Passive Variable Pitch Propeller for Electric Aircraft
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional variable pitch propellers for aircraft are heavy, inefficient, and unsuitable for electric aircraft due to their complex mechanical mechanisms, which are not ideal for optimizing pitch for both hover and cruise modes, leading to high power consumption and limited flight range.
Innovation Solution
The use of a passive variable pitch propeller system with a twisting and telescoping hinge mechanism that adjusts blade pitch and tilts propellers to optimize performance for different flight modes, eliminating the need for heavy actuators and hydraulics, allowing for efficient transition between hover and cruise modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional variable pitch propeller systems are used to optimize pitch for different flight modes, then propeller performance is improved, but weight and device complexity increase due to complex mechanical mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pitch adjustment mechanisms with an aerodynamic solution. The propeller blade is designed with a flexible structure that allows automatic pitch change based on aerodynamic forces during different flight phases. During hover, the blade operates at a shallow angle of attack, while during forward flight, it automatically transitions to a greater angle of attack, eliminating the need for heavy actuators and mechanical pitch control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller blade incorporates a dynamic structure that automatically adjusts its pitch angle in response to flight conditions. The blade can change its angle of attack dynamically during transition from hover to forward flight, optimizing performance for each flight mode without requiring active mechanical control systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional variable pitch propeller systems are used to optimize pitch for different flight modes, then propeller performance is improved, but device complexity increases due to complex mechanical mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical pitch control mechanisms by using an aerodynamically-driven flexible blade design. The blade structure itself enables pitch variation through aerodynamic forces, replacing the need for actuators, linkages, and control systems that would increase device complexity
3Device complexity
If conventional propeller systems with fixed pitch are used, then device complexity is reduced, but power consumption increases and flight range is limited due to inability to optimize pitch for different flight modes
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller blade incorporates a dynamic structure that automatically adjusts its pitch angle in response to flight conditions. The blade can change its angle of attack dynamically during transition from hover to forward flight, optimizing performance for each flight mode without requiring active mechanical control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible blade structure serves itself by automatically adjusting pitch based on aerodynamic forces without requiring external power or control systems. The blade's own aerodynamic loading during different flight phases drives the pitch change, eliminating the need for additional power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a propeller assembly includes a blade and a joint. The blade is adapted to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the blade to vary a pitch of the blade, wherein the blade includes a plurality of bearings provided on a proximal end of the blade. The joint is adapted to couple the blade to a central shaft of the assembly via the plurality of bearings, where the joint is adapted to telescope and twist along the central shaft of the assembly such that in a first position, the blade is at a first angle. In a second position, the blade is at a second angle greater than the first angle.