Angled Servo Mounting Assembly for Helicopter Rotor Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current helicopter main rotor support structures are costly, heavy, and complex due to their rigid metallic construction, which fails to efficiently manage large dynamic and static loads while being difficult to manufacture and secure.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly with angled legs and integral L-shaped brackets that distribute loads from the main rotor system to the airframe, incorporating servos for pitch control and active vibration control, fabricated using lightweight materials to reduce weight and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid metallic support structures are used for main rotor servo attachment, then strength and load resistance are improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by integrating the support structure and attachment lugs as a unified composite component. This composite structure maintains the necessary strength to resist large magnitude loads while reducing weight compared to traditional rigid metallic constructions. The integration of multiple functions into a single composite element optimizes the strength-to-weight ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the support structure and attachment lugs into a single integrated component rather than separate parts. This consolidation reduces the overall weight and complexity while maintaining load resistance capabilities. The unified structure eliminates the need for additional fasteners and simplifies manufacturing.
2Strength
If rigid metallic support structures are used for main rotor servo attachment, then load resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support structure and attachment lugs into a single integrated component that can be manufactured as one piece. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of parts, eliminating complex assembly requirements, and enabling more efficient production methods while maintaining the necessary strength properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of composite materials allows for more flexible manufacturing approaches compared to rigid metals. The composite structure can be molded or formed into the integrated shape in a single manufacturing step, reducing machining operations and assembly complexity while achieving the required load resistance.
3Force
If traditional support structures are used, then load bearing capacity is maintained, but weight and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the support structure and attachment lugs into a single unified component, reducing structural complexity while maintaining load bearing capacity. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate parts, fasteners, and joints, thereby simplifying the overall structure without compromising its ability to withstand large magnitude loads.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A mounting assembly for connecting a first surface to a second surface and for holding a first servo which moves an adjacent first component is provided including a leg. A first end of the leg is attachable to the first surface and a second end of the leg is attachable to the second surface. The leg is generally bent such that the first end of each leg is arranged at an angle to the second end of each leg so as to transmit forces between the first and second surface. A bracket connected to the leg includes a notch configured to receive the first servo. When the first servo is positioned within the first notch, a free end of the first servo is operably coupled to the adjacent first component and the leg reacts forces generated by the first servo into the first and second surfaces.