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:
12/13/1999
Inventors:
Kenneth E. Griffin; Robert P. Guillot; Damin J. Siler
Full Text: