Plastically Deformable Extraction Device for Rotor Blade Trim Weights
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extraction devices are cumbersome and unsuitable for accessing trim weights in rotor blades due to their rigid designs, making it difficult to extract trim weights through the limited access openings, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A plastically deformable extraction device with a support tube and threaded rod, along with elastically deformable spreader arms, allows for axial displacement and expansion to fit through small openings, enabling secure fixation and removal of trim weights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional rigid extraction devices are used, then structural strength is maintained, but access to trim weights through small openings is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction device employs dynamic elements including elastically deformable spreader arms that can flex to pass through small openings and then expand to engage the trim weight, and a plastically deformable threaded rod that can be bent to access difficult-to-reach weights. This dynamic behavior allows the device to adapt its shape during insertion while maintaining structural integrity during extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes flexible components including elastically deformable spreader arms that act as flexible elements, allowing the extraction device to bend and flex during insertion through restricted openings. These flexible elements enable the device to navigate tight spaces while maintaining sufficient strength to perform the extraction function.
2Productivity
If manual extraction with conventional hand tools is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but extraction time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction device is divided into distinct functional segments: a support tube for structural support, a threaded rod for engagement and extraction force application, and spreader arms for securing the trim weight. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling faster extraction compared to manual methods while keeping individual components relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary extraction tool that mediates between the operator and the trim weight. Rather than direct manual manipulation, the threaded rod and spreader arms act as intermediaries to securely engage and extract the trim weight, significantly reducing extraction time and cost while adding only moderate device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If spreader arms are made elastically deformable for access, then access through small openings is enabled, but fixation strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader arms are designed to be elastically deformable during insertion to pass through small openings, then expand elastically to engage the trim weight with sufficient force. The elastic deformation is temporary and reversible, allowing the arms to maintain strong fixation while enabling access. The arms flex during insertion but return to their rigid form for secure engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader arms undergo periodic changes in their mechanical properties: they are flexible during insertion, then become rigid during engagement. This periodic transformation allows the device to adapt its characteristics to the requirements of each operational phase, achieving both accessibility and fixation strength.
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
The device allows for simple, safe, and reliable extraction of trim weights, reducing extraction time and costs, and can handle trim weights inaccessible with conventional tools.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded rod (11c) is plastically deformable and can be plastically deformed beforehand when used accordingly for extracting the trim weight from the rotor blade in such a way that simple and uncomplicated access to the trim weight in the rotor blade is made possible
Implementation Method 2
The support tube (11a) is flexible in its radial direction, i.e. plastically deformable
Implementation Method 3
An expanding wedge (15) can be displaced axially by means of an axial displacement of the support tube (11a) through the support tube (11a) relative to the fixing element (12)
Implementation Method 4
The threaded rod (11c) is arranged at least in sections in the support tube (11a). The threaded rod (11c) is connected to a fixing element (12) for detachable fixing to the trimming weight (10a) and is provided at least in some areas with an external thread (11e) which engages at least in sections in the internal thread (11d) of the support tube (11a)
Implementation Method 5
The at least two flexible, i. H. preferably has elastically deformable metallic needles. These two needles preferably form spreader arms that can be spread open in an opening of the trimming weight by axial displacement of the expanding wedge, in order to form a form fit or a friction fit with the trimming weight
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an extraction device (11) for extracting a trim weight from a rotor blade (2), which has a support tube (11a) provided at least partially with an internal thread (11d) and a threaded rod (11c) arranged at least partially in the support tube (11a), wherein the threaded rod (11c) is connected to a fixing element (12) for releasable fixing to the trim weight and is provided at least partially with an external thread (11e) which engages at least partially in the internal thread (11d) of the support tube (11a), and wherein the threaded rod (11c) is plastically deformable at least partially.