner flange 108a or the right inner flange 108b or the left inner shank 110a or the right inner shank 110b, to transfer or load to the left outer flange 206 or the right outer flange 306 or the left outer shank 208 or the right outer shank 308 via the corresponding field fasteners.

[0027] The engagement of the flat first inner surface with the first outer surface 112 and the engagement of the second inner surface 309 with the second outer surface 114 provide a very high tolerance engagement of the central portion 102, the left portion 202, and the right portion 302, limited only by the machining tolerances of the flat surfaces. Similarly, during installation of field fasteners, the engagement of the central top surface 111, the left top surface 210, and the right top surface 310 on a high-tolerance surface plate maintains very high tolerances in the flat top surface 113.

[0028] The thickness of the left outer flange 206 or the right outer flange 306 or the left outer shank 208 or the right outer shank 308, the left inner flange 108a or the right inner flange 108b, and the left inner shank 110a or the right inner shank 110b can be varied to accommodate fatigue reduction. For example... Figure 3C As seen, the thicknesses 241 and 341 at the front of the outer flange extend into the thicknesses 243 and 343 at the rear of the outer shank. Similarly, the thicknesses 141a and 141b at the front of the inner flange extend into the thicknesses 143a and 143b at the rear of the inner shank.

[0029] The implementation provides a way to combine tensioning and compression components with Figure 6 The method 600 for engaging the three-piece safety clamp shown. A central portion having a central top surface is received on the lower surface of the wing, step 602. The central portion has a left inner flange and a left inner shank with a flat first outer surface, and a right inner flange and a right inner shank with a flat second outer surface, the second outer surface being oriented opposite to the first outer surface.

[0030] Using a first plurality of field fasteners adjacent to the first outer surface, the left portion is connected to the left outer flange and the left outer shank, the left portion having a flat first inner surface that is received against the first outer surface and a left top surface that is coplanar with the center top surface to be received on the lower surface of the wing, step 604.

[0031] Using a second plurality of field fasteners adjacent to the second outer surface, the right side portion is connected to the right outer flange and the right outer shank, the right side portion having a flat first inner surface that is received against the first outer surface and a right top surface that is coplanar with the center top surface to be received on the lower surface of the wing, step 606.

[0032] The first hole array in the left inner flange of the left part is concentrically aligned with the first mating hole array in the left outer flange, and the second hole array in the right inner flange is concentrically aligned with the second mating hole array in the right outer flange, step 608.

[0033] The third hole array in the left inner foot is concentrically aligned with the third mating hole array in the left outer foot, and the fourth hole array in the right inner foot is concentrically aligned with the fourth mating hole array in the right outer foot, step 610.

[0034] The geometric arrangement of the first, second, third, and fourth mating hole arrays is configured to surround a potential propagating crack in either the left or right outer flange or in either the left or right outer shank.

[0035] The geometry of the first, second, third, and fourth hole arrays is configured to surround a potential propagating crack in either the left or right inner flange or in either the left or right inner shank. Tensioning and compression members are received in a channel between the left and right inner shanks in the central portion, step 612.

[0036] This disclosure includes, but is not limited to, example implementations based on the following terms: Clause 1. A three-piece safety clamp (20), said three-piece safety clamp comprising: The central portion (102) has a central top surface (111), a flat first outer surface (112), a flat second outer surface (114), and a channel (118), the second outer surface being oriented opposite to the first outer surface, and the channel being configured to receive a tensioning and compression member (37). The left portion (202), which is connected adjacent to the first outer surface, and has a flat first inner surface received against the first outer surface and a left top surface (210) coplanar with the central top surface; and The right side portion (302) is connected adjacent to the second outer surface and has a flat second inner surface (309) that is received against the second outer surface and a right top surface (310) that is coplanar with the central top surface.

[0037] Clause 2. The three-piece safety clamp as defined in Clause 1, wherein the central portion comprises: A central top flange (104) having the central top surface; and The main body (106) has a left inner flange (108a) and a right inner flange (108b) that hang vertically from the central top flange. Left inner flange (110a) and right inner flange (110b), the left inner flange extending rearward from the left inner flange and the right inner flange extending rearward from the right inner flange; The left inner flange and the left inner shank together form a flat first outer surface, and the right inner flange and the right inner shank together form a flat second outer surface.

