Rotor Assembly Non-Back Drive for Stable eVTOL Pitch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eVTOL systems face challenges in maintaining stability and control of rotor blade pitch angles, particularly in the event of drive unit failures, which can compromise flight stability and safety.
Innovation Solution
A rotor assembly design incorporating a swash plate unit and a drive unit connected via a non-back drive part that prevents force transfer from the swash plate to the drive unit, allowing for independent adjustment of blade pitch angles and maintaining stability even in the event of drive unit failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional drive unit is used to control swash plate position, then blade pitch angles can be adjusted, but the system becomes vulnerable to control failures and instability when the drive unit encounters resistance or failure
Solution Approach 1:
A spring mechanism is introduced as an intermediary element between the swash plate and the drive unit. The spring maintains a predetermined force that directly influences the swash plate position, acting as a mediator that ensures stable blade pitch angles even when the drive unit encounters resistance or fails, thereby improving flight stability without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by continuously applying a predetermined force to the swash plate, preparing the system in advance to counteract potential drive unit failures or resistance. This prior cushioning effect ensures that the blade pitch angles remain stable and flight control is maintained even under failure conditions
2Reliability
If the drive unit directly controls the swash plate, then pitch control is achieved, but external forces can affect the drive unit and compromise control during failures
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism serves as an intermediary that isolates the drive unit from external forces. By maintaining a predetermined force through the spring, the system prevents external forces from directly affecting the drive unit's control capability, thereby ensuring control stability and protecting against failure conditions
3Productivity
If blade pitch angles are adjusted for optimal performance, then thrust is maximized, but the system becomes sensitive to force variations and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by continuously applying a predetermined force to maintain the swash plate at the correct position. This ensures that blade pitch angles remain stable and consistent, preventing sensitivity to force variations while maintaining optimal thrust efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A rotor assembly includes a main shaft; at least one blade disposed along a circumference of the main shaft; a swash plate unit disposed to penetrate the main shaft, connected to at least one of the blades, and configured to move along the main shaft; and a drive unit configured to control a position of the swash plate unit, wherein the swash plate unit and the drive unit are connected to each other through a non-back drive part which does not allow force to be transferred to the drive unit.