Propeller Balancing System with Dynamic Weight Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional propeller balancing methods are inefficient and require time-consuming test runs and flights to determine the optimal location and mass of balance weights, as they do not account for varying flight conditions, leading to suboptimal balance solutions.
Innovation Solution
A propeller balancing system with a vibration sensor and controller, integrated with an electrical detent motor and balancing device, allows for permanent installation and automatic adjustment of balancing weights using a spiral groove and electrical coils to minimize vibrations by determining the optimal position of the balancing weight based on real-time vibration data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional balancing methods using trial weights and test flights are used, then balance weight location and mass can be determined, but the process is time-consuming and requires engine shutdowns and repeated test runs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical trial-weight method with a computational model that uses measured propeller geometry and material properties to calculate optimal balance weight specifications. The system substitutes physical test runs with a computer-based calculation process that determines balance weight mass and location directly from geometric measurements, eliminating the need for repeated test flights and engine shutdowns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of propeller blade geometry and material density before the balancing process. By capturing these parameters in advance and using them in the computational model, the system prepares all necessary data beforehand to calculate the optimal balance weight specifications without requiring iterative test runs, thus reducing the overall balancing time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single balance solution is installed for any given flight, then the balancing device is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying flight conditions which cause propeller-induced unbalance to vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a computational model that can dynamically recalculate optimal balance weight specifications based on different flight conditions. The system allows for re-running the balance calculation with updated parameters representing different operational scenarios, enabling the balancing solution to adapt to varying flight conditions without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms during flight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adaptation to different flight conditions by changing the input parameters in the computational model. The system can modify geometric measurements, material properties, or operational parameters in the calculation to reflect different flight scenarios, thus providing adaptable balance solutions through parameter variation rather than mechanical complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple balance solutions are considered for different flight conditions, then adaptability improves, but the time required for measurement and calculation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of propeller geometry and material properties once, storing these data for reuse. When multiple balance solutions for different flight conditions are needed, the system reuses the preliminary geometric data and only recalculates with modified operational parameters, significantly reducing the time required to generate multiple balance solutions compared to performing complete measurements each time.
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
Enables efficient and dynamic balancing of propeller rotors during flight, reducing vibrations and providing a flexible balancing solution that adapts to changing flight conditions without the need for repeated test runs or shutdowns.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration sensor and controller, integrated with an electrical detent motor and balancing device
Implementation Method 2
electrical coils to minimize vibrations by determining the optimal position of the balancing weight
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
Figure 6a
AI summary
A propeller balancing device (38) includes at least one stationary outer disc (44, 46) and a drive wheel (48) arranged adjacent to the outer disc (44, 46). The drive wheel (48) includes magnets (66) arranged at the periphery. A balancing weight (60) is arranged in a groove (58) formed in one of the outer disc (44, 46) or the drive wheel (48). A propeller (20) including the propeller balancing device (38) and a method of balancing a propeller are also disclosed.