Radial Fluid Device for Variable Phase and Amplitude Rotor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotorcraft blade control systems rely on redundant electrical or mechanical systems and secondary load paths, which increase complexity, weight, and power consumption, and are unable to efficiently implement independent blade control for harmonic motions beyond cyclic and collective controls.
Innovation Solution
A radial fluid device with variable phase and amplitude is introduced, utilizing a hydraulic actuation system with programmable cams and piston assemblies to generate sinusoidal motions for independent blade control, eliminating the need for redundant systems and reducing power consumption by balancing loads between cams and optimizing fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant electrical or mechanical systems are used for blade control, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radial fluid device uses the rotorcraft's existing hydraulic system to power the blade control actuators, eliminating the need for separate redundant control systems. The hydraulic motor is driven by fluid from the main hydraulic system, allowing the system to serve itself without additional power sources or control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial fluid device integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides both the mechanical structure for blade control and the actuation mechanism through integrated hydraulic motors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate redundant electrical or mechanical control systems while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If redundant electrical or mechanical systems are used for blade control, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the existing hydraulic infrastructure of the rotorcraft to power blade control actuators, eliminating the need for separate motors, power sources, and control systems that would add weight. The hydraulic motor is driven by fluid from the main hydraulic system, making the control system weightless relative to the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the control function from separate redundant systems and integrates it into the existing hydraulic system. By taking out the need for independent power sources and control mechanisms, the weight of the control system is dramatically reduced while maintaining reliability through the proven hydraulic infrastructure.
3Power
If conventional hydraulic systems are used, then power is available for blade control, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radial fluid device uses periodic sinusoidal motion of the cams to drive the hydraulic pistons, creating rhythmic fluid flow that matches the desired blade control frequencies. This periodic action allows the system to use power efficiently by converting the rotational motion of the hydraulic motor into the specific harmonic motions needed for blade control, rather than continuous power application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the hydraulic fluid flow by using variable geometry cams that modify the displacement volume and flow rate according to the desired harmonic frequency and amplitude. This allows precise control of power delivery to each blade actuator, optimizing energy usage while maintaining full power availability when needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If independent blade control is implemented, then harmonic motion control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radial fluid device divides the blade control function into separate actuators for each blade, with each actuator receiving controlled hydraulic fluid through dedicated passages. The cam mechanism is segmented into multiple cam lobes, each controlling a different harmonic frequency, allowing independent control of each blade while using a unified mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic fluid acts as an intermediary that transmits power from the single hydraulic motor to multiple blade actuators. The radial pistons and hydraulic passages serve as intermediaries that distribute and control the fluid flow to each blade actuator according to the cam geometry, enabling complex harmonic control without direct mechanical linkages from the motor to each blade.
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 radial fluid device enables reliable independent blade control without redundant systems, conserves power, and efficiently generates a wide range of harmonic motions, including reactionless controls, thereby enhancing rotor system efficiency and reducing noise and vibration.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic actuation system with programmable cams and piston assemblies to generate sinusoidal motions for independent blade control
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a radial fluid device comprises a cylinder block, first and second pluralities of pistons, a first cam disposed about the first plurality of radially extending cylinders, and a second cam disposed about the second plurality of radially extending cylinders. The direction of rotation of the second cam is independent of the direction of rotation of the first cam.