[0038] Clause 3. The three-piece safety clamp as defined in Clause 2, wherein the left-hand portion comprises: Left top flange (204), the left top flange having the left top surface; Left outer flange (206), the left outer flange hanging vertically from the left top flange; and Left outer foot (208) extends rearward from the left outer flange, wherein the left outer flange and the left outer foot together form a flat first inner surface.

[0039] Clause 4. The three-piece safety clamp as defined in Clause 3, wherein the right-hand portion includes: Right top flange (304), the right top flange having the right top surface; Right outer flange (306), the right outer flange hanging vertically from the right top flange; and The right outer shank (308) extends rearward from the right outer flange, wherein the right outer flange and the right outer shank together form a flat second inner surface.

[0040] Clause 5. A three-piece safety clamp as defined in Clause 4, wherein the central top flange has a first thickness (130), the left top flange has a second thickness (230), and the right top flange has a third thickness (330), the first thickness, the second thickness, and the third thickness being equal.

[0041] Clause 6. A three-piece safety clamp as defined in Clause 5, wherein the central top flange has a first plurality of holes (120) configured for a first plurality of fasteners (122a), the left top flange has a plurality of holes (220) for receiving a second plurality of fasteners (122b), and the right top flange has a third plurality of holes (320) for receiving a third plurality of fasteners (122c), wherein the first plurality of fasteners, the second plurality of fasteners, and the third plurality of fasteners have equal clamping lengths (123).

[0042] Clause 7. A three-piece safety clamp as defined in any of Clauses 4 to 6, wherein, The first hole array (128a) in the left inner flange is concentrically aligned with the first mating hole array (228a) in the left outer flange; The second hole array (128b) in the right inner flange is concentrically aligned with the second mating hole array (328a) in the right outer flange; The third hole array (129a) in the left inner shank is concentrically aligned with the third mating hole array (229a) in the left outer shank; and The fourth hole array (129b) in the right inner foot is concentrically aligned with the fourth mating hole array (329b) in the right outer foot.

[0043] Clause 8. The three-piece safety clamp as defined in Clause 7, wherein, The first hole array, the first mating hole array, the third hole array, and the third mating hole array receive a first plurality of field fasteners (124) to secure the left side portion to the center portion; and The second hole array, the second mating hole array, the fourth hole array, and the fourth mating hole array receive a second plurality of field fasteners (126) to secure the right side portion to the center portion.

[0044] Clause 9. A three-piece safety clamp as defined in Clause 8, wherein the geometry of the first mating hole array, the second mating hole array, the third mating hole array, and the fourth mating hole array is configured to surround a potential propagating crack in either the left outer flange or the right outer flange, or in either the left outer shank or the right outer shank.

[0045] Clause 10. A three-piece safety clamp as defined in Clause 8, wherein the geometry of the first hole array, the second hole array, the third hole array, and the fourth hole array is configured to surround a potential propagating crack in either the left inner flange or the right inner flange, or in either the left inner shank or the right inner shank.

[0046] Clause 11. An aircraft (10) having a wing (12) with an operating flap system, said system comprising: Multiple flaps (14), each flap having multiple flap supports; At least one actuator (22), said at least one actuator being supported in at least one of the plurality of flap supports; At least one support beam (30) for supporting one of the plurality of flaps, the support beam being rotatably engaged in at least one flap support rib (23); Tensioning and compression member (37), said tensioning and compression member engaging with said flap support rib: A three-piece safety clamp (20), the three-piece safety clamp being connected to the lower surface (35) of the wing and having: The central portion (102) has a central top surface (111) received on the lower surface, a flat first outer surface (112) and a flat second outer surface (114) and a channel (118), the second outer surface being oriented opposite to the first outer surface, and the channel being configured to receive the tensioning and compression member (37). The left portion (202), which is connected adjacent to the first outer surface, and has a flat first inner surface received against the first outer surface and a left top surface (210) coplanar with the central top surface and received on the lower surface; and The right side portion (302) is connected adjacent to the second outer surface and has a flat second inner surface (309) that is received against the second outer surface and a right top surface (310) that is coplanar with the central top surface and received on the lower surface.

[0047] Clause 12. The aircraft as defined in Clause 11, wherein the left-hand portion includes: Left top flange (204), the left top flange having the left top surface; Left outer flange (206), the left outer flange hanging vertically from the left top flange; and Left outer foot (208) extends rearward from the left outer flange, wherein the left outer flange and the left outer foot together form a flat first inner surface.

