Aircraft Interconnect Drive Clutch Torque Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tiltrotor aircraft experience significant flight-maneuver-induced loads in their interconnect drivelines due to transient torque imbalances between proprotors, leading to increased component size and mass requirements, which result in a heavier and more costly aircraft.
Innovation Solution
An interconnect drive system with a clutch control system that allows for selective phasing and passive slipping of driveshafts to mitigate transient torque imbalances, using a combination of torque/load sensors, attitude/motion sensors, and an electronic computer to manage clutch operation and maintain synchronous rotational speed of proprotors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the interconnect driveline is designed to handle transient torque imbalances, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
A clutch device is introduced as an intermediary component in the interconnect driveline between the two proprotors. This clutch can selectively engage and disengage to isolate transient torque imbalances, preventing them from propagating through the entire driveline. The clutch acts as a mediator that allows the system to maintain reliability by handling torque variations without requiring the entire driveline to be oversized and complex.
2Strength
If oversized components are used to handle transient torque, then strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnect driveline is segmented into separate sections by the clutch device, allowing each section to be optimized independently. Instead of designing the entire driveline to handle maximum transient torque, the clutch divides the system so that only local components need to handle torque variations, enabling the use of lighter-weight materials and reduced component sizes while maintaining sufficient strength.
3Stability of the object's composition
If synchronous rotational speed is maintained, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A control system with sensors and actuators is implemented to monitor the rotational speeds of the two proprotors and control the clutch engagement accordingly. When transient torque imbalances are detected, the control system activates the clutch to isolate the imbalance, and when synchronization is restored, the clutch is deactivated. This feedback mechanism maintains stability through synchronous operation while using automated control rather than mechanical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An interconnect drive system for an aircraft has a driveline and clutch control system. The driveline comprises a shaft for each propulsion assembly, each shaft for transferring torque to and from the associated propulsion assembly, and a clutch operably coupling the shafts and configured for selective engagement. The clutch is capable of transferring a first amount of torque between the shafts while engaged and a second amount of torque between the shafts while disengaged. The system also has a clutch control system, comprising a computer operably connected to the clutch for controlling operation of the clutch and sensors for sensing torque applied to the driveline, output from the sensors being communicated to the computer. The computer commands operation of the clutch in response to the output from the sensors, the clutch being commanded to disengage to relieve a transient torque imbalance in the driveline.