Propeller locking mechanism
AssigneePipistrel d.o.o.
InventorTadej Kosel
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A propeller locking mechanism for an aircraft includes a mounting ring having a locking extension with an aperture. A solenoid is configured with a solenoid pin which interacts with a first arm of a lever. The lever includes a pivotable second arm configured with a spring and locking pin. The second arm is able to pivot and insert the locking pin into the aperture of the locking extension on the mounting ring. The spring biases the locking pin in the locked orientation. Upon sufficient motor torque, the spring force is overcome allowing the locking pin to be removed from the aperture and the mounting ring to be unlocked.
Claims15
A propeller locking mechanism for an aircraft, the propeller locking mechanism comprising:
- a mounting ring having a locking extension, wherein the mounting ring is configured for mounting to an aircraft motor rotor;
- a solenoid mount mechanically coupled to an aircraft, wherein the solenoid mount comprises a solenoid and a lever operatively coupled to the solenoid, such that the solenoid is configured to pivot the lever within the solenoid mount;
- a locking pin pivotally coupled to a first arm of the lever, wherein the locking pin is configured for insertion into an aperture of the locking extension for locking the mounting ring;
- and
- the solenoid is configured to pivot the lever in a first direction for removal of the locking pin from the aperture for unlocking the mounting ring.
A method for a propeller locking mechanism for an aircraft, the method comprising:
- engaging a locking pin in an aperture of a mounting ring for securing the locking pin to the mounting ring, wherein the mounting ring is mounted to a propeller hub and the locking pin is pivotally coupled to an aircraft via a lever;
- actuating the lever via a solenoid for retrieving the locking pin from the aperture thereby unlocking the mounting ring;
- biasing the locking pin with a spring such that upon release of the lever via the solenoid, the spring biases the locking pin into the aperture.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.