Rotor Unbalance Simulator Movable Weight Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing systems for evaluating the ability of supporting structures to withstand sudden rotor unbalance are costly and destructive, requiring pyrotechnic or projectile-based methods that incur significant expenses and risks, making it difficult to conduct multiple tests without damaging the structure or rotor.
Innovation Solution
A rotor unbalance simulator that uses a movable weight and controlled blocker to simulate sudden unbalance, allowing for adjustable and non-destructive testing of supporting structures, enabling evaluation of vibration behavior and structural margins without the risks associated with pyrotechnic or projectile systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pyrotechnic charges or projectile projection systems are used to damage rotor blades during testing, then the test system can effectively simulate real blade breakage and sudden unbalance, but the test system induces significant recurring costs and requires replacing broken elements for each test
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the blade breakage effect by using a movable unbalanced mass that can be suddenly released to simulate the sudden unbalance caused by blade damage, without actually damaging the blade. This allows repeated testing with the same rotor assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive pyrotechnic charges or projectile systems that require replacement after each test, the patent employs a simple, reusable unbalanced mass mechanism that can be reset and used repeatedly without consuming or damaging critical components.
2Reliability
If pyrotechnic charges or projectile projection systems are used to damage rotor blades during testing, then the test system can effectively simulate real blade breakage, but the implementation is delicate and involves significant risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of actual blade destruction into a beneficial simulation by using a controlled unbalanced mass system that reproduces the vibration and stress effects of blade failure without the physical destruction, pyrotechnics, or safety risks associated with those methods.
3Measurement precision
If destructive testing methods are used to assess supporting structure capacity, then the ability to demonstrate structure withstand capability can be evaluated, but significant costs are incurred and hardware must be replaced for each test
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the blade breakage effect by using a movable unbalanced mass that can be suddenly released to simulate the sudden unbalance caused by blade damage, without actually damaging the blade. This allows repeated testing with the same rotor assembly.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tests are conducted using destructive testing systems, then comprehensive assessment of supporting structure can be performed, but significant recurring costs are incurred due to replacing broken elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous testing by implementing a reusable unbalanced mass mechanism that can be reset between tests, eliminating the need to stop and replace damaged components. The same rotor assembly can undergo multiple sequential tests assessing different unbalance scenarios.
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
Enables cost-effective, non-destructive, and repeatable testing of supporting structures to assess their ability to withstand various levels of sudden unbalance, allowing for progressive vibration studies and quantification of structural margins, reducing the need for repeated hardware changes and minimizing risks during testing.
Implementation Method 1
A distance radially separating the weight from the axis of rotation, namely orthogonal to the axis of rotation, varies between the initial position and the final position. The simulator has a controlled blocker immobilizing said weight on request relative to the carrier in the initial position, said simulator having a stop, for example along said path, said stop blocking the weight in the final position following a movement of the weight caused by a centrifugal force when simultaneously the carrier is rotating around the axis of rotation and said blocker releases the weight.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a rotor unbalance simulator (20). The simulator (20) comprises a carrier (30) configured to perform a rotary movement about an axis of rotation (AX1), the simulator (20) having a weight (40) movable relative to the carrier (30) between an initial position (POS1) and a final position (POS2), the simulator (20) having a controlled locking device (50) which, upon request, immobilizes the weight (40) relative to the carrier (30) in an initial position (POS1), said simulator (20) having a stop (60) which locks the weight (40) in the final position (POS2) following a displacement of the weight (40).