摘要 |
An actuator system for controlling the position of an aerodynamic control surface of an aircraft is disclosed. The actuator system (10) comprises a rotary actuator (12) rotatably mounted to the aircraft structure (20) with the actuator having an output member (22) adapted to be coupled to the control surface. A latch assembly (37) is provided which is mounted to the structure which releasably engages the actuator. Preferably, the latch assembly (37) comprises a grooved flange (38) mounted on the actuator (12) and a solenoid (47) mounted to the aircraft structure which is adapted to move a locking pin (44) from a first position in engagement with the grooved flange (38) to a second position out of engagement with the groove. In a second embodiment, a second rotary actuator (114) is mounted to the aircraft structure and is adapted to rotate the actuator (81) upon its failure and after the latch assembly is activated. In a third embodiment a second rotary actuator (164) is coupled to the input shaft (160) of the actuator (150) and after the latch assembly is activated rotation of the actuator (150) is accomplished by the second rotary actuator (164) via the input shaft. In addition, should the actuator assembly fail electrically, and not be jammed, the second actuator (164) drives the input shaft which in turn drives the output member and thus the latch assembly need not be activated.
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