An actuating system 200 has a rotatable member 220a with a planar control surface (fig.3a,30a,30b) extending perpendicularly from the periphery, rotatable relative to a fixed member 220b. At least one actuator 210 is coupled to both members, in use when a first actuator is in a first configuration the rotatable member is rotated so that the control surface is arranged in a first position (fig.3a), and in a second configuration a second position (fig.3b). The control surface may have a portion for controlling the direction of a vehicle, such as an aircraft. The members may be annular and the actuator may be a piston connected, by a universal joint for example, to both members. Preferably pairs of actuators are used with one expanding and the other retracting to cause rotation. Preferably, three pairs of pistons are used, defining an elongate space with the annular members at the longitudinal ends; an engine may be disposed within the space. At least one actuator may be configured to incline the central axis of the rotatable member with respect to the central axis of the fixed member in order to change a flow path through the actuating system (fig.5b).
Actuating system
2019-02-27
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch