Fluidic Rotor Blade Control via Finger-Groove Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic rotor blade control structures are complex and lack simplicity, robustness, ease of adjustment, and performance at high rotational speeds.
Innovation Solution
A rotating machine with a fluidic rotor featuring a blade that pivots about a parallel axis, utilizing a mechanism with a drive element and a driven element on parallel axes, where the drive element's orientation is controlled relative to the rotor shaft, and the driven element's orientation determines the blade's angle, using a finger and groove mechanism to achieve oscillation and adjust the blade's inclination during rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex blade control structure is used to achieve blade oscillation during rotor rotation, then the desired blade oscillation object is achieved, but the control structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is segmented into two independent rotating elements (drive element and driven element) with separate axes of rotation. The drive element oscillates independently while the driven element responds through the finger-groove connection, allowing blade oscillation control without requiring a complex integrated control structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A finger-groove intermediary mechanism connects the drive element and driven element. The finger on the drive element engages with the groove on the driven element, transmitting motion in a simple and reliable way without requiring complex mechanical linkages or control systems.
2Ease of operation
If existing blade control mechanisms are used, then blade oscillation can be achieved, but robustness and ease of adjustment are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is designed to be self-adjusting through the geometric relationship between the finger and groove. As the drive element rotates and oscillates, the finger naturally follows the groove's path, automatically determining the blade's angular position without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems.
3Device complexity
If a simple control mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but performance at high rotational speeds deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Both rotating elements are mounted on supports that can be adjusted angularly about the main rotor axis, allowing the mechanism to adapt dynamically to different rotational speeds. The supports can be positioned at different angular orientations to optimize performance across varying operating conditions, maintaining effectiveness from low to high speeds.
Data Source
AI summary
In a rotating machine having a fluidic rotor, the rotor comprises at least one blade mounted on an arm rotating about a rotor shaft forming a main axis of the rotor, the rotor being kept by a supporting structure in an orientation such that said axis is substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow of the fluid, the blade being mounted so as to pivot about an axis of rotation of the blade parallel to the main axis. The machine comprises means for generating a relative oscillation movement of the blade with respect to the arm at the axis of rotation of the blade, in order in this way to vary the inclination of the blade during the rotation of the rotor. Said means comprise, at the arm end, a mechanism comprising a first rotating element (A; B) known as the drive element and a second rotating element (B; A) known as the driven element, the elements being mounted on mutually parallel axes of rotation and separated by an inter-axis distance, the orientation of the drive element being controlled depending on the orientation of the rotor shaft while the orientation of the driven element determines the orientation of the blade, one of the rotating elements comprising a finger (D) spaced apart from its axis of rotation and the other rotating element comprising a groove (C) which receives the finger and in which the finger can slide. Application notably to wind turbines, to marine turbines and to nautical and aircraft propellers.