Nose Cone Spinner Coupling for Auxiliary Power Takeoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft often lack sufficient electrical power to run current electronic systems, and modifying the Airframe Mounted Accessory Drive (AMAD) or Engine Mounted Accessory Drive (EMAD) to install a larger generator is costly and impractical due to space constraints and aerodynamic drag considerations.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system is introduced that translates rotary motion from a fan hub to an auxiliary unit, such as an electrical generator, hydraulic pump, or airframe-mounted accessory drive, using a drive adapter, flexible member, and bearing system to provide rotational power from the gas turbine engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a larger generator is installed on the AMAD or EMAD to increase electrical power, then the available power is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to modification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the power generation function from the existing AMAD/EMAD systems by introducing an independent auxiliary power unit coupled to the fan hub. This segmentation allows the auxiliary unit to be added without modifying the complex existing accessory drive systems, thereby increasing electrical power while avoiding the complexity and cost of AMAD/EMAD modifications.
2Power
If the AMAD or EMAD is modified to accommodate a larger generator, then the available power is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the radial dimension by coupling the auxiliary power unit to the fan hub, which is located in a different spatial dimension compared to the axial-mounted AMAD/EMAD systems. This dimensional change provides available space for the auxiliary unit without requiring modifications to the constrained AMAD/EMAD assemblies, thereby improving ease of manufacture and installation.
3Power
If a Ram Air Turbine is deployed to generate auxiliary power, then the available power is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors increase due to additional aerodynamic drag
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical Ram Air Turbine system with a direct mechanical coupling to the fan hub. Instead of using atmospheric air flow to drive a turbine (which creates aerodynamic drag), the auxiliary power unit is directly driven by the fan hub's rotation, eliminating the harmful aerodynamic drag while still providing auxiliary power generation capability.
4Power
If a Ram Air Turbine is installed to provide auxiliary power, then the available power is improved, but the weight and mechanical complexity increase compared to the power generated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the power generation function from the heavy and complex Ram Air Turbine system and couples it directly to the existing fan hub rotation. This extraction eliminates the need for the RAT's heavy mechanical structure, air intake systems, and control mechanisms, thereby providing the same auxiliary power function with significantly reduced weight and mechanical complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A coupling (30) for a fan hub (14) including an auxiliary unit (18) attached to the coupling; the fan hub attached to the coupling opposite the auxiliary unit, wherein the misalignment-tolerant coupling is configured to translate rotary motion along an axis from the fan hub to the auxiliary unit to provide rotational power from a gas turbine engine (10) to the auxiliary unit.