Abstract
A segmented rotatable beam provides a spar or rib in an aircraft wing. The rotatable beam has a variable stiffness dependent upon the radial orientation of the rotatable beam about a longitudinal axis of the beam. The segmented rotatable beam comprises a plurality of tubular segments that are pivotly interconnected by connecting beam links that are rotatably mounted in bearings disposed along the longitudinal axis of the beam.
Patent Number
6,000,660
Date Of Issue
Inventors
Kenneth E. Griffin; Robert P. Guillot; Damin J. Siler