US 4,536,114 A · Variable length strut with longitudinal compliance and locking capability

Abstract

A variable length strut device (A) is illustrated for connecting two associated structures which includes an outer load bearing shell (B), a drive assembly (C), a length varying compliance assembly (D) positioned by drive assembly (C), and a strut rod locking assembly (E). Load bearing shell (B) includes a connecting part (32) adapted for connection to a first associated structure. A strut connection rod (58) has a connecting part (88) adapted for connection to a second associated structure and a distal end having a piston driver (74) slidably carried in a housing 44 of compliance assembly (D). Two compliance pistons (62, 64) act in opposing directions on the piston driver to provide longitudinal compliance in a compliance mode of operation. Locking assembly (E) includes locking balls (90) which are urged in a locking ring (92) as locking bolt (82) is urged to the left by fluid pressure. Microswitches (41) sense the displacement of pistons (62, 64) away from the internal ring (60) to bring the pistons to a neutral position wherein the pistons are in contact with the internal ring (60) when it is desired to do so as effected by a control source (112).

Claims12

Dependent claims

A variable length strut device with longitudinal compliance and longitudinal locking capability comprising:

an outer load bearing shell having a barrel;
an end fitting carried on one end of said barrel including a first connecting part for connecting to an associated structure;
a second end fitting carried on a second end of said barrel;
a slidable compliance assembly received in the interior of said barrel;
means for restraining relative rotational movement between said compliance assembly and said barrel;
drive means for driving and positioning said compliance assembly slidably in said barrel;
a strut connecting rod carried by said compliance assembly extending through said second end fitting in a slidable manner;
a second connecting part carried by said strut connecting rod adapted for connection to a second associated structure;
compliance means connecting said strut connecting rod to said compliance assembly enabling said connecting rod to move relative to said compliance assembly housing to accommodate axial thrusts from said strut device in opposing directions;
and
means for locking said strut preventing sliding and compliance of said strut in a longitudinal direction.

8 more elements

A variable length strut device comprising:

an outer load bearing shell having a first end adapted for connection to a first associated structure;
a strut connection rod slidably carried by said shell having a free end adapted for connection to a second associated structure;
a compliance assembly including a housing slidably carried in said shell;
said strut rod having a second end remote from said free end slidably received within an interior of said compliance assembly housing;
biasing means acting on said second end of said strut rod resisting movement of said strut in either one of two opposing directions when operating in a compliance mode;
drive means positioning said compliance assembly housing longitudinally in said shell;
and
locking means for locking said strut rod in a longitudinal position when operating in a locked mode wherein said strut rod is prevented from sliding longitudinally relative to said shell.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Variable length strut with longitudinal compliance and locking capability

Life of this patent

Variable length strut with longitudinal compliance and locking capability

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12