Patent ID: 11971072
Assignee: MICROTECNICA S.R.L.
Field: Mechanical elements (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC F | IPC F

Claim 0:
1. A linear actuator for a helicopter rotor, the linear actuator comprising:
a bearing assembly comprising:
a housing;
a spherical bearing located within the housing;
two outer races positioned between the spherical bearing and the housing, wherein the outer races are configured in sliding engagement with the spherical bearing to allow the spherical bearing to rotate relative to the housing; and
a tightening element configured to engage a first of the two outer races and tighten the outer races against the spherical bearing, wherein the assembly is configured to provide a primary load path from the tightening element to the housing, wherein the primary load path leads from the tightening element to the housing via the outer races whilst bypassing the spherical bearing,
wherein the bearing assembly comprises a shim between the first and second outer races, and the primary load path leads through the shim,
wherein the linear actuator further comprises a shaft that extends through and is configured to move with the spherical bearing;
wherein a first portion of the spherical bearing is configured to be in sliding engagement with a first of the two outer races, a second portion of the spherical bearing is configured to be in sliding engagement with a second of the two outer races, and the spherical bearing has a third portion between the first and second portions, the third portion of the spherical bearing having a curved cross-sectional profile such that a cross-sectional profile of the first, second and third portions of the spherical bearing follows a continuous curve with a constant radius of curvature.