Propeller Blade Pitch Actuation via Chamber Separator

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing propeller pitch change actuation systems are time-consuming to maintain, risk introducing pollutants into the piston chamber, and are heavy and complex.

Innovation Solution

A pitch change actuation system comprising an actuator body with a chamber separator that divides the interior volume into two fluidly separated chambers, allowing for hydraulic fluid to be received and the actuator body to translate relative to the chamber separator in response to hydraulic pressure differences, effectively changing the propeller blade pitch.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the cover is removed to perform maintenance on existing pitch change actuation systems, then maintenance can be performed, but pollutants may be introduced into the piston chamber

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidpollutant introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is divided into a removable actuator body that can be detached from the piston chamber assembly. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access and service the actuator components without removing the cover that seals the piston chamber, thus preventing pollutant introduction while enabling necessary maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A transfer tube with a receiving component acts as an intermediary element that allows hydraulic fluid transfer and actuator operation without requiring cover removal. The transfer tube system enables maintenance of pitch control while maintaining the seal integrity of the piston chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a traditional piston-based hydraulic actuator is used, then pitch control is achieved, but the system becomes heavy and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepitch control functionalityVSAvoidactuator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional piston is extracted from the actuator body, with only the chamber separator remaining within the actuator. This extraction simplifies the actuator structure, reducing complexity and weight while maintaining the essential pitch control functionality through the chamber separator and hydraulic pressure differential mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the piston move within a fixed cylinder, the design inverts the relationship by having the actuator body move relative to the stationary chamber separator. This inversion simplifies the mechanical structure, eliminates the need for traditional piston seals and connections, and reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If the actuator body translates relative to the chamber separator, then pitch change is achieved, but the design becomes more compact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepitch response speedVSAvoidactuator volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The design inverts the traditional actuator configuration by making the actuator body the moving element that translates relative to a stationary chamber separator, rather than having a piston move within a fixed actuator housing. This inversion enables a more compact design as the moving mass is reduced and the hydraulic chambers can be more efficiently arranged within the smaller actuator body volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 system reduces maintenance time, minimizes the risk of pollutant introduction, and provides a more compact and lightweight design, improving the efficiency and reliability of propeller pitch control.

Implementation Method 1

The difference in hydraulic pressure between the two hydraulic chambers causes the piston to axially translate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

A transfer tube usually extends from the piston chambers axially aftward to a hydraulic fluid source such that hydraulic fluid can be supplied to the first and second chambers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS12291321B2Propeller blade pitch change actuation system

Publication Date: 2025.05.06 RATIER FIGEAC SAS

AI summary

A pitch change actuation system for varying a propeller blade pitch includes: an actuator body defining an interior volume; and a chamber separator located within the interior volume of the actuator body and dividing the interior volume into a first chamber and a second chamber, the two chambers being fluidly separated by the chamber separator. The first and second chambers are configured to receive hydraulic fluid. The actuator body is configured to translate relative to the chamber separator in response to a difference in hydraulic pressure between the first chamber and second chamber; and the translation of the actuator body is configured to effect a change in propeller blade pitch.