Multi-stage drive mechanisms

摘要

A multi-stage drive includes a linear actuator configured for linear movement along an actuation axis, and a control surface. The control surface is operatively connected to the linear actuator for rotation about a deployment axis in a deployment stage, and for rotation in a control stage about a control axis that is different from the deployment axis, so that movement of the linear actuator along the actuation axis drives rotation of the control surface in both the deployment stage and in the control stage.

主权项

1. A multi-stage drive for deploying and controlling a control surface comprising:
a linear actuator configured for linear movement along an actuation axis; and a control surface operatively connected to the linear actuator for rotation about a deployment axis in a deployment stage, and for rotation in a control stage about a control axis that is different from the deployment axis, so that movement of the linear actuator along the actuation axis drives rotation of the control surface in both the deployment stage and in the control stage; and a lock operatively connected to the linear actuator and control surface to lock the control surface against rotation around the control axis in the deployment stage, and to lock the control surface against rotation around the deployment axis in the control stage, wherein the lock includes a link having a first end operatively connected to the control surface for rotation of the control surface around the control axis, wherein the link further includes a second end engaging a swivel cap, and wherein the swivel cap includes a rim that prevents movement of the second end of the link beyond the swivel cap in the deployment stage to prevent movement of the link about the control axis, and wherein the rim of the swivel cap includes a notch that permits movement of the second end of the link in the control stage to allow rotation of the link about the control axis.