Swashplate Fixed Ring Rotation Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotor systems face challenges in preventing the rotation of a fixed ring of a swashplate while allowing it to tilt and slide, which affects the efficiency and size of helicopter rotor systems.
Innovation Solution
A rotor system design incorporating a mating element with grooves and ridges, a sleeve that prevents rotation while allowing translation, and a locking mechanism that prevents the non-rotating swashplate ring from rotating about the mating element while allowing it to tilt, while the rotating swashplate ring can rotate with the rotor blades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed ring of a swashplate is designed to prevent rotation, then the stability and control of the rotor system is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element automatically engages with the mating element through its own rotation about the longitudinal axis, preventing rotation of the fixed swashplate ring without requiring external actuation or complex control systems. The element serves both as a connector and a self-activating lock
Solution Approach 2:
The solution divides the locking function into distinct components: the locking element with openings, the mating element with protrusions, and the fixed swashplate ring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity
2Weight of moving object
If the swashplate diameter is reduced, then the empty weight of the aircraft is reduced, but the area available for mounting components and linkages is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The design concentrates the necessary functional areas at specific locations on the swashplate rather than distributing them uniformly. The locking mechanism and mating elements are positioned at optimal locations to provide sufficient mounting area while minimizing overall swashplate dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element provides rotational constraint about the longitudinal axis while allowing tilting motion about transverse axes. This dimensional differentiation of motion constraints allows compact design without sacrificing functional area
3Stability of the object's composition
If the locking element prevents rotation about the longitudinal axis, then the fixed swashplate ring maintains its position, but the restriction of tilting motion would occur if over-constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be dynamic rather than rigidly fixed. It can rotate about the longitudinal axis to engage the mating element and prevent rotation, while simultaneously allowing the fixed swashplate ring to tilt about transverse axes. This dynamic behavior provides both rotational constraint and tilting freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The openings in the locking element and protrusions in the mating element are positioned asymmetrically to provide rotational constraint in one direction (about the longitudinal axis) while allowing motion in other directions (tilting about transverse axes). This asymmetric geometry selectively constrains specific degrees of freedom
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, a rotor system, comprise a mating element (262), a sleeve (260), a first swashplate ring (140a; 240a), a locking element, and a second swashplate ring (140b; 240b). The mating element having a first plurality of grooves (262a) a first plurality of ridges (262b). The sleeve is positioned inside the mating element such that the sleeve prevents rotation of the mating element about the sleeve while allowing the mating element (262) to translate along the sleeve (260). The sleeve has a second plurality of grooves (260a) mating with the first plurality of ridges (260b) and a second plurality of ridges mating with the first plurality of grooves. The first swashplate ring (140a; 240a) is positioned around the mating element (262), and the locking element prevents the first swashplate ring from rotating about the sleeve. The second swashplate ring (140b; 240b) is rotatable about the sleeve (260).