Rotating Fluid Distributor for Propeller Pitch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solutions for controlling the pitch of propeller blades in an open rotor turbine engine, particularly with propellers arranged upstream, face challenges due to the presence of a rotating power gear box, which prevents a static connection between the control actuator and the housing, complicating the deployment of hydraulic supplies.
Innovation Solution
A device for supplying and distributing fluid to a rotating linear displacement actuator, comprising radial arms with internal passages interacting with the power assembly, a fluid distributor with separate channels for each operating state, and tubular equipment forming independent chambers connected to the actuator, allowing fluid distribution along a longitudinal axis and rotation with the power assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a static shaft is used to transport hydraulic controls, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot be installed in the upstream propeller configuration due to the rotating power gear box
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static shaft into a rotating shaft that rotates with the power gear box. This dynamic solution allows the hydraulic control supply to adapt to the rotating upstream propeller configuration while maintaining structural simplicity. The rotating shaft is connected to the power gear box and rotates synchronously, enabling hydraulic fluid transport in the rotating reference frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotating connection mechanism as an intermediary between the static housing and the rotating actuator. This intermediary component (the rotating shaft with hydraulic passages) mediates the transmission of hydraulic fluid from the static power supply to the rotating actuator, solving the compatibility issue between static and rotating components.
2Measurement precision
If three separate lines are used to manage three operating states, then each state is controlled precisely, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional rotating shaft that serves multiple purposes: it transmits rotational motion from the power gear box, transports hydraulic fluid to the actuator, and provides structural support. This universal component reduces the number of separate lines needed while maintaining precise control of all three operating states through the single rotating connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the rotational transmission function and the hydraulic fluid transport function into a single rotating shaft assembly. By combining these functions, the patent reduces the number of separate components and lines required, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the capability to control all three operating states precisely.
3Volume of moving object
If the actuator is located between the power assembly and the housing, then the layout is compact, but centrifugal forces and pressure create structural challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the actuator in the rotating reference frame between the power assembly and the housing, allowing it to operate in a compact configuration. The actuator and its connection to the rotating shaft are designed to withstand centrifugal forces dynamically, with the rotating connection absorbing and distributing these forces throughout the rotating assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs balanced rotating components and counterbalancing design in the power gear box and rotating shaft assembly to offset centrifugal forces. The symmetric distribution of mass in the rotating components compensates for the centrifugal effects, maintaining structural integrity while enabling the compact layout.
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 reliable and efficient fluid supply and distribution to the actuator, allowing for precise control of propeller blade pitch across different operating states without causing imbalance or structural issues, even in the presence of centrifugal forces and pressure within the hydraulic circuit.
Implementation Method 1
means for supplying fluid comprising radial arms having internal passages capable of interacting with said power assembly and defining as many supplies as there are operating states of the actuator
Implementation Method 2
a fluid distributor to which the internal passages of the arms of said supplies are connected, and having channels capable of separately transporting the fluid in the direction of the actuator according to the operating states
Implementation Method 3
tubular equipment connected coaxially to the distributor and forming at least two independent chambers which are connected to separate lateral channels of the distributor and one or the other of which are capable of being in communication with said actuator
Data Source
AI summary
The device is intended to supply a rotating linear displacement actuator capable of controlling the pitch of the blades of a propeller, according to separate operating states, from a rotary power assembly, the device being arranged so as to be located between the power assembly and the actuator, along a longitudinal axis, and being connected in rotation therewith. According to the invention, the device comprises supplies for supplying fluid interacting with the power assembly and defining as many supplies as there are operating states of the actuator, and a fluid distributor to which the supplies are connected and having separate channels for transporting the fluid in the direction of the actuator according to the operating states, by a tubular equipment connected to the distributor.