Fletch

I ordered the actuator and carburetor linkages for this flap assembly.

Here is the prototype assembly of the actuator / flap. This is hard to understand what I am building here... the cardboard (Pepsi box-top w/duct tape) is simulating the flap, the main plywood (plate) is representing the wing, so that the actuator would be inside the wing and is moving the linkage under the wing, which moves the flap.

Take a look at these MPEG videos to see all of this in action and you will then better understand what the design intent is and how this prototype works.

Video OPEN and another video for CLOSE

Flap down - For this prototype all the lever arms are make of wood... I thought a wood mock-up would be easier to fabricate then welding and cutting up some steel (well at least is is for me).

Flap up - the actuator is held down with a clap, this is for adjustment.... trying to optimize the parts to the best working method.

Flap up - top view

Flap down

Flap down

Flap up

The wood prototype worked, but here is the second proto type configuration, using steel levers.

To connect the actuator (round cylinder) to a carburetor linkage arm I used a square 1.5" aluminum tube, cut down the sides. Now I am pushing and pulling using center gravity, rather then just mounting the linkage to one side of the actuator (not putting a strain load on the actuator).

This is the final design on the actuator assembly, as it is mounted to the bottom of the wing.

One again I must give credit, where credit is due... this was Andy Bujtas final actuator assembly that I used as my inspiration.