Propeller Transmission Locking With Magnetic Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for propellers in roadable aircraft are complex, space-consuming, and costly, as they require additional components to maintain the propeller in a predetermined angular position during automotive mode.
Innovation Solution
A transmission system with a magnetic field sensor to measure the relative rotation position of components, allowing for a simple and reliable locking mechanism using a displaceable lock unit with internal splines and magnetized portions to engage the propeller shaft and housing in a predetermined mutual rotation position, enabling seamless transition between driving and stationary modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking device is added to lock the propeller in a predetermined angular position during automotive mode, then the propeller can be kept in a specific position to reduce air resistance and achieve balance, but the design becomes more complicated, space-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the existing transmission components. The lock unit is integrated into the transmission housing and engages with the propeller shaft through internal splines, combining the locking function with the existing drivetrain structure rather than adding a separate locking device
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission system serves multiple functions: it transmits power during aircraft mode, locks the propeller in a predetermined position during automotive mode, and prevents propeller spinning when disconnected. The same transmission components perform both power transmission and locking functions, eliminating the need for dedicated locking mechanisms
2Reliability
If additional locking components are added to maintain propeller position, then the propeller can be kept stationary to prevent spinning by wind, but the transmission becomes space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The lock unit is nested within the transmission housing, with the propeller shaft passing through the lock unit. The internal splines of the lock unit engage with the propeller shaft in a compact arrangement, allowing the locking mechanism to be contained within the existing transmission envelope without significant volume increase
3Ease of operation
If a locking mechanism is added to lock the propeller in predetermined position, then the propeller can be kept in specific angular position for reducing air resistance, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into modular components: a lock unit with internal splines, a propeller shaft with corresponding external splines, and a magnetic field sensor for position detection. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of individual components and simplifies assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field sensor replaces complex mechanical position detection mechanisms, using magnetic field interaction to detect the angular position of the propeller shaft without requiring additional mechanical linkages or contact points, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
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 provides a compact, cost-effective, and reliable locking mechanism that reduces complexity by using minimal additional components, allowing for precise control of the propeller's angular position, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing air resistance during automotive mode.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field sensor arranged for measuring a relative rotation position of the first component and the second component
Implementation Method 2
The lock unit can be provided with internal splines for engagement with the first component and the second component
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission includes a first component and a second component which are journaled for rotation relative to each other, and a locking mechanism for rotationally locking the first component and the second component relative to each other in a predetermined mutual rotation position. The transmission includes a magnetic field sensor arranged for measuring a relative rotation position of the first component and the second component while the first component and the second component are rotating relative to each other.