Aileron segment control for a flaperon system

摘要

An improved control system for the aileron segment of a combined flap and aileron (flaperon) wherein the flaperon, supported, extended and retracted by conventional means, is described. It consists of a splined shaft rotatably mounted on an aircraft wing, its longitudinal axis being substantially aligned with the extension and retraction path of the flap. A transfer gear box slidably engages the splined shaft and is supported by a roller assembly engaging a support track which is mounted in the wing and runs substantially parallel to the splined shaft. The transfer gear box incorporates gears to transfer rotation of the splined shaft, via a second angularly adjustable shaft, to an aileron segment rotation mechanism located on the flaperon at the axis of rotation of the aileron segment. Rotation of the aileron segment is accomplished by rotating the splined shaft, regardless of the location or movement of the flap; this by virtue of the fact that the transfer gear box slides along the splined shaft, maintaining at all times a fixed distance between itself and the aileron segment rotation mechanism. A torque multiplier increases that torque when transmitted through small light-weight components, to the magnitude required for aileron actuation.