Electromechanical Blade Pitch Control for Propeller Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing propeller pitch control systems often rely on hydraulic mechanisms, which require frequent maintenance and can result in bulkier and heavier propellers due to their design.

Innovation Solution

An electromechanical blade pitch control system that uses an electric actuator connected to a pitch control rod, allowing for longitudinal translation to adjust the incidence angle of propeller blades, while maintaining the electric motor stationary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hydraulic mechanisms are used for propeller pitch control, then reliable blade pitch adjustment is achieved, but the system becomes bulkier and heavier with frequent maintenance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepitch control reliabilityVSAvoidpropeller system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanism with an electromechanical system consisting of an electric motor, reduction gear, and pitch control rod. This substitution eliminates hydraulic fluid, hoses, and associated components, significantly reducing weight while maintaining reliable pitch control functionality through direct mechanical actuation of the blades.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and removes the hydraulic system entirely from the propeller assembly, eliminating the source of weight and maintenance issues. The pitch control function is achieved through a simplified electromechanical actuation system that operates without hydraulic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If hydraulic mechanisms are used for propeller pitch control, then reliable blade pitch adjustment is achieved, but the propeller design becomes bulkier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepitch control reliabilityVSAvoidpropeller volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electromechanical system occupies less volume than the hydraulic system it replaces. The electric motor and gear reduction mechanism are more compact than hydraulic pumps, reservoirs, and routing infrastructure, resulting in a smaller overall propeller assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pitch control rod is positioned within the propeller shaft, and the electric motor is integrated into the hub assembly. This nested arrangement allows components to occupy shared space efficiently, minimizing the overall volume of the propeller system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If hydraulic mechanisms are used for propeller pitch control, then pitch adjustment capability is achieved, but maintenance frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepitch adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The electromechanical system eliminates hydraulic fluid that requires periodic changes and filtering. The electric motor and gear mechanism have fewer wear points and no fluid leaks, significantly reducing maintenance frequency while preserving full pitch adjustment capability across the required range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromechanical system requires no periodic fluid changes, filtration, or hydraulic system inspections. The system is inherently more self-sufficient with sealed motor and gear assemblies that operate without external maintenance intervention for extended periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system reduces maintenance needs, allows for more efficient control of propeller thrust at constant speed, and provides a more compact and lightweight solution compared to traditional hydraulic systems.

Implementation Method 1

an electric actuator operatively connected to the bearing assembly. The electric actuator is configured to translate the pitch control rod in a longitudinal direction for adjusting an incidence angle of the blades

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The bearing assembly allows the electric actuator to remain stationary while the pitch control rod rotates with the propeller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling contact: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentUS12202592B2Electromechanical blade pitch control

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 TEXTRON EAVIATION INC

AI summary

An electromechanical pitch control system for modifying a collective blade pitch of a multi-blade propeller includes a pitch control rod mechanically coupled via a distal end to a plurality of blades of a propeller, a bearing assembly operatively connected to a proximal end of the pitch control rod, and an electric actuator operatively connected to the bearing assembly. The bearing assembly allows the electric actuator to remain stationary while the pitch control rod rotates with the propeller. The electric actuator is configured to translate the pitch control rod in a longitudinal direction for adjusting an incidence angle of the blades.