Helicopter Rotor Tip Segmentation for Brownout Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Helicopter rotor wash causes brownout and whiteout conditions, leading to reduced visibility and potential accidents during landing and takeoff in dusty and snowy environments, as well as clogging engine air filters, due to the recirculation of debris and particles.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical system for configuring rotor tips using cables, hydraulics, electrical servomechanisms, or weight adjustment to divert airflow and debris away from the rotor wash, preventing recirculation and maintaining cleaner engine air intakes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If rotor wash is used to provide lift during helicopter approach and landing, then lift generation is improved, but dust and debris are recirculated causing brownout conditions and reducing visibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelift generationVSAvoidvisibility reduction due to brownout

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor blade is segmented into a main blade portion and a separate tip portion. The tip portion can be independently configured relative to the main blade, allowing the tip to be positioned at different angles or orientations to disrupt the recirculation of dust and debris while the main blade continues to generate lift.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotor tip is given a different configuration or orientation compared to the rest of the blade. By modifying only the local region at the tip rather than the entire blade, the invention selectively disrupts the harmful recirculation pattern at the critical tip region where vortices form, while preserving the overall lift-generating function of the blade.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If rotor wash is used to maintain hover and low-speed flight, then flight control is improved, but engine air filters become clogged with recirculated debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight controlVSAvoidair filter clogging

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor blade is segmented into a main blade portion and a separate tip portion. The tip portion can be independently configured relative to the main blade, allowing the tip to be positioned at different angles or orientations to disrupt the recirculation of dust and debris while the main blade continues to generate lift.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotor tip is given a different configuration or orientation compared to the rest of the blade. By modifying only the local region at the tip rather than the entire blade, the invention selectively disrupts the harmful recirculation pattern at the critical tip region where vortices form, while preserving the overall lift-generating function of the blade.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If traditional rotor blade configuration is used, then aerodynamic efficiency is maintained, but dust recirculation causes safety hazards during landing and takeoff

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic efficiencyVSAvoidsafety during landing and takeoff

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor blade is segmented into a main blade portion and a separate tip portion. The tip portion can be independently configured relative to the main blade, allowing the tip to be positioned at different angles or orientations to disrupt the recirculation of dust and debris while the main blade continues to generate lift.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotor tip is given a different configuration or orientation compared to the rest of the blade. By modifying only the local region at the tip rather than the entire blade, the invention selectively disrupts the harmful recirculation pattern at the critical tip region where vortices form, while preserving the overall lift-generating function of the blade.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution effectively clears debris from the rotor wash, improving visibility and air quality for pilots and reducing the risk of accidents and equipment damage by pushing debris-laden air downward and outward, allowing cleaner air to be drawn in, thus enhancing operational safety and reducing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

A helicopter rotor device with a mechanical means for configuring rotor tips in order to control dust of brown outs... divert airflow and debris away from the rotor wash, preventing recirculation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow deflection:

Data Source

PatentUS10696387B2Helicopter rotor with a mechanical means for configuring rotor tips to control brown outs

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 ALLEN DANN M

AI summary

A helicopter rotor device with a mechanical means for configuring rotor tips in order to control dust of brown outs or the method to accomplish the reduction or elimination of the brownout dust.