Devices and Methods to Verify Main Rotor Swashplate Positioning
AssigneeBell Helicopter Textron Inc.
InventorsChad R. Haugeberg, Bradley D. Linton
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device to verify main rotor swashplate positioning includes an inner surface of a first section and a gradient surface of a second section. The gradient surface of the second section may have a plurality of graduation indications. In one implementation, the inner surface of the first section at least partially defines a travel arc that is parallel to and concentric with the inner surface. In such an implementation, the device may be configured to move along the travel arc as it rotates about a collective sleeve to contact a swashplate lug.
Claims20
A device to verify main rotor swashplate positioning, comprising:
- an inner surface of a first section;
- and
- a gradient surface of a second section having a plurality of graduation indications.
A method of verifying main rotor swashplate positioning of a rotorcraft comprising:
- providing a verification device;
- placing an inner surface of the verification device in contact with a convex curvature of a collective sleeve of a main rotor mast;
- placing at least one of an upper and lower surface of the verification device in contact with a corresponding flange of the collective sleeve;
- rotating the verification device around the collective sleeve;
- contacting a swashplate lug of the main rotor swashplate by a gradient surface of the verification device;
- measuring, by a plurality of graduation indications on the gradient surface, a height of the swashplate lug;
- and
- evaluating if the measured height is within an acceptable range.
A method of verifying main rotor rigging of a rotorcraft comprising:
- determining, using a verification tool, whether first, second, and third swashplate lugs of a swashplate assembly that are coupled to respective first, second, and third actuators assemblies are positioned according to a predetermined angle relative to a main rotor mast and at a predetermined collective height;
- adjusting adjustable rod ends coupled to the first, second, and third actuators assemblies;
- and
- determining, using the verification tool, whether the swashplate lugs of the swashplate assembly are positioned according to the predetermined angle relative to the main rotor mast and at the predetermined collective height.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.