Rotorcraft Engine Systems with Differential Sizing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional rotorcraft engine systems require complex mechanics and gearing for power split between main and tail rotors, leading to inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a second engine of a different size, connected via a through shaft and clutch system, which can selectively engage to drive either the main or tail rotor, with a control system to manage engine failure scenarios and optimize power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional mechanical power split systems are used to connect main engines to both main rotor and tail rotor, then power distribution is achieved, but device complexity increases due to complex mechanics and gearing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanics and gearing complexityVSAvoidpower distribution capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power transmission system is segmented into independent pathways: main engines can independently drive the main rotor, and also independently drive the tail rotor through the through-shaft mechanism. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex mechanical power split systems while maintaining versatile power distribution capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The through-shaft mechanism provides multi-functionality by enabling the main engines to drive both the tail rotor and the second engine, while the second engine can independently drive the main rotor. This universal drive capability replaces complex dedicated mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If traditional mechanical power split systems are used, then power distribution is achieved, but efficiency decreases due to mechanical losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical power split systems with a hybrid configuration using through-shafts and clutch mechanisms. This substitution reduces mechanical energy losses by eliminating complex gear trains and mechanical couplings, thereby improving power transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If engines of the same type are used for both main rotor and tail rotor, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different power requirements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine size matchingVSAvoidsystem configuration simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by allowing different engine sizes and types to be used in different positions: larger main engines for the main rotor and a smaller second engine for the tail rotor or APU. This matches engine capabilities to local power requirements while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10723452B2Engine systems for rotorcraft

Publication Date: 2020.07.28 SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORP

AI summary

A rotorcraft includes at least one first engine operatively connected to a first rotor, and a second engine operatively connected to at least one of a second rotor or an electrical generator for driving an electrical system, wherein the second engine is a different size than the first engine. The second engine can be smaller than the at least one first engine, for example.