Swashplate Rotor-Blade Control for Guided Descent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autorotative devices lack control mechanisms for guided descent, while powered rotor systems have complex control systems prone to failure and added weight.
Innovation Solution
A simplified rotor control device with a swashplate that moves in a two-dimensional plane, coupled with a hub and blades, allowing for controlled trajectory alteration through periodic pitch changes using servos and sensors for autonomous or manual control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex control system with three-dimensional swashplate movement is used, then the pitch control capability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex three-dimensional swashplate movement mechanism, retaining only the essential two-dimensional swashplate motion needed for pitch control. This simplification reduces the number of moving parts and mechanical complexity while maintaining the core function of altering blade pitch to control descent trajectory.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into distinct functional components: a simplified swashplate for pitch control, separate servo motors for actuation, and independent sensor systems for guidance. This modular segmentation reduces overall system complexity and makes each component easier to design, manufacture, and maintain.
2Manufacturing precision
If a complex control system with many moving parts is used, then the pitch control precision is improved, but the reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary moving parts from the control system, extracting only the essential elements needed for pitch control. By eliminating redundant mechanical components, the system maintains sufficient pitch control precision while significantly improving reliability through reduced failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with simpler actuation mechanisms, using servo motors directly coupled to the swashplate. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and improves reliability while maintaining control precision through electronic control rather than mechanical advantage.
3Device complexity
If a simplified control system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control through real-time adjustment of the swashplate angle based on sensor feedback. The system dynamically alters blade pitch during descent to control trajectory, achieving sophisticated control capability through temporal dynamics rather than spatial complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensor feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor descent parameters and adjust the swashplate position accordingly. This feedback loop enables the simplified control system to achieve sophisticated trajectory control by adapting to changing conditions in real-time rather than relying on complex pre-programmed mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include a rotor control device including a shaft extending along a rotational axis, a hub, first and second pitch control components, and a swashplate. The hub has a hub axis and is hingedly coupled to the shaft such that the hub axis is perpendicular to the rotational axis and stationary relative to the shaft. The hub is hingable about the hub axis relative to the rotational axis. The first pitch control component is coupled to the hub. The swashplate has the second pitch control component hingedly engaging the first pitch control component. The swashplate is movable along a swashplate plane transverse to the rotational axis. The shaft is rotatable about the rotational axis relative to the swashplate. Movement of the swashplate along the swashplate plane relative to the rotational axis causes the hub to periodically hinge about the hinge axis as the hub rotates about the rotational axis.