Rotor hub mounted actuator for controlling a blade on a rotorcraft

• Main Authors: Torok, Michael S, Welsh, William A, Zipfel, Jr., George Gustave, Terpay, Gregory Weston, Lee, Ka-Shu, Vanderbeck, William Edward
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 12.03.2002

This application is related to a co-pending application entitled "Permanent Magnet Phase-Control Motor", Ser. No. 09/624,554 filed concurrently herewith, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. A hub mounted actuation system for providing control of a portion of a rotor blade, such as a flap, on a rotorcraft. The rotor blade is attached to a rotor shaft that rotates with respect to an airframe. The hub mounted actuation system includes a stationary support mounted to the airframe and a rotary support attached to the rotor shaft for concomitant rotation therewith. At least one hub actuator rotates in combination with the rotor blade and includes a piston which is slidable within a housing. The piston and housing define a pressure chamber within the actuator which contains a fluid to be pressurized. A displacement control device is disposed between the stationary support and the rotary support for controlling movement of the piston within the housing. A linkage connects the hub actuator to the portion of the blade to be controlled. The linkage is adapted to displace the blade portion as a function of the movement of the piston within the housing.