Helicopter Corrugated Joint for Torque and Angular Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Helicopter systems require a joint that can efficiently transmit torque while allowing angular misalignment and inclination between the motor and transmission components, while minimizing the number of articulated components to reduce weight and cost, and must withstand high loads and varying torque conditions.
Innovation Solution
A helicopter design incorporating a corrugated element made of elastically deformable material interposed between the sleeves of the motor and transmission groups, allowing angular inclination through elastic deformation, and featuring ribs for axial rigidity to transmit loads efficiently, thereby reducing the need for multiple articulated components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional articulated joint with multiple rigid elements is used to allow angular misalignment and high torque transmission, then the load capacity and torque transmission are improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the joint element by using a corrugated structure made of elastically deformable material instead of rigid elements. This allows the joint to achieve both flexibility for angular misalignment and strength for torque transmission through controlled elastic deformation, reducing the need for multiple articulated components while maintaining load capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining elastically deformable material with a corrugated geometric structure. This composite approach enables the single joint element to simultaneously provide flexibility for angular misalignment and high torsional rigidity for torque transmission, eliminating the need for multiple separate articulated components
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple articulated components are used to allow angular inclination and misalignment, then the adaptability to varying operating conditions is improved, but the weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (angular misalignment, torque transmission, and axial load bearing) into a single corrugated joint element. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate articulated components, significantly reducing the overall weight of the joint assembly while maintaining full adaptability to angular inclination and misalignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic deformation characteristics of the corrugated structure to provide angular misalignment capability. The corrugation geometry allows controlled deformation that accommodates angular inclination between shafts while maintaining structural integrity, replacing multiple rigid articulated components with a single flexible element
3Adaptability or versatility
If the joint allows angular inclination through flexible elements, then the misalignment capability is improved, but the torsional rigidity and torque transmission capacity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the corrugation geometry parameters (amplitude, wavelength, cross-section shape) to achieve the desired balance between flexibility and rigidity. The corrugated structure provides sufficient flexibility for angular misalignment while maintaining adequate torsional rigidity for torque transmission through careful design of the deformation characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the composite nature of the corrugated structure (material properties combined with geometric configuration) to simultaneously achieve flexural flexibility for angular inclination and torsional rigidity for torque transmission. The corrugation geometry acts as a structural feature that decouples the flexibility needed for misalignment from the rigidity needed for torque capacity
4Device complexity
If a simplified joint with fewer components is used, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to withstand high loads and varying torque conditions may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the material properties and geometric parameters of the corrugated structure to ensure it can withstand high axial loads, shear forces, and varying torque conditions. The design parameters are selected to maintain structural integrity and reliability under extreme operating conditions while keeping the joint structure simple and compact
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 solution provides high torsional rigidity and flexural deformability, enabling efficient torque transmission and angular alignment without compromising axial rigidity, thus enhancing load handling and reducing weight and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A helicopter design incorporating a corrugated element made of elastically deformable material interposed between the sleeves of the motor and transmission groups, allowing angular inclination through elastic deformation
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2~7
Figure 3
AI summary
A helicopter (1) is described comprising a motor member (3) comprising an output shaft (12) and a first stator (11, 29) rotatably supporting the output shaft (12) around a first axis (C); a main rotor (4) adapted to provide the lift necessary for the support and the thrust necessary for the movement of the helicopter (1); a transmission (7) interposed between the motor member (3) and the main rotor (4); the transmission (7) comprises, in turn, an input shaft (21) rotatable around a second axis (D) and a second stator (20, 30) rotatably supporting the input shaft (21) around the second axis (D); the helicopter (1) also comprises a joint (35) interposed between the first and second stator (11, 29; 20, 30), angularly fixed with respect to the first axis (C), and configured to allow an inclination between the first and second stator (11, 29; 20, 30) in a plane parallel to said first axis (C) ; the joint (35) comprises a first corrugated element (36) made of an elastically deformable material, interposed between said first and second stator (11, 29; 20, 30), and adapted to allow the inclination through elastic deformation.