Hall-Effect Rotor Position Sensors for Six-Degree-of-Freedom Displacement Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rotor systems lack effective methods to measure displacements in six degrees of freedom, including axial direction, and detect degradation of elastomeric components during operation, limiting the ability to monitor instabilities, loads, and vibrations in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A rotor position determination system utilizing Hall-effect sensors and magnets to measure displacements by varying output voltage based on magnetic fields, allowing for the detection of lead-lag, flapping, and feathering forces, and monitoring elastomeric component degradation over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional rotor systems are used without Hall-effect sensors, then the system structure remains simple, but the capability to measure displacements in six degrees of freedom and detect elastomeric component degradation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement systems with Hall-effect sensors that utilize magnetic fields to measure displacements. The magnets are coupled to the rotor blade and hub, while Hall-effect sensors mounted on the rotor blade measure the relative position between them, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement mechanisms and enabling six-degree-of-freedom displacement measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnets as an intermediary element between the rotor blade and hub to enable non-contact measurement. The magnetic field serves as the intermediary that transmits positional information from the moving rotor blade to the stationary sensors, allowing precise measurement of lead-lag, flapping, and feathering displacements without direct mechanical contact.
2Reliability
If real-time measurement of rotor blade movements is implemented, then the ability to monitor instabilities, loads, and vibrations is improved, but the complexity of the measurement system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Hall-effect sensor system serves multiple functions simultaneously: measuring lead-lag displacements, flapping displacements, feathering displacements, and detecting elastomeric component degradation. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single measurement system that captures all six degrees of freedom, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems for each parameter and thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously measuring rotor blade positions and elastomeric component deformations during operation. The measured data provides feedback on instabilities, loads, and vibrations, enabling active damping and stabilization control while maintaining system reliability through ongoing monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If Hall-effect sensors are used to measure displacements, then the capability to detect elastomeric component degradation is improved, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blade measurement system serves dual purposes: it measures standard rotor blade displacements (lead-lag, flapping, feathering) and simultaneously detects elastomeric component degradation. The same Hall-effect sensors that monitor blade position also detect changes in spanwise displacements that indicate elastomeric component degradation, eliminating the need for separate degradation detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to perform multiple functions using the same hardware infrastructure. The Hall-effect sensors mounted on the rotor blade not only measure the three primary displacement modes but also detect degradation of elastomeric components by monitoring changes in spanwise displacements over time, providing comprehensive monitoring with a single system.
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
Enables real-time measurement of rotor blade movements and elastomeric component degradation, providing accurate data for active damping, stabilization, and maintenance scheduling, as well as feedback for load control and flight trim optimization.
Implementation Method 1
A rotor position determination system utilizing Hall-effect sensors and magnets to measure displacements by varying output voltage based on magnetic fields
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a rotor system, includes a position determination system disposed between a blade and at least part of a hub. A grip couples the rotor blade to the hub. The position determination system comprises at least one magnet and a plurality of magnet sensors proximate to the at least one magnet.