Swashplateless Rotor Blade Control via Azimuthal Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotor systems rely on swashplates to control rotor blade pitch, limiting independent control of each blade, which is not feasible in swashplate-less rotor systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine the azimuthal position of a rotor assembly, generate separate blade control signals for each rotor blade by combining sine and cosine values of the azimuthal position with lateral, longitudinal, and collective command values, allowing independent control of each rotor blade without a swashplate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a swashplate is used to control rotor blade pitch, then collective and cyclic control is achieved, but individual independent control of each blade is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the rotor control system into independent blade-level control units. Each rotor blade is equipped with its own actuator and control electronics, allowing individual blade pitch control. The control system segments the collective and cyclic control commands into blade-specific control signals based on azimuthal position, enabling independent adjustment of each blade's pitch angle without mechanical coupling through a swashplate.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical swashplate system with an electronic control system. Instead of using a rotating swashplate with pitch links to transmit mechanical control forces to each blade, the system uses electronic sensors to detect azimuthal position and electronic actuators (such as electric motors or servos) to adjust blade pitch independently. This substitution eliminates the mechanical complexity of the swashplate while achieving superior control flexibility.
2Measurement precision
If a swashplate system is used, then mechanical pitch control is achieved, but control flexibility and precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates feedback mechanisms through azimuthal position sensors that continuously monitor the rotational position of each rotor blade. This feedback information is fed back to the control system, which uses it to calculate the appropriate pitch control commands. The closed-loop feedback enables precise control by constantly comparing the actual blade position with the desired position and making real-time adjustments to eliminate errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamic control by continuously adjusting blade pitch based on real-time azimuthal position and flight conditions. Unlike the static mechanical linkages of a swashplate, the electronic control system can dynamically modify control signals at any point in the rotor rotation cycle. This allows for phase-adjusted control where each blade can be optimized independently for its current position, enhancing both precision and flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
Controlling rotor blades (123-126) of a rotor assembly (121) includes determining an azimuthal position of a rotor assembly (121) and identifying a lateral control command value, a longitudinal control command value and a collective control command value of a rotor assembly control system. A sine value (SIN) and a cosine value (COS) of the azimuthal position are calculated and separate blade commands signals (1-4) are generated for each separate blade of the rotor assembly to control a position of each blade (123-126) independent of each other blade. The blade command signals (1-4) are generated based on combining the sine and cosine values of the azimuthal position with the lateral control command value, the longitudinal control command value and the collective control command value.