Testing apparatus, systems and methods for statically determining free play of aircraft control surfaces

摘要

Testing apparatus, systems and methods are provided to obtain measurements pertaining to aircraft control surfaces mounted to stationary aircraft structures for displacements about a hinge axis. A support structure and an actuator carried by the support structure may be provided, the support structure including attachment assemblies for positionally fixing the testing apparatus to the stationary aircraft structure. The actuator carried by the support structure includes a rectilinearly movable actuator shaft which contacts the aircraft control surface when the support structure is positionally mounted to the stationary aircraft structure. Actuation of the actuator will thereby cause the actuator shaft to apply a load to the movable aircraft control surface to cause deflection thereof about the hinge axis.

主权项

1. A testing apparatus for determining free play of a movable aircraft control surface mounted to a stationary aircraft structure for displacements about a hinge axis, wherein the testing apparatus comprises:
a support structure including attachment assemblies for positionally fixing the testing apparatus to the stationary aircraft structure; an actuator carried by the support structure having a rectilinearly movable actuator shaft which contacts the aircraft control surface when the support structure is positionally mounted to the stationary aircraft structure, wherein the actuation of the actuator causes the actuator shaft to apply a load to the movable aircraft control surface to cause deflection thereof about the hinge axis; a load cell operatively connected to the actuator shaft for sensing applied loads to the aircraft control surface and outputting a load signal indicative thereof; and a displacement transducer operatively connectable to the aircraft control surface to output a deflection measurement signal indicative of the aircraft control surface.