US 12,071,222 B2
Flight control device and method for increased rigging precision
Daniel Henry Roberts, Monrovia, CA (US); Tyler Quincey Curtis, Rockford, MI (US); and Richard Strong Wallace, Jr., Saint Joseph, MI (US)
Assigned to EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED, Dublin (IE)
Filed by Eaton Intelligent Power Limited, Dublin (IE)
Filed on May 27, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/826,684.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/194,581, filed on May 28, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0380022 A1, Dec. 1, 2022
Int. Cl. B64C 13/50 (2006.01)
CPC B64C 13/50 (2013.01) 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
7. A method of controlling a movement of a flight control member adapted to be mounted on an aircraft wing, the flight control member includes a plurality of actuators, the method comprising:
providing the plurality of actuators for moving the flight control member relative to a main body of the aircraft wing, the plurality of actuators being mechanically isolated from one another except for their mutual connection to the flight control member; and
controlling actuation of the plurality of actuators such that the plurality of actuators cooperate to apply torsional loading to the flight control member to reduce or eliminate backlash;
wherein the flight control member includes an electronic controller for coordinating operation of the plurality of actuators as the flight control member is moved relative to the main body of the wing;
wherein the method comprises determining in flight when the flight control member is in at least one predetermined position relative to the main body of the wing, and wherein the determination that the flight control member is in the at least one predetermined position causes the electronic controller to implement programming which controls actuation of the plurality of actuators such that the plurality of actuators cooperate to apply torsional loading to the flight control member to reduce or eliminate the backlash.