Cycloidal Rotor Blade with Dynamic Trailing Edge and Variable Stiffness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cycloidal propellers and rotors lack dynamic blade shape variability, particularly in pivot point location, leading edge slats, and flexible trailing edges, which are crucial for controlling trailing edge vortices and optimizing aerodynamic or hydrodynamic performance.

Innovation Solution

The blades are designed with dynamic cross-sectional flexibility, featuring adjustable pivot points, extendable or retractable trailing edges, turnable flaps, and variable stiffness edges, enabled by actuators like electro-active polymers and piezo-electric actuators, allowing real-time control of vortex size and flow permeability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If blades are made with fixed cross-sectional shape, then structural simplicity is maintained, but aerodynamic performance cannot be optimized for varying operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic performance adaptationVSAvoidblade structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blade incorporates a flexible trailing edge that can dynamically change its shape and position during rotor operation. This dynamic flexibility allows the blade to adapt its cross-sectional shape to varying aerodynamic conditions without requiring complex active control systems, thus improving adaptability while keeping the structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The blade design enables changes in geometric parameters such as trailing edge position, gap size, and cross-sectional shape. These parameter changes allow the blade to optimize its aerodynamic performance for different operating conditions by modifying its effective geometry rather than requiring complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If electromagnetic actuators are used to flex blades, then dynamic cross-sectional shape variability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-sectional shape variabilityVSAvoidblade manufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The blade employs a flexible trailing edge constructed from flexible materials rather than complex electromagnetic actuators. This flexible shell approach achieves the desired cross-sectional shape variability through material properties and structural design, significantly simplifying manufacturing compared to electromagnetic actuation systems while maintaining the ability to dynamically adjust blade geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If trailing edge flaps are added to control vortices, then vortex control capability is improved, but blade structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrailing edge vortex controlVSAvoidblade component quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trailing edge is divided into multiple segments including a movable flap portion and a gap region. This segmentation allows independent control of vortex generation and shedding characteristics. The flap can be positioned at different angles to control the trailing edge vortex, while the gap between flap segments provides additional flow control capability, achieving vortex management through structural division rather than adding separate complex systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 design enhances control over trailing edge vortices, improves lift and thrust generation, and adapts to varying aerodynamic or hydrodynamic conditions, optimizing performance across different blade orbits and airflow regimes.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-active polymer: Electroactive Polymer

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezo-electric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

The blades are designed with dynamic cross-sectional flexibility, featuring adjustable pivot points, extendable or retractable trailing edges, turnable flaps, and variable stiffness edges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11396360B2Rotor or propeller blade with dynamically variable within each revolution fluid dynamic properties

Publication Date: 2022.07.26 ROITMAN PHILIPPE

AI summary

A blade for cycloidal rotor or propeller is provided with means to dynamically change within each revolution: its relative pivot point location along chord, extend or retract trailing edge, make actuated or passive turns of trailing edge flap, dynamically control stiffness of at least the flexible trailing edge, open or close strips covering much of blade surface area to allow flow through the blade. These features will enable the control system to continually adjust each blade to its immediate operating environment along the orbit.