Rotor Blade Flap Braking for Air Vehicle Mode Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary wing air vehicles face challenges in transitioning from helicopter mode to airplane mode due to structural complexity and instability when the rotor is stopped and used as a wing, requiring a mechanism that can efficiently control rotor speed and provide stable braking.
Innovation Solution
A modular brake mechanism for rotary wing air vehicles that uses flaps on the blades to create drag, controlled by a triggering device and actuator system, allowing flaps to move between closed and open positions to decelerate the rotor, with a control unit managing the process based on sensor feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the rotor is stopped and used as a wing to enable gliding flight, then flight duration and speed are improved, but the structural complexity and stability control become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the flaps movable rather than fixed. The flaps can dynamically change their position between closed (aerodynamic surface) and open (braking) positions during rotor operation. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different flight phases without requiring complex structural modifications to the rotor assembly itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of drag force by adjusting flap position. When transitioning from helicopter to airplane mode, the flaps are opened to increase drag and slow the rotor. This parameter change (from low drag during rotation to high drag during braking) enables mode transition without complex mechanical structures.
2Reliability
If a brake mechanism is implemented to control rotor speed during mode transition, then stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of rotor inertia (which causes stability issues during mode transition) into a beneficial braking mechanism. By opening the flaps, the rotor's own rotation creates aerodynamic drag that naturally slows it down. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical brake systems while maintaining stability control.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking system is self-service in that it uses the rotor's own aerodynamic interaction with the atmosphere to slow itself down. The flaps create drag that automatically decelerates the rotor without requiring external power sources, actuators, or complex control systems. The system serves itself by converting rotational energy into drag-based braking.
3Productivity
If flaps are used to create drag for braking, then rotor deceleration efficiency is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the braking function into multiple independent flaps distributed around the rotor blades. Each flap can be controlled independently or in unison, allowing progressive or staged braking. This segmentation provides efficient deceleration through cumulative drag while keeping each individual flap mechanism simple and modular.
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 enables efficient deceleration and stabilization of the rotor, allowing the vehicle to transition smoothly between modes by creating drag and stopping the rotor completely when necessary, enhancing flight duration and speed.
Implementation Method 1
By creating air drag with the flaps on the blade, braking is almost entirely provided by mechanical effects.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a body (2); at least one engine (3) on the body (2), which generates the necessary force for the flight of the air vehicle (1); at least one rotor (4) capable of rotating around itself, connected with the engine (3), and extending outward from the body (2); at least one shaft (5) in the rotor (4), which is triggered by the engine (3) and rotates around an axis along which it extends; a plurality of blades (6) connected with the shaft (5), which are triggered by the shaft (5) to move; at least one flap (7) located on the blade (6) and applying a drag force to the rotor due to its position on the blade; a closed position (C) in which the flap (7) almost completely corresponds to the aerodynamic surface of the blade (6); an open position (O) to which the flap (7) moves from the closed position (C) and in which the flap (7) extends outward from the blade (6) and increases the drag force acting on the rotor (4); a plurality of fasteners (8) in the blade (6) that allow the flaps (7) to be attached to the blade (6) movably.