Reversible Mechanical Power Transmission Module for Hybrid Helicopter Propeller Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power transmission systems in hybrid helicopters are inefficient in managing power distribution between the rotary wing and propellers, particularly during ground operations where propeller shutdown is necessary for safety without stopping the rotary wing, and they often require heavy and cumbersome components to handle high mechanical torques.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical power transmission module with a first and second shaft, featuring a controllable freewheel and clutch system, along with a speed differential member, allowing for selective power transmission and shutdown of propellers while maintaining rotary wing operation, using a gear stage with distinct rotational speed ratios and a brake for propeller control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the rotary wing and propellers are permanently kinematically linked to transmit power, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but the ability to independently control propeller rotation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmission system is segmented into multiple independent pathways: a primary power transmission path for the rotary wing and separate controllable connections for each propeller. This allows the rotary wing to operate independently while propellers can be selectively engaged or disengaged, resolving the contradiction between maintaining power transmission efficiency and enabling independent propeller control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic controllable connections (clutches or controllable freewheels) between the power transmission system and propellers, allowing the connection state to change based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability enables the propellers to be kinematically linked when power transmission is needed and disconnected when independent control is required, such as during ground operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional freewheels or controllable freewheels are used to disconnect propellers, then propeller shutdown capability is improved, but the system becomes unable to handle high mechanical torques
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functional elements into an integrated power transmission module: gear stages for torque multiplication, controllable freewheels for one-way power transmission and propeller isolation, and clutch mechanisms for engaged/disengaged states. This combination allows the system to handle high mechanical torques through gear multiplication while maintaining propeller shutdown capability through the controllable freewheel mechanism that prevents reverse torque transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transmission module employs a nested structure where gear stages are integrated within the same housing as controllable freewheels and clutch mechanisms. The gear stages handle high torque transmission internally, while the controllable freewheels provide an outer layer of protection against reverse torque, enabling the system to simultaneously achieve high torque handling and propeller isolation capabilities.
3Strength
If heavy and cumbersome components are used to handle high mechanical torques, then torque handling capacity is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional heavy-duty mechanical torque handling components with a more efficient gear stage system that multiplies torque through mechanical advantage. Instead of using oversized shafts and bearings to directly handle high torques, the system uses compact gear mechanisms to transform and multiply torque, significantly reducing the size and weight of structural components while maintaining or enhancing torque handling capacity.
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 efficient power transmission and propeller control, allowing for autorotation, reduced fuel consumption, and safer ground operations by isolating the rotary wing and utilizing propellers as power generators, thus improving operational flexibility and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
A mechanical power transmission module with a first and second shaft, featuring a controllable freewheel and clutch system
Implementation Method 2
using a gear stage with distinct rotational speed ratios
Implementation Method 3
along with a speed differential member, allowing for selective power transmission and shutdown of propellers while maintaining rotary wing operation, using a gear stage with distinct rotational speed ratios and a brake for propeller control
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a power transmission module (1) equipped with a first shaft (5) and a second shaft (10). A first gear stage (13) comprises a first wheel (R1) and a first pinion (P1), a second gear stage (14) comprises a second wheel (R2) and a second pinion (P2), the second shaft (10) being rotationally fixed to the second pinion (P2), a clutch (30) connecting the first pinion (P1) to the second wheel (R2), and a controllable freewheel (40) connecting the first wheel (R1) to the second pinion (P2). The first shaft (5) is rotationally fixed to either the first pinion (P1) or the first wheel (R1).A speed differential device (50) is functionally arranged between the first shaft (5) and the second shaft (10) so that the second shaft (10) induces the rotation of the first shaft (5) when the second shaft (10) has a rotational speed greater than a rotational speed of the first wheel (R1) and when simultaneously the clutch (30) is in a disengaged mode.