Aircraft Power-Split Transmission for Multi-Mode Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-mode aircraft often have excess weight, design complexity, and maintenance requirements due to the need for multiple powerplants and drive systems to accommodate various propulsion modes.
Innovation Solution
A power-split transmission system that utilizes a sun gear, planetary carrier, ring gear, and resistance devices to direct power from a single powerplant to multiple power outputs, such as rotors and ducted fans, allowing for efficient transitions between propulsion modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate powerplants and drive systems are used for rotors and high-speed flight propulsion, then the aircraft can operate in multiple propulsion modes, but the aircraft experiences extra unused weight and design complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple powerplants and drive systems into a single integrated powerplant with a power-split transmission system. The transmission system uses a sun gear, planetary carrier, and ring gear to split power to multiple outputs (rotors and pusher propeller), eliminating the need for separate powerplants for different flight modes while maintaining multi-mode operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single powerplant and power-split transmission system perform multiple functions by directing power to different outputs based on flight mode requirements. The transmission system can simultaneously or selectively power rotors for vertical flight, pusher propeller for high-speed flight, or combine both, making the system universal across different propulsion modes
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate powerplants and drive systems are used for rotors and high-speed flight propulsion, then the aircraft can operate in multiple propulsion modes, but the aircraft experiences increased design complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive systems into a single integrated power-split transmission system that manages power distribution to multiple outputs. This merger reduces the number of separate drive systems from two or more to one unified system, thereby reducing design complexity while preserving multi-mode capability
Solution Approach 2:
The power-split transmission system acts as an intermediary between the single powerplant and multiple propulsion outputs. It mediates power distribution by using planetary gear mechanisms to split and direct power to rotors, pusher propeller, or both simultaneously, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to direct separate drive systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate powerplants and drive systems are used for rotors and high-speed flight propulsion, then the aircraft can operate in multiple propulsion modes, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple powerplants into a single powerplant with an integrated power-split transmission system. This consolidation reduces the total number of components requiring maintenance from multiple separate powerplants and drive systems to one unified system, thereby reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining multi-mode operational capability
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-mode aircraft power-split-transmission system includes a rotational power input and a power-split transmission. The power-split transmission includes a sun gear, a planetary carrier, a ring gear, a first rotational power output, and a second rotational power output. The multi-mode aircraft power-split-transmission system also includes a first resistance device coupled to the first rotational power output and fixed to an airframe of the multi-mode aircraft and a second resistance device coupled to the second rotational power output and fixed to the airframe. Operation of the first resistance device causes power received from the rotational power input to be directed to the second rotational power output.