Adjustable Scissor Link for Helicopter Blade Track
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scissor links used as rotating scissors and pitch control rods in helicopters are not adjustable, making blade track and balance operations inefficient and requiring frequent reinstallation of resized linkages, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A dual-purpose adjustable scissor link with upper and lower components connected via a shim and stud system, allowing for adjustable length and orthogonal orientation, enabling precise adjustment of the scissor link length using a set of shims of varying thicknesses and threaded connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If scissor links are made non-adjustable with fixed length, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The scissor link is divided into multiple segments (first component, second component, and shim) that can be independently adjusted. The shim acts as a separable element between the two main components, allowing precise length adjustment without affecting the manufacturing precision of the individual components themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the length parameter of the scissor link by introducing a shim of variable thickness between the first and second components. This allows the overall length to be adjusted while maintaining the manufacturing precision of each individual component, resolving the contradiction between fixed manufacturing precision and adjustable adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If scissor links are made adjustable, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the scissor link into adjustable components (first component, second component, shim), the complexity is distributed across simple, modular elements rather than requiring a complex integrated adjustment mechanism. Each component remains relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The shim serves as an intermediary element between the first and second components, providing a simple yet effective means of adjustment. This intermediary approach avoids the need for complex integrated adjustment mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving adjustability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple resized linkages are used for different operations, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable scissor link serves multiple functions (blade track adjustment, balance operations, and various linkage configurations) through a single design. The ability to adjust the length allows one universal component to replace what would otherwise require multiple specialized linkages, eliminating repeated reinstallation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The scissor link transitions from a static fixed-length component to a dynamic adjustable-length component. This dynamic capability allows the same physical linkage to be configured for different operational requirements (blade track, balance, etc.) without requiring physical replacement, thus reducing time loss from reinstallation.
4Device complexity
If scissor link length is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the scissor link into adjustable components allows each segment to be manufactured with standard precision, while the overall precision is achieved through the selective assembly of shims. This maintains structural simplicity while improving length precision.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing the shim as a variable parameter element, the invention allows precise control of the overall length without requiring complex manufacturing processes for each individual component. The simplicity of the structure is maintained while achieving high precision through parameter adjustment during assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A scissor link includes a first component defining a first bore and including first outer pads defining first and second holes and a first recession defining a first threaded hole, a second component defining a second bore and including second outer pads defining third and fourth holes and a second recession defining a second threaded hole, a shim disposable between the first and second outer pads of the first and second components, a stud to engage with each of the first and second threaded holes to tighten the first and second components about the shim and flanking bolts insertible through respective pairs of the first through fourth holes of the first and second components.