Systems and Methods for a Selectively Engageable Shaft Lock and Drive Device Priority
AssigneeGeneral Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc.
InventorRichard W. Schroeder
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention provides an apparatus and methods directed to a selectively engageable shaft locking device. In one embodiment, a shaft lock device is presented which enables the testing of the shaft and shaft drive device without engaging the drive mechanism into a fully operational state. Another embodiment provides the ability to return the shaft lock device to a storage state after full engagement. The present invention also provides for methods of testing a selective shaft lock device according to the disclosures contained herein.
Claims24
A locking device comprising:
- a shaft having a first and a second end;
- a first coupling mechanism having a selectively engageable first major surface, said first coupling mechanism being rotateably mounted to said shaft;
- a drive device operably connected to said first coupling mechanism;
- a second coupling mechanism having a selectively engageable second major surface, said second coupling mechanism fixedly mounted to said shaft in the axial direction of said shaft and movably engaged along the longitudinal dimension of said shaft, said second coupling mechanism being disposed between said first coupling mechanism and said second end of said shaft;
- a mounting surface, said mounting surface being fixedly engaged with said shaft,
- a rotation prevention device operably connected to said second coupling mechanism and said mounting surface;
- and
- a stored energy device disposed between said second coupling mechanism and said mounting surface;
- wherein a force applied to said drive device causes axial rotation of the first coupling mechanism relative to the shaft such that the selectively engageable major surfaces of the coupling mechanisms align and are engaged by application of force from the stored energy device thereby disengaging the rotation prevention device and permitting the actuator to control axial rotation of the shaft.
A method of testing an aerodynamic surface prior to flight, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a locking device comprising a shaft having a first and a second end, an aerodynamic surface fixedly connected to said first end of said shaft, a first coupling mechanism having a selectively engageable first major surface, said first coupling mechanism being rotateably mounted to said shaft, a drive device operably connected to said first coupling mechanism, a second coupling mechanism having a selectively engageable second major surface, said second coupling mechanism fixedly mounted to said shaft in the axial direction of said shaft and movably engaged along the longitudinal dimension of said shaft, said second coupling mechanism being disposed between said first coupling mechanism and said second end of said shaft, a rotation prevention device operably connected to said second coupling mechanism, a mounting surface, said mounting surface being fixedly engaged with said shaft, and a stored energy device disposed between said second coupling mechanism and said mounting surface;
- exerting a force against said drive device of said locking device such that said first coupling mechanism rotates about said shaft to a sufficient degree to cause said selectively engageable first major surface of said first coupling mechanism to engage with said selectively engageable second major surface of said second coupling mechanism;
- and
- verifying the control characteristics of said aerodynamic surface by correlating the operation of said drive device with the corresponding movements of said aerodynamic surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.