[0048] Clause 13. The aircraft as defined in Clause 12, wherein the right-hand portion includes: Right top flange (304), the right top flange having the right top surface; Right outer flange (306), the right outer flange hanging vertically from the right top flange; and The right outer shank (308) extends rearward from the right outer flange, wherein the right outer flange and the right outer shank together form a flat second inner surface.

[0049] Clause 14. An aircraft as defined in Clause 13, wherein the central top flange has a first thickness (130), the left top flange has a second thickness (230), and the right top flange has a third thickness (330), the first thickness, the second thickness, and the third thickness being equal.

[0050] Clause 15. An aircraft as defined in Clause 14, wherein the central top flange has a first plurality of holes (120) configured for a first plurality of fasteners (122a), the left top flange has a second plurality of holes (220) for receiving a second plurality of fasteners (122b), and the right top flange has a third plurality of holes (320) for receiving a third plurality of fasteners (122c), wherein the first plurality of fasteners, the second plurality of fasteners, and the third plurality of fasteners have equal clamping lengths (123) for connection to the lower surface.

[0051] Clause 16. A method for engaging a tensioning and compression member with a three-piece safety clamp, the method comprising: A central portion having a central top surface is received on the lower surface of the wing, the central portion having a left inner flange and a left inner shank with a flat first outer surface, and a right inner flange and a left inner shank with a flat second outer surface, the second outer surface being oriented opposite to the first outer surface; The left portion is connected to the left outer flange and the left outer shank by a first plurality of field fasteners adjacent to the first outer surface. The left portion has a flat first inner surface that is received against the first outer surface and a left top surface that is coplanar with the central top surface and received on the lower surface. The right-side portion is connected to the right outer flange and the right outer shank using a second plurality of field fasteners adjacent to the second outer surface. The right-side portion has a flat first inner surface received against the first outer surface and a right top surface coplanar with the central top surface and received on the lower surface; and The tensioning and compression member is received in the channel between the left inner foot and the right inner foot located in the central portion.

[0052] Clause 17. The method as defined in Clause 16 further includes: Align the first hole array in the left inner flange of the left portion concentrically with the first mating hole array in the left outer flange; and Align the second hole array in the right inner flange with the second mating hole array in the right outer flange concentrically.

[0053] Clause 18. The method as defined in Clause 17 further includes: Align the third hole array in the left inner shank with the third mating hole array in the left outer shank concentrically; and Align the fourth hole array in the right inner foot with the fourth mating hole array in the right outer foot concentrically.

[0054] Clause 19. The method as defined in Clause 18 further includes: The first mating hole array, the second mating hole array, the third mating hole array, and the fourth mating hole array are geometrically arranged around a potential propagating crack in the left outer flange or the right outer flange, or in the left outer shank or the right outer shank.

[0055] Clause 20. The method as defined in Clause 19, further comprising: geometrically arranging the first hole array, the second hole array, the third hole array, and the fourth hole array around a potential propagating crack in either the left inner flange or the right inner flange, or in either the left inner shank or the right inner shank.

[0056] Various implementations have now been described in detail in accordance with the requirements of patent law, and those skilled in the art will recognize modifications and substitutions to the specific implementations disclosed herein. These modifications are within the scope and intent of the appended claims. In the specification and claims, the terms “comprising,” “incorporating,” “including,” “having,” and “containing” are intended to be open-ended statements and may include additional or equivalent elements. The term “substantially” as used in the specification and claims means that the stated characteristic, parameter, or value does not need to be precisely implemented, but deviations or variations, including, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement accuracy limitations, and other factors known to those skilled in the art, may occur in an amount that does not preclude the effect that the characteristic is intended to provide. As used herein, the terms “outer” and “inner” and “upper” and “lower” are used to describe relative positioning and, in addition to the specific implementations disclosed, may be replaced by appropriate descriptors depending on the orientation of the actual implementation, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” or “right” and “left.”

