Distributed Fixed-Pitch Tail Rotor Control for Helicopter Anti-Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-torque systems in helicopters face inefficiencies due to vortex interference between main and tail rotors, leading to reduced thrust efficiency and increased noise, and existing electric motor technologies are impractical for direct replacement of mechanical drive trains due to weight and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A matrix of small, fixed blade pitch electric motor modules is used instead of a traditional tail rotor, allowing for individual control of motor speed and direction to provide anti-torque thrust, reduce noise, and increase efficiency, with a control logic system to manage torque, noise, and vortex ring states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional tail rotor is used to provide anti-torque thrust, then adequate aerodynamic response is achieved, but vortex interference with the main rotor reduces thrust efficiency and increases noise
Solution Approach 1:
The tail rotor is segmented into multiple independent motor modules (e.g., three modules with propellers) arranged in a triangular pattern. Each module can be independently controlled, allowing the system to provide anti-torque thrust while minimizing vortex interference through distributed configuration rather than a single concentrated rotor.
2Productivity
If a single tail rotor is used to provide anti-torque thrust, then adequate aerodynamic response is achieved, but the system complexity and noise levels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tail rotor function is segmented into multiple independent motor modules, each with its own fixed-pitch propeller. This segmentation distributes the anti-torque function across multiple simple units rather than requiring a single complex variable-pitch system, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adequate aerodynamic response.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single variable-pitch mechanism to control thrust direction and magnitude, the invention inverts the approach by using multiple fixed-pitch modules where thrust control is achieved by independently varying the speed and activation of each module, simplifying the mechanical design.
3Weight of moving object
If electric motors are used to replace mechanical drive trains, then weight is reduced and reliability is increased, but existing electric motor technologies are impractical due to weight and reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-torque system is divided into multiple independent motor modules, each containing a simple fixed-pitch propeller and motor assembly. This segmentation allows the use of lightweight, reliable motors in each module rather than requiring a single large, complex mechanical drive train, achieving both weight reduction and improved reliability through redundancy and simplicity.
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 solution reduces weight, increases safety reliability, and enhances efficiency by allowing independent control of each motor, minimizing noise and vibration, and optimizing thrust direction, while also reducing the complexity of variable blade pitch systems.
Implementation Method 1
one or more fixed pitch blades attached to each of the plurality of first variable speed motors
Implementation Method 2
one or more of the plurality of first variable speed motors are at least one of electric or hydraulic motors
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes an a plurality of first variable speed motors mounted on a tail boom of the helicopter; one or more fixed pitch blades attached to each of the plurality of first variable speed motors; and wherein a speed of one or more of the plurality of first variable speed motors is varied to provide an anti-torque thrust.