Rotating Shroud for Rotor Blade Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fixed shroud systems for rotary blades require large, bulky structures to maintain tight tolerances, leading to increased vehicle size and weight, which compromises efficiency and aerodynamics.
Innovation Solution
A rotor-shroud assembly where the shroud is connected to the outer tip of the rotor blade and rotates with it, allowing adjustable pitch control and reducing overall vehicle weight through a motor-driven central hub system with pivotable rotor blades and a swashless pitching mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed shroud is used to surround the rotor blade, then noise reduction and aerodynamic improvement are achieved, but the vehicle size and weight increase due to larger structures required to maintain tight tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud is made rotatable by connecting it to the rotor blade tips through pivotable joints, allowing the shroud to rotate together with the rotor blades. This dynamic configuration eliminates the need for large fixed support structures, reducing vehicle weight while maintaining the shroud's noise reduction and aerodynamic benefits throughout rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud is integrated with the rotor blade system by connecting it to the blade tips, merging the shroud's noise reduction function with the rotor's rotational motion. This combination allows the shroud to move with the rotor, eliminating the need for separate fixed mounting structures and reducing overall vehicle weight.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed shroud is used to surround the rotor blade, then noise reduction is achieved, but vehicle size increases due to larger structures required to maintain tight tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud is made rotatable by connecting it to the rotor blade tips through pivotable joints, allowing the shroud to rotate together with the rotor blades. This dynamic configuration eliminates the need for large fixed support structures, reducing vehicle size while maintaining the shroud's noise reduction and aerodynamic benefits throughout rotation.
3Weight of moving object
If the shroud is connected to the rotor blade tip and rotates with it, then vehicle weight is reduced, but pitch control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pitch control mechanism is segmented into individual pitch control units, each associated with a specific rotor blade. This segmentation allows each blade's pitch to be controlled independently through its own actuator and control linkage, simplifying the overall control architecture while enabling the shroud to rotate with the rotor and reduce vehicle weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The pitch control system uses the rotational motion of the rotor-blade-shroud assembly to automatically position pitch control mechanisms in their proper orientations. The system leverages the existing rotational dynamics rather than requiring additional complex mechanisms to maintain proper alignment during rotation, reducing overall system complexity.
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 configuration enhances directional and thrust control efficiency, reduces noise, and improves aerodynamics by allowing for lighter vehicle designs while maintaining effective noise reduction and airflow management.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of rotor blades circumferentially disposed on and moveably connected to the central hub
Implementation Method 2
the shroud has a cross sectional profile of an airfoil such that the rotation of the shroud directs airflow towards each of the plurality of rotor blades
Implementation Method 3
Each of the plurality of rotor blades has a first end pivotably connected to the central hub and an elongated body extending outwardly from central hub towards a second end. The second end is pivotably connected to a shroud that circumscribes the plurality of rotor blades
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for improving the flight control and efficiency of an aerial vehicle. Many embodiments are directed to a rotor-shroud assembly system where a plurality of rotor blades are connected to the internal side of a shroud and are set up to pivot through the use of a pitching mechanism. The entire assembly is configured to rotate when attached to a motor.