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 (14) having a first portion (16) with a first rotation point (18) and a fourth rotation point (20) aft of the first rotation point. A flap carrier beam (22) supports an aerodynamic flap (12) and has a second rotation point (24) at a forward end and a third rotation point (26) within a nose contour (28) of the flap aft of the second rotation point. A first link (30) interconnects the first rotation point (18) and second rotation point (24) and a second link (32) interconnects the third rotation point (26) and fourth rotation point (20). The support beam (14) further has a second portion (34) extending angularly forward from the first portion and with a fifth rotation point (36) at a forward end for ground connection on a first fixed axis of rotation. A connection link (40) has a sixth rotation point (42) at a forward end for ground connection on a second fixed axis of rotation and a seventh rotation point (46) connected to the first link (30) intermediate the first (18) and second (24) rotation points. An actuator (48) is connected with a drive link (50) pivotally engaged to the first link (30). 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.