AIRCRAFT FLAP MECHANISM HAVING COMPACT LARGE FOWLER MOTION PROVIDING MULTIPLE CRUISE POSITIONS

摘要

A trailing edge flap mechanism incorporates a hinged quadrilateral linkage for large Fowler extension, trailing edge viable camber and droop motion. The linkage includes a support beam having a first portion with a first rotation point and a fourth rotation point aft of the first rotation point. A flap carrier beam supports an aerodynamic flap and has a second rotation point at a forward end and a third rotation point within a nose contour of the flap aft of the second rotation point. A first link interconnects the first rotation point and second rotation point and a second link interconnects the third rotation point and fourth rotation point. The support beam further has a second portion extending angularly forward from the first portion and with a fifth rotation point at a forward end for ground connection on a first fixed axis of rotation. A connection link has a sixth rotation point at a forward end for ground connection on a second fixed axis of rotation and a seventh rotation point connected to the first link intermediate the first and second rotation points. An actuator is connected with a drive link pivotally engaged to the first link. Actuation by the drive link provides initial forward and aft movement of a nose profile of the Fowler flap substantially parallel to the wing lower surface with extending aft movement providing a rapidly changing angle of the flap with respect to the wing upper surface.