Rotor Blade Tuning Object with Internal Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for reducing vibratory response in rotor blades, such as using multiple tuning masses, are cumbersome and can lead to excessive shear stresses in adhesive bonds, making them inefficient and prone to inconsistencies.

Innovation Solution

A tuning object with a plurality of channels is bonded to the rotor blade using an adhesive bond, reducing the load transferred through the bond and minimizing shear stresses by breaking up the contact area, thereby maintaining the integrity of the adhesive bond.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple tuning masses are bonded to the rotor blade, then the vibratory response can be reduced, but the device complexity and difficulty of installation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibratory response reductionVSAvoidnumber of tuning masses
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate tuning masses into a single integrated tuning mass with a complex internal geometry. This single component performs the function of multiple separate masses while simplifying installation and reducing the number of adhesive bonds required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tuning mass is designed with an internal segmented structure featuring multiple cavities and channels. This segmentation allows the single mass to distribute vibratory forces effectively across different regions, achieving the same effect as multiple separate masses while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a single tuning mass is bonded to the rotor blade, then the installation process is simplified, but excessive shear stresses may form in the adhesive bond

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidshear stress in adhesive bond
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The tuning mass incorporates internal cavities and channels that create a segmented load path. This segmentation distributes the shear stresses across multiple internal surfaces and adhesive interfaces, preventing excessive stress concentration at any single bond location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tuning mass features varying wall thicknesses and cavity distributions tailored to specific locations. This local variation in geometry allows the structure to adapt to stress distributions, providing enhanced stiffness and stress distribution in high-load areas while maintaining simplicity of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the tuning mass is installed at certain locations within the rotor blade, then the vibratory response is reduced, but excessive shear stresses cause adhesive bond separation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibratory response reductionVSAvoidadhesive bond strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The internal cavities and channels create multiple adhesive bonding interfaces distributed throughout the tuning mass. This segmentation of the adhesive bond area distributes shear stresses across numerous smaller interfaces, preventing any single interface from experiencing excessive stress that would cause separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tuning mass utilizes a composite structure combining solid material with internal voids/cavities. This composite geometry provides both the mass required for vibratory response reduction and the structural complexity needed to distribute and manage shear stresses within the adhesive bond.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP2733067B1Apparatus and method for tuning a vibratory response of a rotor blade
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 THE BOEING CO
  • EP2733067B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2733067B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2733067B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method and apparatus for reducing a vibratory response in a structure using a tuning object. A selected mass may be identified for the tuning object. A plurality of channels may be formed in a workpiece having a mass greater than the selected mass to form the tuning object having the selected mass. The tuning object may be bonded to the structure using an adhesive bond to reduce the vibratory response of the structure.