Aerodynamic Rotary Interface Eliminating Axial Clearances

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotor systems in aircraft experience disrupted fluid flow due to axial clearances between adjacent rotary fairings, leading to increased drag and decreased efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The rotor assembly features a fixed fairing with an interface portion and a hub fairing with a depression to receive the interface portion, allowing for smooth fluid flow and reducing drag by eliminating axial clearances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If axial clearances are maintained between adjacent rotary fairings, then ease of manufacture and assembly is improved, but aerodynamic efficiency deteriorates due to disrupted fluid flow and increased drag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidaerodynamic efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary fairing is nested within the stationary fairing through a depression-recess configuration. The stationary fairing includes a depression that receives the rotary fairing, creating a nested arrangement where the rotary fairing is partially housed within the stationary fairing. This nesting eliminates axial clearances while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized interface geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface between the stationary fairing and rotary fairing is merged into a single integrated structure. The depression in the stationary fairing and the corresponding protrusion on the rotary fairing are designed to mate precisely, merging the two separate fairings into a unified aerodynamic surface that eliminates gaps and clearances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If axial clearances are maintained between adjacent rotary fairings, then device complexity is reduced, but drag increases due to disrupted fluid flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoiddrag

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary fairing is nested within the stationary fairing through a depression-recess configuration. The stationary fairing includes a depression that receives the rotary fairing, creating a nested arrangement where the rotary fairing is partially housed within the stationary fairing. This nesting eliminates axial clearances while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized interface geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface region between the stationary and rotary fairings is given special geometric quality through the depression design. The depression has specific dimensional characteristics that ensure precise mating and elimination of clearances at the critical interface zone, while the rest of the fairing structures maintain standard simple geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If axial clearances are eliminated between adjacent rotary fairings, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved by reducing drag, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary fairing is nested within the stationary fairing through a depression-recess configuration. The stationary fairing includes a depression that receives the rotary fairing, creating a nested arrangement where the rotary fairing is partially housed within the stationary fairing. This nesting eliminates axial clearances while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized interface geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The fairing system is segmented into distinct stationary and rotary components with a clearly defined interface. The depression in the stationary fairing and the corresponding protrusion on the rotary fairing create discrete mating surfaces that can be manufactured and assembled independently, with precision requirements concentrated at the interface rather than throughout the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design enhances aerodynamic efficiency by minimizing drag, increasing power efficiency, and extending the lifespan of the power source, while also reducing re-fueling requirements and operating costs.

Implementation Method 1

This axial clearance disrupts fluid flow as fluid passes the rotor system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

Disrupted fluid flow increases drag and decreases the efficiency of the rotor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDrag: Drag

Data Source

PatentUS12202596B2Aerodynamic rotary interface

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

AI summary

A rotor assembly including a fixed fairing including an interface portion and a hub fairing including a depression. The depression is configured to receive at least a portion of the interface portion. The hub fairing is rotatable relative to the fixed fairing.