Quick Release Propeller Blades With Curved Slot Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional propellers for model aircraft require tools or complex manual operations for removal, making it difficult to replace damaged blades quickly and efficiently during flight.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release propeller design featuring a hub with curved slots and shoulders, where blades are locked during rotation but can be easily removed by rotating to a predefined threshold angle, allowing manual removal without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional propeller designs are used with secure locking mechanisms, then blade security during flight is improved, but removal complexity increases requiring tools or complicated manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism dynamically changes its locking state based on propeller rotation. During rotation, centrifugal force pushes the blade's rounded end against the curved slot wall, creating automatic locking. During stationary operation, the blade can be manually rotated to disengage from the locking position, enabling easy removal without tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller blade's own rotational motion generates the centrifugal force needed for locking, eliminating the need for external locking mechanisms or tools. The rounded end of the blade works with the curved slot to create self-locking through the blade's operational movement itself.
2Ease of operation
If simple manual removal mechanisms are used, then removal ease is improved, but blade security during flight deteriorates due to potential unintentional separation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking force parameter changes dynamically with propeller rotation speed. At zero or low speeds, the blade can be easily removed by manual rotation. At operational rotation speeds, centrifugal force increases the locking force automatically, securing the blade during flight.
3Reliability
If tool-based removal systems are used, then blade security is improved, but device complexity increases requiring additional tools and operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking and removal function from the blade-hub interface itself, using the natural centrifugal force generated during operation. This eliminates the need for external tools or complex locking mechanisms, achieving both security and simplicity through the inherent dynamics of rotating propeller blades.
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 quick and tool-free replacement of blades, ensuring safety and convenience by preventing unintentional separation during flight and allowing easy access for maintenance or optimization.
Implementation Method 1
the propeller blade configured to be locked to the hub when the propeller blade is oriented at less than a predefined threshold angle with respect to an axis of the hub
Data Source
AI summary
A quick release propeller for model airplanes is disclosed including two or more blades mounted to a hub. For each blade, the hub includes a slot and a shoulder. Each blade includes a base portion having pins which slide into the slot in the hub. The slots are curved which prevents the blades from being removed unless they are rotated at predefined threshold angle with respect to the hub.