Multi-blade Rotor Pitch Control Link Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotorcraft systems become increasingly complex and heavy as the number of rotor blades increases, requiring complex and costly control mechanisms for independent blade control, which hinders efficient lift and thrust generation.
Innovation Solution
A rotor system featuring pairs of rotor blades mechanically coupled via pitch control links, where one pitch control link controls both blades in tandem, reducing the need for individual blade control and simplifying the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the number of rotor blades is increased to increase lift and thrust, then the lifting capability is improved, but the system complexity and weight increase dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple rotor blades by mechanically coupling pitch control links so that a single actuator can control the pitch of multiple blades simultaneously. This reduces the number of independent control systems needed while maintaining the ability to generate sufficient lift and thrust through increased blade count.
Solution Approach 2:
The pitch control links are designed to perform multiple functions: they control pitch for multiple blades, provide structural support, and enable mechanical coupling between actuators and blades. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining lifting capability.
2Force
If the number of rotor blades is increased to increase lift and thrust, then the lifting capability is improved, but the system weight increases dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
By merging control functions into shared pitch control links and actuators, the patent reduces the total weight of control mechanisms compared to having independent control systems for each blade. This allows increased blade count for greater lift without proportional weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates redundant control mechanisms by having pitch control links serve multiple blades simultaneously. The weight of discarded redundant actuators and control systems is recovered, allowing the added blade weight to be offset by the removal of unnecessary control components.
3Ease of operation
If independent control mechanisms are provided for each rotor blade, then precise blade control is achieved, but the cost and complexity increase dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple blade control functions into shared pitch control links that can be actuated by single actuators. This merging maintains adequate control precision for flight operations while dramatically reducing the number of independent control mechanisms required.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into modular pitch control links that can control specific groups of blades. This segmentation allows for simplified control architecture where each link handles a subset of blades, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotor system for a rotorcraft includes a rotor having a plurality of pitch control links and a pair of rotor blades mechanically coupled with each of the plurality of pitch control links. A rotorcraft includes a power train, a mast extending from the power train, a rotor having a plurality of pitch control links, the rotor mechanically coupled with the mast, and a pair of rotor blades mechanically coupled with each of the plurality of pitch control links.