GB613199A - Improvements connected with the adjustment of rudder pedals on aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

613,199. Hydraulic machines. HELLIWELLS, Ltd., and PICKRELL, S. H. June 15, 1946, No. 18044. [Class 69 (ii)] [Also in Groups XXIV and XXXIII] The setting of the rudder pedals of aircraft may be adjusted to suit the length of the pilot's legs without affecting the rudder, the pedals being locked after adjustment by closing solenoid-operated valves in a hydraulic interconnection of the pedals. The pilot is assisted in making the adjustment either by a device which automatically locks the pedals after they have moved to a position previously determined by the pilot or by a dial indicating the setting of the pedals. The block o<1> in Fig. 1 slides on a shaft o to control the rudder and is moved by a pedal a connected to the block o by a linkage comprising a link j, a cylinder c and a link k<1> connected to a pistonrod on a piston sliding within the cylinder c. Adjustment of the pedal a relatively to the block o thus involves movement of the piston. The spaces on either side of the piston in the cylinders c corresponding to the two pedals a are cross-connected as shown in Fig. 4 by conduits c<2> through a valve d<1> controlled by a solenoid d. Thus, when the valve d<1> is opened by operation of the solenoid d, the pistons c<1> may be moved in the cylinders c, in one direction by the pressure of the pilot's feet and in the other direction by a spring (not shown) in the cylinders, thus adjusting the setting of the pedals a. A Bowden cable g3 secured at g<4> to the cylinder c is wound round a drum on which may be mounted a dial indicating the setting of the pedals. Alternatively, the drum may form part of a mechanism which closes the switch operating the solenoid d to keep the pedals unlocked, until the setting of the pedals, as shown by the position of the drum, corresponds to the position to which the pilot has turned a control knob to predetermine the setting of the pedals.