Modular Rotorcraft Main Gearbox for Flexible Engine Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotorcraft power plants lack modularity and compactness, with limited ability to adapt to different engine configurations due to complex mechanical interconnections and space constraints, particularly in transmitting engine torque to a rotor mast constrained to rotate with a lift rotor.
Innovation Solution
A modular power plant design featuring a main gearbox with a toothed wheel and distributed pinions that mesh directly with the toothed wheel, allowing for rotational freedom and reversible securing mechanisms, enabling efficient transmission of engine torque to a rotor mast while minimizing space requirements and allowing for easy maintenance and engine swaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single main gearbox is used to mechanically transmit engine torque to the rotor mast, then the power plant structure is simplified, but the system loses modularity and cannot be easily adapted to different engine configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The power plant is divided into modular components: a reusable main gearbox and interchangeable engine assemblies. Each engine can be independently removed and replaced through the gearbox's mechanical connection interfaces, enabling configuration changes without replacing the entire power plant system.
Solution Approach 2:
The main gearbox is designed with universal mechanical connection interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of engines (combustion or electric). The gearbox serves multiple functions: torque transmission, speed reduction, and as a mounting platform for different engine types, making it adaptable to various mission requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical connection interfaces are provided for multiple engines, then engine adaptability is improved, but the number of inputs and mechanical interconnections increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing separate connection interfaces for each possible engine type, a single universal mechanical connection interface is designed that can accommodate multiple engine types. This interface includes standardized mounting points and torque transmission mechanisms that work with both combustion and electric engines, reducing the total number of unique components needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an electric machine is connected to the main gearbox output to enable hybrid operation, then functional versatility is improved, but mechanical interconnection complexity increases due to different rotational speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The main gearbox serves as an intermediary between the electric machine and the rotor mast. The gearbox's speed reduction mechanism and torque multiplication capability bridge the rotational speed difference between the electric machine and the rotor requirements, enabling smooth hybrid operation without complex direct-drive mechanisms.
4Volume of moving object
If the power plant is designed for compactness, then space requirements are reduced, but maintenance access and engine swapping become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The power plant is segmented into compact but separable modules. The engine assemblies are designed as self-contained units that can be quickly detached from the main gearbox through standardized interfaces. This modular segmentation allows for compact overall packaging while enabling rapid engine replacement and maintenance without disassembling the entire power plant system.
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 modular design achieves optimal compactness and adaptability, allowing for efficient engine torque transmission and easy maintenance, supporting various engine configurations and reducing the number of parts, thereby enhancing the rotorcraft's performance and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
each mechanical connection interface comprises a pinion (8, 18, 28) meshing directly with the toothed wheel (6)
Data Source
AI summary
A modular power plant for a rotorcraft comprising at least one lift rotor, the power plant comprising: at least one combustion or electric engine; a main gearbox, comprising a gearbox housing and a toothed wheel arranged in an internal space at least partially delimited by the gearbox housing, the toothed wheel having a degree of rotational freedom about a primary axis of rotation relative to the gearbox housing, the toothed wheel mechanically transmitting an engine torque generated by the at least one engine to the at least one lift rotor; and at least two mechanical connection interfaces, a first mechanical connection interface mechanically connecting the main gearbox to a first engine, and a second mechanical connection interface being left free or mechanically connecting the main gearbox to a second engine.