Thrust vector adjustment device

Abstract

The present invention provides a robust means of adjusting the angular mounting of thrust producing devices such as airplane engines. The device provides independent adjustment of the thrust vector for each axis and offset adjustment to maintain the center line of the engine. A means of indicating the angle of adjustment is inherent in the design. The invention also provides for an opening along the centerline to accommodate power take-off shafts or to mount jet or ducted fan engines.

What we claim is:  
     
         1 . The invention provides stable mounting with adjustable thrust vector control for motors and engines for model aircraft or remotely piloted vehicles comprising: 
 a disk for each axis that by rotating said disk provides an angular change of the thrust vector for one axis without effecting the thrust vector of the other axis,    an indicator on each adjustment disk that gives an indication of the setting for that axis,    provision for adjustment in translation for each axis to counteract the induced translation along that axis when the angular change is made in the thrust vector.    
     
     
         2 . The method for providing the adjustment in  claim 1  in both the Y and X axes is by the rotation of angular plates (wedges), one set for each axis.  
     
     
         3 . Plates in  claim 2  that have different angles for each axis, thus providing a different range of adjustment for each axis.  
     
     
         4 . One or more additional adjusting plates from  claim 3  to provide coarse pointing (one pair of plates) and fine pointing (the second pair of plates).  
     
     
         5 . For devices to be pointed or vectored which require a centerline opening (as in a piston engine with a rear power take-off, a jet engine or a ducted fan engine) a clearance hole through the center is provided.