Parker-Hannifin Corporation
ELECTROMECHANICALLY ACTUATED CONTROL ROD FOR FLIGHT VEHICLES

Abstract:

A control rod assembly is provided for moving a control surface of a flight vehicle. The control rod assembly includes a first connector for connecting to a first structure of vehicle, and a second connector for connecting to a second structure of the vehicle. A connecting rod may be operably coupled between the first and second connectors, and an actuator may be operably coupled to the connecting rod. The actuator may include a screw-and-nut assembly, and a motor that is configured to drive the screw-and-nut assembly. The actuator may be operable such that driving the screw-and-nut assembly via the motor causes the connecting rod to translate linearly along a longitudinal axis to thereby vary a distance between the first and second connectors. The actuators may be electromechanical actuators which may be controlled by a controller without pilot interaction. Two such actuators may be provided on opposite sides of the assembly.