Vibration-damping plain bearings for microlight aircraft controls

The project deals with the development of the control system for an ultralight aircraft. The two parallel positions of the pilots each have a pedal (for the control system of the rudder) and a control bar (for the control system of the ailerons and the balancer) with synchronised movements. A torque tube in the centre and at the ends of the chain link, which leads to the transmission chain and to the levers of the pilots, is under the influence of radial as well as axial loads. During flight operation, there must be no jerky and undesirable flight movements so that the pedals must always react very precisely and smoothly. They must also move easily, smoothly and synchronised.

In view of the estimated considerable axial load, metal reinforcements were designed to span the connection and rest on the screw. The bearings are also subjected to high loads. The drylin® linear bearings were chosen for various reasons. They offer high performance and flexibility at a favourable purchase price. They are easy and economical to maintain. If necessary, it would also be very economical in terms of spare parts costs. The plastic carrier can isolate some of the vibration unavoidably generated by the aeroplane and is therefore vibration-damping. No lubricants are required for gliding, so no binding agents need to be provided. This also means that cleaning is much easier due to the lack of greasy lubricants.