Tail Rotor Drive Disconnect Coupling Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotorcraft power transmission systems face challenges in reducing footprint while maintaining reliable power transmission, particularly in rotorcraft designed for marine operations, where vibrations and deflections can lead to coupling damage and accidental separation during folding and storage.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism for driveshaft disconnect couplings featuring a cartridge assembly with a movable pin that engages and disengages between input and output jaw members, providing axial locking and unlocking functionality, along with a resilient member to urge the pin towards the engaged position, and a seal system to maintain lubrication and prevent axial displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a hinge is incorporated to enable folding of the tail rotor, then the rotorcraft footprint is reduced, but the coupling becomes vulnerable to accidental separation during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into separable jaw members (input jaw member and output jaw member) that can be independently positioned and locked, allowing the coupling to be disconnected when folded and securely locked when operational
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured with resilient members that automatically urge the pin into the engaged position, ensuring the coupling is locked before operation begins and preventing accidental separation during vibration and deflection
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental separation, then the coupling reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member automatically urges the pin into the engaged position without external intervention, and the centrifugal force automatically maintains engagement during operation, making the locking mechanism self-regulating and reducing control complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses simple, robust components (pin, resilient member, cartridge assembly) that are easy to manufacture and replace, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability
3Reliability
If the pin is held in the engaged position under centrifugal force, then the coupling remains locked during operation, but the risk of damage from vibration and deflection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge assembly housing provides a protective structure that cushions and guides the pin movement, absorbing the effects of vibration and deflection before they can damage the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member changes the operational parameters of the pin by providing continuous radial force, allowing the pin to maintain engagement under varying centrifugal forces while accommodating vibration and deflection through elastic deformation
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 solution enhances the reliability and efficiency of rotorcraft power transmission by preventing accidental separation of the coupling, maintaining engagement under centrifugal forces, and allowing for safe folding and storage, while reducing wear and ensuring efficient torque transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The cartridge assembly can include a resilient member arranged to urge the pin toward the radially inner position
Implementation Method 2
An engagement spring can extend about the input jaw member. The engagement spring can be arranged to urge the input jaw member along the rotation axis
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism for a driveshaft disconnect coupling includes an input jaw member defining a rotation axis, an output jaw member connectable to the input jaw member for common rotation with the input jaw member, and a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly is fixed to the input jaw member, includes a pin, and defines a pin movement axis. The pin is movable along the pin axis between a radially inner position and a radially outer position, the pin being disengaged from the output jaw member in the radially inner position and the pin being engaged to the output jaw member in the radially outer position.