Dual Planetary Geartrain for Multi-Rotor Aircraft Power Split
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft propulsion system geartrains lack efficiency and versatility in managing power distribution between different propulsor rotors, particularly in transitioning between horizontal flight and vertical flight modes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed aircraft assembly incorporates a dual geartrain system with interconnected sun gears, ring gears, intermediate gears, and carriers, allowing for efficient power transfer between a first propulsor rotor and a second propulsor rotor, which are configured to operate in different directional modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single geartrain system is used, then the structure is simple, but the power distribution efficiency and versatility between different propulsor rotors is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The geartrain is divided into multiple independent planetary gear systems, each capable of handling power flow in different directions. This segmentation allows versatile power distribution to multiple propulsor rotors while keeping each gear module relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The geartrain design enables a single power input to be distributed to multiple outputs simultaneously, and also allows power to be reversed or redirected between different propulsor rotors. This multi-functionality achieves versatile power management without requiring entirely separate geartrains for each function.
2Productivity
If a dual geartrain system with interconnected sun gears and ring gears is used, then the power distribution efficiency and rotational speed management are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple planetary gear systems are merged through interconnections between sun gears, ring gears, and carriers. This combining approach enables efficient power distribution across multiple propulsor rotors by sharing common components, thereby achieving high productivity without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear systems are nested within a unified geartrain structure where components of one system serve as components for another system. This nesting allows compact arrangement of multiple gear functions within a single integrated assembly, improving power distribution efficiency while controlling structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft assembly includes a geartrain with a first gear system and a second gear system. The first gear system includes a first sun gear, a first ring gear, a plurality of first intermediate gears and a first carrier. The first sun gear and the first ring gear are each rotatable about an axis. The first intermediate gears are between and meshed with the first sun gear and the first ring gear. Each of the first intermediate gears is rotatably mounted to the first carrier. The second gear system is interconnected with the first gear system. The second gear system includes a second sun gear, a second ring gear, a plurality of second intermediate gears and a second carrier. The second intermediate gears are between and meshed with the second sun gear and the second ring gear. Each of the second intermediate gears is rotatably mounted to the second carrier.