Integrated Propeller System with Electric Pitch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing propeller systems are mechanically complex, heavy, and have low reliability due to separate rotating components and bearings, as well as inefficient pitch control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A propeller system with a rotatable housing and integrated electric pitch control motor, where the pitch control member extends through an elongated slot in the housing, using magnets and a linear motor to vary the pitch of the propeller blades, eliminating the need for a propeller drive shaft and reducing the number of bearings required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate rotating components with separate bearings are used for motor and propeller rotor, then the system can be mechanically robust, but the system becomes mechanically complicated with higher weight and lower reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The motor rotor and propeller rotor are merged into a single integrated rotatable housing structure. The motor stator and pitch control motor stator are combined within the same housing, eliminating the need for separate rotating components and reducing the number of bearings required. This integration directly reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable housing serves multiple functions: it acts as the motor rotor, the propeller rotor, and the pitch control mechanism housing. The single housing structure performs what previously required separate components, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing the number of parts that could fail.
2Reliability
If separate rotating components are used for motor and propeller rotor, then each component can be optimized independently, but the overall system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the motor rotor and propeller rotor into a single integrated rotatable housing, the patent eliminates redundant structural components and reduces the total weight of the moving parts. The combined structure requires fewer materials and fewer bearings, directly addressing the weight issue while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If traditional pitch control mechanisms are used, then pitch control is achievable, but the system becomes more complex and requires more maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pitch control mechanisms with an electric pitch control motor. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages, reduces the number of moving parts, and simplifies the pitch control system while maintaining full pitch control capability. The electric motor provides direct actuation without requiring intermediate mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pitch control motor is integrated within the rotatable housing alongside the motor stator, combining multiple control functions into a single compact unit. This integration reduces the overall complexity of the pitch control system and minimizes the number of external components required.
4Power
If propeller drive shaft is used to connect propulsion motor and propeller rotor, then power transmission is achieved, but the system requires more bearings and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The motor rotor and propeller rotor are merged into a single integrated rotatable housing, eliminating the need for a separate propeller drive shaft. Power is transmitted directly through the integrated structure without requiring intermediate shafts or additional bearings, thereby reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining full power transmission capability.
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 configuration simplifies the system, reduces weight and maintenance, and allows for efficient control of propeller pitch and rotation, enhancing reliability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
The pitch control motor may comprise a winding for generating a magnetic field when supplied with an electric current, wherein said one or more magnet on the inner portion of the pitch control member comprises one or more permanent magnet
Implementation Method 2
The propulsion motor may comprise a winding on the stator configured to generate a magnetic field when supplied with an electric current, and at least one permanent magnet on the rotor for being moved by the magnetic field
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
AI summary
A propeller system comprising: a rotatable housing 4 having at least one propeller blade 2 mounted thereon; an electric pitch control motor 24 within the rotatable housing 4; and a pitch control member 8 coupled to the propeller blade 2 and extending through a wall of the rotatable housing 4; wherein the pitch control motor 24 is configured to move the pitch control member 8 and to thereby vary the pitch of the propeller blade 2.