Composite Rotor Blade Coupling for Centrifugal Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotor assemblies face challenges in effectively transferring centrifugal forces between composite rotor blades and metallic bearing races, leading to potential deformation and reduced durability, especially under varying operational conditions.
Innovation Solution
The use of metallic coupling assemblies with radially tapered surfaces and circumferentially distributed coupling members to create a centrifugal force load path between composite rotor blades and metallic bearing races, incorporating anti-rotation elements and compliant layers for secure and strain-resistant attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If composite rotor blades are directly coupled to metallic bearing races, then the structure is simpler, but centrifugal forces cause deformation and reduced durability
Solution Approach 1:
A metallic coupling assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the composite rotor blade and the metallic bearing race. This coupling assembly includes a centrifugal force load path that transfers centrifugal forces from the composite rotor blade to the bearing race, preventing deformation and improving durability while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design.
2Strength
If the rotor blade root section is made larger to increase strength, then the strength increases, but the hub diameter must increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly utilizes a tapered geometric configuration where the centrifugal force load path is distributed along the tapered surfaces. This allows the load to be transferred efficiently without requiring an increased hub diameter, as the strength enhancement is achieved through the tapered geometry and load distribution rather than simply increasing the root section dimensions.
3Reliability
If rotor blades are permanently attached to the hub, then the structural integrity is higher, but maintenance and blade replacement become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is designed as a separable connection system with coupling members that can be detached. This segmentation allows the rotor blade to be securely attached during operation to maintain structural integrity, while enabling easy removal and replacement during maintenance by simply detaching the coupling members from the bearing race flange.
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 the strength and durability of the rotor blades by allowing a larger root section without increasing the hub diameter, enabling efficient thrust generation and facilitating maintenance through removable rotor blades.
Implementation Method 1
The metallic coupling assembly has a radially inwardly tapered inner surface that receives the radially outwardly tapered outer surface of the root section of the rotor blade therein to provide a centrifugal force seat for the rotor blade
Data Source
AI summary
A rotor assembly for generating thrust for a vehicle. The rotor assembly includes a rotor hub and a plurality of rotor blade assemblies coupled to the rotor hub. Each rotor blade assembly includes a metallic bearing race, a composite rotor blade and a metallic coupling assembly. The composite rotor blade has a root section with a radially outwardly tapered outer surface. The metallic coupling assembly has a radially inwardly tapered inner surface that receives the radially outwardly tapered outer surface of the root section of the rotor blade therein to provide a centrifugal force seat for the rotor blade. The coupling assembly includes at least two circumferentially distributed coupling members. The coupling assembly is configured to couple the rotor blade to the bearing race and to provide a centrifugal force load path therebetween.