Integrated Elastomeric Bearing Assembly for Rotorcraft Force Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotorcraft systems require separate, heavy, and complex components to manage centrifugal and feathering motions, necessitating a more efficient and compact solution.
Innovation Solution
An elastomeric bearing assembly integrating a spindle, housing, shear bearing, and centrifugal force bearing, where the shear bearing reacts to torsional forces and the centrifugal force bearing counteracts centrifugal forces, all within a single, compact unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate discrete bearings are used to manage centrifugal force motions and feathering motions, then the rotorcraft can effectively manage these forces, but the system becomes heavy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate discrete bearings into a single integrated elastomeric bearing assembly that simultaneously manages both centrifugal force motions and feathering motions. The assembly includes a housing, centrifugal force bearing, shear bearing, and feathering bearing all integrated into one unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate components while maintaining force management capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric bearing assembly performs multiple functions within a single component: it handles centrifugal forces through the centrifugal force bearing, manages feathering motions through the feathering bearing, and accommodates shear forces through the shear bearing. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive force management
2Reliability
If separate discrete bearings are used to manage centrifugal force motions and feathering motions, then the rotorcraft can effectively manage these forces, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate discrete bearings into a single integrated elastomeric bearing assembly that simultaneously manages both centrifugal force motions and feathering motions. The assembly includes a housing, centrifugal force bearing, shear bearing, and feathering bearing all integrated into one unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate components while maintaining force management capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing assembly utilizes elastomeric materials with composite construction, featuring an elastomeric outer layer and an inner core structure. This composite material approach provides the necessary mechanical properties for force management while reducing weight compared to traditional discrete metal bearings
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
This integrated elastomeric bearing assembly reduces weight and complexity, allowing for more efficient force management and reduced manufacturing costs while maintaining structural integrity, particularly beneficial for tiltrotor aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
a shear bearing (270) configured to react to torsional forces applied to the rotor blade
Implementation Method 2
a centrifugal force bearing (210) configured to counteract centrifugal forces generated by rotation of the rotor blade
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a rotorcraft may include a yoke, a blade, a spindle associated with the yoke, and an elastomeric bearing assembly. The center length of the spindle may define a center axis that passes through a center of the elastomeric bearing assembly. The elastomeric bearing assembly may contain a housing coupled to the blade and disposed around the center axis that is configured to rotate in relation to the center axis. The elastomeric bearing assembly may contain an elastomeric shear bearing that has an interior portion coupled to the spindle and an exterior portion coupled to the housing. The elastomeric bearing assembly may contain an elastomeric centrifugal force bearing pressed against the housing. The shear bearing may be configured to counteract a torsional force, and the centrifugal force bearing may be configured to counteract a compression force.