Compact Pitch Control Assembly Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional propeller pitch control units are lengthy, making them susceptible to vibration and requiring complex rigging procedures, which increases maintenance costs and reduces reliability.
Innovation Solution
A compact pitch control unit design where the blade angle unit's coils are placed around the transfer bearing, allowing axial movement of a transfer tube to sense and measure pitch angle, reducing the overall length and facilitating quicker external adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pitch control units are designed with separate blade angle unit and transfer bearing, then the components can be manufactured independently, but the overall assembly length increases making it susceptible to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the blade angle unit and transfer bearing into a single integrated assembly where the coils of the blade angle unit are positioned around the transfer bearing. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting spaces and reduces the overall axial length of the pitch control unit, thereby improving vibration resistance while maintaining component functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The design nests the transfer bearing within the magnetic field region of the blade angle unit coils. The transfer bearing is positioned such that it occupies the central space while the coils are arranged radially around it, creating a nested configuration that maximizes space utilization and minimizes the external dimensions of the assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional pitch control units have increased length, then component assembly is simplified, but rigging procedures become more complex and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkage-based pitch control with an electromagnetic system where coils generate magnetic fields to actuate the transfer bearing. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical rigging requirements and allows for easier adjustment and maintenance through electrical control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If pitch control assembly length is reduced, then vibration resistance improves, but space for component placement is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear axial arrangement of components to a radial configuration where the coils are positioned around the transfer bearing in a circular pattern. This dimensional change allows multiple components to be accommodated within a compact axial space by utilizing the radial dimension, thereby reducing assembly length without compromising component placement requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution results in a significantly shorter pitch control assembly that is more resilient to vibrations, reduces maintenance costs, and allows for easier rigging, enhancing reliability and accommodating increased electrical power demands within aircraft nacelles.
Implementation Method 1
sensing an axial movement of the transfer tube with the blade angle unit, where the blade angle unit comprises a series of coils radially spaced from and circumscribing at least a portion of the transfer tube
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a propeller assembly, having a blade, piston end cap, and piston, with a pitch control unit, having a transfer bearing and a blade angle unit, the method comprising: axially moving a transfer tube relative to and circumscribing the transfer bearing, and sensing an axial movement of the transfer tube with the blade angle unit.