Claims

1. A three-piece safety clamp (20), the three-piece safety clamp comprising: The central portion (102) has a central top surface (111), a flat first outer surface (112), a flat second outer surface (114), and a channel (118), the second outer surface being oriented opposite to the first outer surface, and the channel being configured to receive a tensioning and compression member (37). The left portion (202) is connected adjacent to the first outer surface and has a flat first inner surface that is received against the first outer surface and a left top surface (210) that is coplanar with the central top surface. as well as The right side portion (302) is connected adjacent to the second outer surface and has a flat second inner surface (309) that is received against the second outer surface and a right top surface (310) that is coplanar with the central top surface. The central top surface (111), the left top surface (210), and the right top surface (310) provide a single flat top surface (113) for the three-piece safety clamp (20). The central portion (102) has a central top flange (104) having a central top surface (111) having a first plurality of holes (120) configured to receive a first plurality of fasteners (122a), the left portion (202) has a left top flange (204) having a left top surface (210) having a plurality of holes (220) for receiving a second plurality of fasteners (122b), and the right portion (302) has a right top flange (304) having a right top surface (310) having a third plurality of holes (320) for receiving a third plurality of fasteners (122c), wherein the first plurality of fasteners, the second plurality of fasteners, and the third plurality of fasteners have equal clamping lengths (123).

2. The three-piece safety clamp according to claim 1, wherein, The central portion includes: The main body portion (106) has a left inner flange (108a) and a right inner flange (108b) that hang vertically from the central top flange; and Left inner flange (110a) and right inner flange (110b), the left inner flange extending rearward from the left inner flange and the right inner flange extending rearward from the right inner flange; The left inner flange and the left inner shank together form a flat first outer surface, and the right inner flange and the right inner shank together form a flat second outer surface.

3. The three-piece safety clamp according to claim 2, wherein, The left-hand portion includes: Left outer flange (206), the left outer flange hanging vertically from the left top flange; and Left outer foot (208) extends rearward from the left outer flange, wherein the left outer flange and the left outer foot together form a flat first inner surface.

4. The three-piece safety clamp according to claim 3, wherein, The right-hand portion includes: Right outer flange (306), the right outer flange hanging vertically from the right top flange; and The right outer shank (308) extends rearward from the right outer flange, wherein the right outer flange and the right outer shank together form a flat second inner surface.

5. The three-piece safety clamp according to claim 4, wherein, The central top flange has a first thickness (130), the left top flange has a second thickness (230), and the right top flange has a third thickness (330), wherein the first thickness, the second thickness, and the third thickness are equal.

6. The three-piece safety clamp according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The first hole array (128a) in the left inner flange is concentrically aligned with the first mating hole array (228a) in the left outer flange; The second hole array (128b) in the right inner flange is concentrically aligned with the second mating hole array (328a) in the right outer flange; The third hole array (129a) in the left inner shank is concentrically aligned with the third mating hole array (229a) in the left outer shank; and The fourth hole array (129b) in the right inner foot is concentrically aligned with the fourth mating hole array (329b) in the right outer foot.

7. The three-piece safety clamp according to claim 6, wherein, The first hole array, the first mating hole array, the third hole array, and the third mating hole array receive a first plurality of field fasteners (124) to secure the left portion to the center portion; and The second hole array, the second mating hole array, the fourth hole array, and the fourth mating hole array receive a second plurality of field fasteners (126) to secure the right side portion to the center portion.

8. The three-piece safety clamp according to claim 7, wherein, The geometric arrangement of the first mating hole array, the second mating hole array, the third mating hole array, and the fourth mating hole array is configured to surround a potential propagating crack in either the left outer flange or the right outer flange, or in either the left outer shank or the right outer shank.

9. The three-piece safety clamp according to claim 7, wherein, The geometry of the first hole array, the second hole array, the third hole array, and the fourth hole array is configured to surround a potential propagating crack in either the left inner flange or the right inner flange, or in either the left inner shank or the right inner shank.

