Rotorcraft Arm Connecting Structure for Modular Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional rotorcraft designs integrate the arm and airframe in a way that if one arm is damaged, the entire airframe and other arms are often scrapped, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A connecting structure for the arm and airframe of a rotorcraft, comprising a fixed sleeve pipe extending from the airframe, an insertion head with a protrusion portion, a lock sleeve, and a lock nut, allowing for detachable and threaded connections to facilitate easy assembly and disassembly, while providing a secure locking mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the arm and airframe are connected in an integrated manner, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the loss of substance increases when one arm is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidmaterial loss

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the arm and airframe is segmented into detachable components: an insertion head on the arm that can be inserted into a fixed sleeve pipe on the airframe, secured by a lock sleeve and lock nut. This segmentation allows the arm to be separated from the airframe when damaged, preventing the loss of the entire airframe and other intact arms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the arm and airframe are connected in an integrated manner, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidarm replacement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system transitions from a static integrated structure to a dynamic detachable structure. The lock sleeve and lock nut enable the connection to be securely fastened during operation (reliable) but easily detached when repair is needed (easy to repair). The threaded connection provides both strength and accessibility for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of repair

If a detachable connection is used between arm and airframe, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearm replacement easeVSAvoidconnection structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed sleeve pipe acts as an intermediary component between the arm's insertion head and the airframe. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall connection by providing a standardized interface that combines multiple functions: mechanical support, alignment guidance, and locking engagement. The sleeve pipe's internal structure with positioning protrusions and threading reduces the complexity that would otherwise exist in the arm and airframe themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11358709B2Rotorcraft and connecting structure for arm and airframe of rotorcraft

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 GUANGZHOU XAIRCRAFT TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A rotorcraft and a connecting structure for an arm and an airframe of a rotorcraft are provided. The connecting structure includes: a fixed sleeve pipe configured to extend out from a circumferential edge of the airframe; an insertion head configured to be disposed to the first end of the arm and configured to be inserted into the fixed sleeve pipe; a lock sleeve configured to be fitted over the arm and having an insertion portion configured to be embedded into the insertion groove; and a lock nut configured to be fitted over the arm and configured for being in threaded connection with the fixed sleeve pipe.