Vibration-damping plain bearings for microlight aircraft controls

• What was needed: drylin®- linear plain bearing
• Requirements: The steering must always react very precisely and smoothly. In addition, the pedals must be able to move easily, smoothly and synchronised. As high axial and radial forces act on the steering system, the bearings must also be able to withstand high forces.
• Industry: Aerospace, aviation industry
• Success for the customer: The customer decided in favour of the drylin® bearings for several reasons: They are vibration-damping and lubricant- and maintenance-free. The material specification allows a high force absorption, while at the same time the customer saves costs both in acquisition and in ongoing operation.

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.