Propeller Tilting Mechanism With Sliding Motion to Reduce Thrust Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Propeller tilting apparatuses for air mobility face thrust loss due to interference with aircraft wings or parts during mode changes, and existing solutions that space the propeller from the fuselage result in unnecessary length and additional issues.
Innovation Solution
A propeller tilting apparatus with a guide bracket, sliding mechanism, and power conversion unit that uses a single motor to achieve rectilinear movement and angle changes, incorporating a tilting mechanism with a worm screw and worm wheel to adjust the propeller's angle, allowing simultaneous forward/rearward movement and tilting, thus simplifying the structure and reducing thrust loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the propeller is spaced from the fuselage to avoid interference with wings during hovering, then interference with aircraft components is reduced, but the distance between propeller and fuselage becomes unnecessarily long causing additional problems
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller position is made dynamically adjustable through a tilting mechanism that allows the propeller to change its angle and position relative to the fuselage. In hovering mode, the propeller tilts to a horizontal state that spaces it from the fuselage to avoid interference with wings. In cruising mode, the propeller tilts to a vertical state that positions it close to the fuselage for efficient thrust generation, eliminating the need for a permanently long distance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the propeller is tilted to horizontal state to avoid interference during hovering, then interference is reduced, but thrust loss due to rotation of the propeller is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller's orientation is dynamically adjusted based on flight mode. During hovering, the propeller is tilted horizontally to avoid interference with aircraft components while maintaining effective thrust generation. During cruising, the propeller transitions to a vertical orientation optimized for forward flight efficiency, minimizing thrust loss in each operational phase.
3Ease of operation
If separate mechanisms are used for propeller movement and tilting, then each function can be optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of propeller movement and tilting into a single integrated mechanism. One motor drives a tilting mechanism that simultaneously controls both the angular orientation and the linear position of the propeller relative to the fuselage. This unified approach reduces the number of components while achieving the desired operational flexibility.
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 apparatus effectively changes the propeller's angle and position using a single motor, reducing thrust loss and interference with aircraft components, enhancing flight performance by maintaining efficient thrust generation in both hovering and cruising modes.
Implementation Method 1
The power conversion unit may include nut portions fixed to the guide bracket, and a screw portion configured to extend from the driving motor along the guide bracket, to penetrate the nut portions
Implementation Method 2
The angle conversion unit may include a worm screw configured to be rotated by the rotation force transmitted from the power conversion unit, and a worm wheel configured to be engaged with the worm screw and to be coupled to the tilting bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A propeller tilting apparatus of air mobility may include a guide bracket configured to extend in forward and rearward directions; a sliding mechanism provided in the guide bracket to be movable in the forward and rearward directions, and including a driving motor configured to generate rotation force, and a power conversion unit connected to the guide bracket and configured to convert the rotation force of the driving motor into rectilinear motion of the sliding mechanism; and a tilting mechanism engaged to the power conversion unit to be moved together with the sliding mechanism, and including a propeller motor configured to be tilted in the upward and downward directions, and an angle conversion unit connected to the propeller motor and the power conversion unit to tilt the propeller motor using the rotation force transmitted from the power conversion unit.