Adjustable Blade Balance Module External Weight Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for balancing rotating blades in systems like rotorcraft and wind turbines are time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring access to the interior of the blades for weight adjustments, which is inefficient and intrusive.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of adjustable blade balance modules that allow for external adjustment of weights within the blades, using a frame with retainers and an adjustment screw mechanism, enabling manual or automated balancing without opening the blade, and incorporating stepper motors for real-time adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional weight pockets with removable covers are used for blade balancing, then weight adjustment is possible, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the balancing weight adjustment mechanism from the interior of the blade by providing access ports that allow weights to be added or removed from the exterior. This eliminates the need to open internal weight pockets, significantly reducing the time and labor required for balancing operations while maintaining the ability to adjust weights effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces access ports as intermediary structures that provide a pathway between the exterior and interior of the blade. These ports allow mechanics to add or remove balancing weights without having to disassemble or open the blade structure itself, thus simplifying the operation and reducing time loss.
2Ease of operation
If traditional weight pockets with removable covers are used for blade balancing, then weight adjustment is possible, but the process is intrusive and requires accessing the interior of the blade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the weight adjustment function from the internal blade structure by providing external access ports. This allows the balancing operation to be performed without modifying or opening the blade's internal structure, reducing structural complexity and avoiding potential damage to the blade interior.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of accessing the blade interior from the inside out (requiring cover removal and internal access), the patent inverts the approach by providing access from the outside in through sealed ports. This allows weight adjustment without intruding into the blade's internal structure, maintaining structural integrity while enabling easy operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate weight pockets are used for span-wise and chord-wise balancing, then precise balancing control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate weight pockets into a single integrated access port system. This unified structure allows mechanics to add or remove weights for both span-wise and chord-wise balancing through one access point, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining the ability to achieve precise balancing control in multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal access port structure that serves multiple functions: it allows for span-wise balancing, chord-wise balancing, and potentially other balancing operations all through a single integrated system. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate access ports for each balancing direction while maintaining full balancing capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution facilitates faster, less labor-intensive, and non-intrusive balancing of blades in both chord-wise and span-wise directions, enabling real-time adjustments and reducing the need for weight pockets, thus improving operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustment screw (113) that rotates about an axis. The adjustment screw (113) includes a threaded shaft (123) that extends along the axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
a spring-detent mechanism (142) providing incremental positioning
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable balance module for the balancing of rotatable blades. The adjustable blade balance module includes a frame that retains and covers an adjustment screw with a mass that translates along a threaded shaft of the adjustment screw. The adjustment screw is incrementally controlled by an adjustment dial that is accessible from an exterior surface of the blade.