Multilink Constant Velocity Joint Floating Plate Kinematic Error Normalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotor hub systems with constant velocity joints experience kinematic errors such as oscillatory strain and lateral wobbling, leading to excessive stress on components, which affects the performance and reliability of the system.
Innovation Solution
A multilink constant velocity joint (MCVJ) system comprising a floating plate, drive link trunnions with pivoting arms, and a housing, which moves the floating plate in response to applied forces to normalize and attenuate rotational errors, thereby reducing kinematic errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional constant velocity joints with elastomeric bearings and drive trunnion are used, then power transmission is provided between mast and yoke, but kinematic errors (oscillatory strain, lateral wobbling) are generated causing excessive stress on components
Solution Approach 1:
The drive link is divided into multiple segments: a first link connecting the mast to a first trunnion, and a second link connecting the first trunnion to the yoke. This segmentation allows the first trunnion to act as an independent pivot point that can absorb and normalize kinematic errors, preventing them from propagating through the entire power transmission path and reducing stress on critical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The first trunnion serves as an intermediary element between the mast and the yoke. It provides a pivoting connection that allows the drive link to accommodate lateral movements and oscillatory strains, thereby normalizing kinematic errors before they reach the yoke and reducing excessive stress on the constant velocity joint components.
2Strength
If conventional rotor hub system configuration is used, then structural support is provided, but excessive stress forces are applied to CV joint bearings and rotor hub components
Solution Approach 1:
The drive link configuration is made dynamic through the pivoting connection at the first trunnion. This allows the link to adapt its angle and position in response to varying operational conditions, enabling it to normalize lateral forces and oscillatory strains in real-time, thereby reducing peak stress forces on bearings and improving component durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric parameters of the drive link configuration by allowing the first trunnion to pivot. This dynamic parameter change enables the link to optimize its orientation for force distribution, normalizing lateral forces and reducing excessive stress on critical components during different phases of operation.
3Reliability
If multilink constant velocity joint with floating plate and drive link trunnions is used, then kinematic errors are normalized and attenuated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The constant velocity joint is segmented into a floating plate and multiple drive link trunnions (first and second trunnions) that can pivot independently. This segmentation allows each trunnion to function as an error-normalizing element, with the floating plate serving as a common reference surface, thereby achieving kinematic error attenuation through a modular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating plate serves multiple functions: it provides a common mounting surface for the drive link trunnions, acts as a reference plane for normalizing lateral forces, and enables the pivoting motion of multiple trunnions simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, balancing complexity with error normalization capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a rotor hub system comprising a floating plate, a plurality of drive link trunnions each comprising a pivoting arm and positioned radially about the floating plate, wherein each drive link trunnion is coupled to the floating plate via the pivoting arm, and a housing disposed about the floating plate, coupled to each of the drive link trunnions, and configured to couple to a mast. Included is an apparatus comprising a floating plate, a plurality of drive link trunnions each comprising a pivoting arm and positioned radially about the floating plate, wherein each drive link trunnion is coupled to the floating plate via the pivoting arm, and wherein the drive link trunnions are configured to move the floating plate in response to a force applied to the drive link trunnions, and a housing disposed about the floating plate and coupled to each of the drive link trunnions.