Flexbeam Vibration Absorbing Sleeve for Helicopter Rotor Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex manufacturing process and rigid dimensional requirements of helicopter rotor blade wear wraps make field replacements difficult and time-consuming, as mechanics must ensure each piece fits within a restricted envelope.
Innovation Solution
A replacement vibration absorbing device is created using a sleeve with multiple layers of vibration absorbing material, applied with a release material and border, then cured to form a single piece that can be easily installed around the flexbeam, simplifying the replacement process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If wear wrap is manufactured through complex multistep process with rigid dimensional requirements, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and maintenance time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wear wrap is divided into multiple layers of vibration absorbing material that are wrapped separately around the flexbeam. Each layer can be independently positioned and secured, allowing for simplified manufacturing and installation while maintaining precise dimensional control through the layering approach.
Solution Approach 2:
Release material is applied to the flexbeam surface before wrapping the vibration absorbing material. This preliminary action prevents adhesion during the wrapping process and eliminates the need for complex removal procedures, simplifying both manufacturing and maintenance operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If wear wrap is replaced piece by piece in the field, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple layers of vibration absorbing material are combined into a single integrated wear wrap assembly that is installed as one unit on the flexbeam. This merging eliminates the need for piece-by-piece installation and removal, dramatically reducing maintenance time while maintaining the required dimensional precision through the layered construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Release material is applied in advance to the flexbeam surface, enabling the entire wear wrap assembly to be quickly installed and removed as a single unit without adhesion issues. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming adjustments and repositioning during field replacement operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If wear wrap material is positioned and formed through complex multistep process, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wear wrap is segmented into multiple layers that can be wrapped and positioned independently. This segmentation allows each layer to be manufactured and installed separately with simpler procedures, improving ease of manufacture while achieving the required dimensional precision through cumulative layering.
Solution Approach 2:
Release material serves as an intermediary between the vibration absorbing material and the flexbeam surface. This intermediary layer simplifies the manufacturing process by preventing adhesion during wrapping and enabling easy removal during maintenance, without compromising the final dimensional precision of the wear wrap assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A replacement vibration absorbing device for replacing a wear wrap on a flexbeam includes a sleeve having a plurality of layers of vibration absorbing material, wherein an edge of the sleeve is cut so that the sleeve may be installed around a generally central portion of a flexbeam.