Rotor Blade Locking Mechanism with Self-Engaging Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rotorcraft folding mechanisms for rotor blades are complex, heavy, and require manual manipulation, making them inefficient for storage and maintenance, as they occupy large spaces and may not fit through indoor facilities due to their size.
Innovation Solution
A rotor blade locking mechanism that uses a linkage system to amplify the force applied by an actuator, ensuring the rotor blades remain locked in the extended position during flight, featuring a latch that translates along a locking axis with a pre-load force mechanism to prevent rotation, and an optional simplified version without linkage for lighter applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current locking mechanisms are used to lock rotor blades in extended position, then the rotor blades can be securely locked, but the mechanism becomes complex and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically engages and disengages through the rotation of the rotor blade itself. When the rotor blade rotates to the extended position, the latch automatically engages with the locking plate without requiring manual intervention. Similarly, when folded, the latch automatically disengages. This self-servicing mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual operation systems while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential locking function from a complex multi-component system and implements it through a simplified latch-and-locking-plate mechanism. By removing unnecessary components and focusing only on the core locking function, the mechanism achieves reliable locking with reduced complexity and weight.
2Reliability
If current locking mechanisms are used to lock rotor blades, then the rotor blades can be secured, but the mechanism requires manual manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the rotor blade's position. The latch is positioned and oriented such that rotor blade rotation automatically drives the engagement or disengagement process, eliminating the need for manual manipulation while ensuring reliable locking during flight operations.
3Area of stationary object
If rotor blades are folded to reduce footprint, then storage space is minimized, but the locking mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The self-servicing locking mechanism automatically adapts to both folded and extended positions through rotor blade rotation. The same simple latch-and-locking-plate mechanism handles both folding and locking functions without requiring separate complex systems, enabling compact storage while maintaining structural integrity during flight.
4Weight of moving object
If a simplified locking mechanism without linkage is used, then weight and complexity are reduced, but force amplification capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blade's rotation itself performs the preliminary action of driving the latch into the locking plate. The rotational motion naturally generates the necessary engagement force, eliminating the need for separate force amplification linkages. This preliminary action by the rotor blade's own movement provides sufficient force for reliable locking while keeping the mechanism lightweight and simple.
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
The mechanism effectively reduces the footprint of rotorcraft by allowing efficient folding and locking of rotor blades, enhancing operational safety and reducing weight and complexity, while enabling easier storage and maintenance access.
Implementation Method 1
uses a linkage system to amplify the force applied by an actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A rotor blade locking assembly for locking a rotor blade in a deployed position. The rotor blade locking assembly comprises a locking mechanism configured to be coupled to a blade grip. The locking mechanism comprises a latch and an actuator configured to cause the latch to move between an unlocked position and a locked position. The assembly comprises a locking plate configured to be coupled to the rotor blade. The locking plate comprises a bearing surface configured to bear against a contact surface of the latch, when the latch is in the locked position.