10. An aircraft (10) having a wing (12) with an operating flap system, the system comprising: Multiple flaps (14), each flap having multiple flap supports; At least one actuator (22), said at least one actuator being supported in at least one of the plurality of flap supports; At least one support beam (30) for supporting one of the plurality of flaps, the support beam being rotatably engaged in at least one flap support rib (23); Tensioning and compression member (37), said tensioning and compression member being engaged with said flap support rib; A three-piece safety clamp (20), the three-piece safety clamp being connected to the lower surface (35) of the wing and having: The central portion (102) has a central top surface (111) received on the lower surface, a flat first outer surface (112) and a flat second outer surface (114) and a channel (118), the second outer surface being oriented opposite to the first outer surface, and the channel being configured to receive the tensioning and compression member (37). The left side portion (202) is connected adjacent to the first outer surface and has a flat first inner surface that is received against the first outer surface and a left top surface (210) that is coplanar with the central top surface and received on the lower surface. as well as The right side portion (302) is connected adjacent to the second outer surface and has a flat second inner surface (309) that is received against the second outer surface and a right top surface (310) that is coplanar with the central top surface and received on the lower surface. The central top surface (111), the left top surface (210), and the right top surface (310) provide a single flat top surface (113) for the three-piece safety clamp (20). The central portion (102) has a central top flange (104) having a central top surface (111) having a first plurality of holes (120) configured to receive a first plurality of fasteners (122a), the left portion (202) has a left top flange (204) having a left top surface (210) having a second plurality of holes (220) for receiving a second plurality of fasteners (122b), and the right portion (302) has a right top flange (304) having a right top surface (310) having a third plurality of holes (320) for receiving a third plurality of fasteners (122c), wherein the first plurality of fasteners, the second plurality of fasteners, and the third plurality of fasteners have equal clamping lengths (123) for connecting to the lower surface.

11. The aircraft according to claim 10, wherein, The left-hand portion includes: Left outer flange (206), the left outer flange hanging vertically from the left top flange; and Left outer foot (208) extends rearward from the left outer flange, wherein the left outer flange and the left outer foot together form a flat first inner surface.

12. The aircraft of claim 11, wherein the right-side portion comprises: Right outer flange (306), the right outer flange hanging vertically from the right top flange; as well as The right outer shank (308) extends rearward from the right outer flange, wherein the right outer flange and the right outer shank together form a flat second inner surface.

13. The aircraft according to claim 12, wherein, The central top flange has a first thickness (130), the left top flange has a second thickness (230), and the right top flange has a third thickness (330), wherein the first thickness, the second thickness, and the third thickness are equal.

14. A method for engaging a tensioning and compression member with a three-piece safety clamp, the method comprising: A central portion having a central top surface is received on the lower surface of the wing, the central portion having a left inner flange and a left inner shank with a flat first outer surface and a right inner flange and a right inner shank with a flat second outer surface, the second outer surface being oriented opposite to the first outer surface; The left portion is connected to the left outer flange and the left outer shank by a first plurality of field fasteners adjacent to the first outer surface. The left portion has a flat first inner surface that is received against the first outer surface and a left top surface that is coplanar with the central top surface and received on the lower surface. The right side portion is connected to the right outer flange and the right outer shank by a second plurality of field fasteners adjacent to the second outer surface. The right side portion has a flat first inner surface that is received against the first outer surface and a right top surface that is coplanar with the central top surface and received on the lower surface. as well as The tensioning and compression member is received in the channel between the left inner foot and the right inner foot located in the central portion. The central top surface (111), the left top surface (210), and the right top surface (310) provide a single flat top surface (113) for the three-piece safety clamp (20). The central portion (102) has a central top flange (104) having a central top surface (111) having a first plurality of holes (120) configured to receive a first plurality of fasteners (122a), the left portion (202) has a left top flange (204) having a left top surface (210) having a plurality of holes (220) for receiving a second plurality of fasteners (122b), and the right portion (302) has a right top flange (304) having a right top surface (310) having a third plurality of holes (320) for receiving a third plurality of fasteners (122c), wherein the first plurality of fasteners, the second plurality of fasteners, and the third plurality of fasteners have equal clamping lengths (123).

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: Align the first hole array in the left inner flange of the left side portion with the first mating hole array in the left outer flange concentrically; as well as Align the second hole array in the right inner flange with the second mating hole array in the right outer flange concentrically.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: Align the third hole array in the left inner foot with the third mating hole array in the left outer foot concentrically; as well as Align the fourth hole array in the right inner foot with the fourth mating hole array in the right outer foot concentrically.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: The first mating hole array, the second mating hole array, the third mating hole array, and the fourth mating hole array are geometrically arranged to surround a potential propagating crack in either the left outer flange or the right outer flange, or in either the left outer shank or the right outer shank.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: The first hole array, the second hole array, the third hole array, and the fourth hole array are geometrically arranged to surround a potential propagating crack in either the left inner flange or the right inner flange, or in either the left inner foot or the right inner foot.

Images