Tail Rotor Head Segmentation for External Blade Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tail rotor blade attachment systems in rotary wing aircrafts are complex, making maintenance and single blade replacement difficult due to concealed components and requiring extensive disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A shrouded tail rotor head design with detachable blade holders and tension torsion straps that allow external access and simplified fastening, enabling easy blade replacement and maintenance without disassembling additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If components are concealed and internally mounted for stability, then stability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blade holder is divided into two separable parts: a first part that remains mounted in the tail rotor hub and a second part that holds the blade. This segmentation allows the blade to be easily removed by simply detaching the second part from the first part, while the first part remains concealed and internally mounted to maintain stability. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling easy repair access without compromising the stable concealed mounting of the main structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If blade holder and tension torsion strap are internally mounted, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blade holder is segmented into a first part mounted in the hub and a second part that interfaces with the blade. The tension torsion strap is also divided into a first part connected to the first blade holder part and a second part connected to the blade. This segmentation allows operational elements (blade attachment and detachment) to be accessible from the outside while the mounting elements remain internally mounted for stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first parts of the blade holder and tension torsion strap act as intermediaries that bridge the concealed internal mounting structure and the external operational elements. These intermediary components transmit forces and movements between the stable internal mounting and the accessible external blade attachment points, enabling easy operation without exposing the entire assembly.
3Reliability
If multiple components are assembled for blade attachment, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade attachment system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a first blade holder part for mounting in the hub, a second blade holder part for blade attachment, a first tension torsion strap part for connecting to the first blade holder part, and a second tension torsion strap part for connecting to the blade. This segmentation maintains reliability through proper functional distribution while reducing overall complexity by making each module independent and easier to manufacture, assemble, and maintain.
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
Facilitates easy replacement of single rotor blades and reduces maintenance effort, allowing external access and flexibility in material selection for components, enhancing stability and balance adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a tension torsion strap is detachably mounted at a second side of the tail rotor blade holder. The tension torsion strap runs from the tail rotor head at least partly through the tail rotor blade holder radially outward in direction of the tail rotor blade
Data Source
AI summary
A tail rotor head of a rotary wing aircraft is disclosed, the tail rotor head having at least a pitch control unit and a tail rotor hub, wherein a multiplicity of tail rotor blade holders are arranged to be connectable while reaching through openings in the tail rotor hub and the pitch control unit at the tail rotor head. The tail rotor blade is detachably connected at a first side of the tail rotor blade holder and a tension torsion strap is detachably mounted at a second side of the tail rotor blade holder. The tension torsion strap runs from the tail rotor head at least partly through the tail rotor blade holder radially outward in a direction of the tail rotor blade, thereby allowing for easy replacement of single rotor blades and a more simplified maintenance of the tail rotor head.