Need Inspiration. Any other type of linkage?

[diarmaid]

Hi,

I need to be able to move the two rear surfaces independently when the handle shown is moved on the X axis. This is shown in Diagram No.1. When moving on the X axis only the inner rods move.

I also need to move them together in tandem when the handle is moved on the Y axis as shown in Diagram No.2. When moving on the Y axis the inner rods and the outer tubes move.

This allows them to be moved in tandem on the Y axis, and then while in such a position to still control them independantly with the X axis.

Im was planning to do this using flexible push rods contained in tubing as you can see in the third diagram.

Now my problem is this: It looks fine in this diagram, but in the actual application the rods are longer with three 90deg bends in them, and spread out by approx 18inches where they connect to the moving planes with a person and other apparatus in between. Therefore there is not much free space to allow the entire mechanism to move for the Y axis.

Can any clever machinists devise and/or suggest a better linkage mechanism which will still allow the required movement types.

One condition! I'd prefer to keep it mechanical as opposed to going down the electronic route.

If no-one has any suggestion its ok, I'll figure something out, but I probably wont use any suggestions in their entireity anyway. Just looking for some inspiration.

[fkaCarel]

This is my last hurdle in the design of my Personal Air Vehicle before I send off the patent.

If an inventor wants to patent something, I would at least expect that the inventor invents the to be patented thing himself. This is a contradictio in terminus.

[diarmaid]

lol. I said I just need some inspiration with one tiny little linkage mechanism in a large and detailed vehicle. Im not going to try and patent the linkage's m8! I just need to know for myself how Im going to buid the damn thing before I submit it. I want to know how people have or would have done this, dont re-invent the wheel, keep it nice and basic, and any proven off the shelf components are great. What Im patenting is what I put together to achieve an aim, not the specific components involved. All components are very simple and have been around longer than me.

[diarmaid]

I've been looking again at my drawings and I think I might after all have space for the push rod linkages as above. The rotating coupling on the control surface pivot point is only small, therefore the movement of the rods themselves can be kept to a minimum and still give enough surface movement. If necessary I can move the surfaces back and/or the pilot forward. I working on drawing this up now. I figure I'll make the control mechanisms myself by filling aluminium tubing with correct inner diameter with grease, and then I just have to buy some nice stiff multi-strand wire from 5 to 10mm in diameter. Any ideas where I can get this would be good.
Edit: Im not going to patent the place I get the wire from!! hehehe

[Kipper]

Diarmaid, have you seen the remote control linkages on various FC trucks? It seems they are what you're looking for! Multi strand wire and solid rod poking out either end hth

[diarmaid]

Thanks Kipper. I looked but cant find any. I've finished my CAD and it will work I think. Any links?

[Rich Carlstedt]

Check out a 'Scotch Yoke" motion...maybe that will help
Rich

[Adobe Machine]

Try Morse Cables, (or their equivlant)they have several different series, built and flew a home built 'copter using Morse cables for controls..Other ideas are sealed,non- boosted hydraulics with flexable lines,you can move mountains with hydraulics...several types of aircraft use hydraulics as primary,then mechanical as redundant. Sounds like your project is fun..are you going to test fly it yourself ?

Adobe (old as dirt )

[Kipper]

Heres a picture to start you off....Oh and remember "Google is your friend"