Method and apparatus for deploying an auxiliary lift foil

Abstract

Apparatus connecting an auxiliary lift foil, such as a flap or slat, to a main lift element. The apparatus comprises: a drop link pivotally coupled to the main lift element by a first hinge and to the auxiliary lift foil by a second hinge, wherein the drop link is substantially rigid between the first and second hinges; and a linkage mechanism pivotally coupled to the auxiliary lift foil by a third hinge which is spaced from the second hinge, and to the main lift element by as fourth hinge. The linkage mechanism comprises: a second link pivotally coupled to the airfoil by the third hinge; a third link pivotally coupled to the drop link and/or the auxiliary lift foil by a fifth hinge; and a lever pivotally coupled to the main lift element by a fourth hinge, to the second link by a sixth hinge, and to the third link by a seventh hinge. The drop link is rotated clockwise about the first hinge. In a first phase the auxiliary lift foil is rotated anticlockwise about the second hinge relative to the drop link, and in a second phase it is rotated clockwise about the second hinge relative to the drop link.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.