Reversible Gearbox Pinion for Multi-Rotor Aircraft Power Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current power transmission systems for rotorcraft, such as helicopters and hybrid aircraft, require distinct main gearboxes for different types of aircraft, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity due to the need for angle transmissions and varying rotor speeds, which are heavy and difficult to manage.
Innovation Solution
A power transmission system with a main speed-reducing gear connected to a rotor mast, featuring reversible connection means and a two-pinion assembly, allowing for flexible engine-driven rotation of main and additional rotors, including lateral and tail rotors, without the need for separate gearboxes, and enabling optional additional pinions for accessory drives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate gearboxes are used for different types of aircraft (helicopters and hybrid aircraft), then the power transmission system can be optimized for specific aircraft types, but the device complexity and weight increase due to requiring multiple specialized gearboxes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single main gearbox that can serve multiple aircraft types (helicopters and hybrid aircraft) through optional additional pinions. The basic gearbox structure remains the same, but different configurations of additional pinions allow it to adapt to different power transmission needs, eliminating the requirement for separate specialized gearboxes for each aircraft type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power transmission system into a basic main gearbox structure and optional additional pinion modules. Each additional pinion can be independently added or removed based on the specific aircraft type and power transmission requirements, allowing modular adaptation without redesigning the entire gearbox.
2Adaptability or versatility
If angle transmissions are added to accommodate varying rotor speeds and aircraft types, then the system becomes more adaptable, but the weight and complexity of the power transmission system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The additional pinions serve multiple functions: they can drive lateral rotors in hybrid aircraft, drive tail rotors in helicopters, or drive accessory drives. This multi-functionality provides adaptability for varying rotor speeds and aircraft types without requiring separate specialized transmission components for each function, thereby avoiding additional weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple power transmission functions into a single integrated gearbox structure. The additional pinions are integrated into the existing main gearbox, combining the functions of speed reduction, lateral rotor drive, tail rotor drive, and accessory drive into one unified system, eliminating the need for separate angle transmissions and reducing overall weight.
3Device complexity
If a single main gearbox is used for multiple aircraft types, then device complexity and weight are reduced, but the manufacturing precision and adaptability to specific aircraft requirements become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission system into a standardized basic gearbox and optional additional pinion modules. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity for the core gearbox while allowing precise adaptation to specific aircraft types through the selective addition of pinions, each designed for specific functions (lateral rotor drive, tail rotor drive, accessory drive).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the configuration of additional pinions adaptable rather than fixed. The gearbox can be dynamically configured for different aircraft types by adding or removing specific pinions based on the operational requirements, allowing the same basic structure to serve multiple purposes with precise adaptation to each aircraft type's needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A power transmission system having at least one inlet speed-reducing gear and a main speed-reducing gear, each inlet speed-reducing gear comprising an inlet pinion meshing with an inlet gearwheel. The inlet gearwheel is constrained to rotate with a main pinion of the main speed-reducing gear, the main pinion meshing with a main gearwheel. At least one inlet gearwheel is secured to reversible connection means in order to be capable of driving a first additional drivetrain connected to an additional rotor.