Blade Pin Coupling for Single-Sided Rotor Blade Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coupling large rotor blades to a rotor hub assembly is difficult due to the need for simultaneous manipulation of a bolt and nut from opposite sides, often requiring multiple personnel.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system comprising blade pins and bolts with integrated o-rings and shaped edges that allow single-sided installation, using a lock plate to restrict rotation and a washer to secure the nut, enabling one-person operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional bolt and nut coupling is used, then secure connection is achieved, but multiple personnel are required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bolt and nut functions into a single integrated blade pin assembly. The blade pin includes an integrated shaft with threading that accepts a nut, allowing the entire coupling mechanism to be manipulated from one side only, eliminating the need for separate bolt and nut manipulation from opposite sides.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock plate serves as an intermediary component that enables single-sided operation. It provides a mating surface for torque transmission and includes an aperture through which the blade pin passes, allowing the installer to access and manipulate the entire assembly from one side while the lock plate restricts rotation.
2Reliability
If simultaneous manipulation of bolt and nut from opposite sides is required, then secure coupling is achieved, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring access to both sides of the coupling (traditional bolt and nut approach), the invention inverts the approach by designing the blade pin to be manipulated entirely from one side. The lock plate is positioned on the accessible side and provides all necessary mating surfaces and torque transmission paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a dimensional aspect by introducing the lock plate as a separate component that provides torque transmission in a different plane. The lock plate's aperture allows the blade pin to pass through while the lock plate itself remains on one side, creating a multi-dimensional solution to the single-sided access problem.
3Ease of operation
If single-sided installation is implemented, then one-person operation is enabled, but torque transmission must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The lock plate performs multiple functions: it restricts rotation of the blade pin, provides a mating surface for torque transmission, and includes an aperture that allows the blade pin to pass through. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock plate is positioned and secured before the blade pin is fully installed. This preliminary positioning establishes the torque transmission path and rotation restriction mechanism in advance, simplifying the subsequent installation steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling system is described that allows users to avoid having to manipulate two tools at the same time while reaching around to both sides of the coupled components. A lock plate can rest above one or more holes passing through (and for joining together) the components. A blade pin with a partially hollow cylinder can be inserted through holes in the lock plate and at least partially through the holes. A blade bolt can be inserted into the holes and the cylinder from the other side. The blade bolt can comprise an o-ring that engages with an inner diameter of a portion of the cylinder and holds the parts together with an interference fit. A portion of the bolt can extend through the top of the holes, and a washer and nut can be attached to or about a threaded portion of the bolt. During each state of installation a user will not have to reach to both sides of the system while manipulating multiple tools.