Non-rotating Tube Sensor Mount for Tail Rotor Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Detecting faults in tail rotor controls is challenging due to the reduction in size and weight of tail rotor assemblies, making it difficult to place sensors proximate to the tail rotor, which are often indirectly monitored through sensors on the tail rotor gearbox.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising a rotating shaft, a non-rotating tube within the shaft, a sensor mount, and sensors such as accelerometers and tachometers attached to the mount, positioned near the tail rotor to directly detect vibrations, rotational speed, temperature, and other parameters, with a Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) for communication and a control actuator to adjust the sensor's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sensors are mounted on the tail rotor gearbox to detect faults, then the sensor placement is simplified and structurally stable, but the detection precision deteriorates due to the long distance from the tail rotor being monitored
Solution Approach 1:
A non-rotating tube is introduced as an intermediary component that extends from the tail rotor gearbox toward the tail rotor. This tube serves as a mechanical mediator that allows sensor mounting at an intermediate position, closer to the tail rotor than the gearbox itself, thereby improving detection precision while maintaining structural stability through the tube's support.
2Weight of moving object
If the tail rotor assembly size and weight are reduced, then the overall rotorcraft performance is improved, but the difficulty of placing sensors proximate to the tail rotor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-rotating tube is nested within or alongside existing structural components of the tail rotor assembly, utilizing available space efficiently. This nesting approach allows the tube to extend toward the tail rotor without significantly increasing the overall assembly size or weight, while still providing a mounting platform for sensors closer to the monitored component.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned closer to the tail rotor for direct monitoring, then the fault detection capability is improved, but the structural stability and ease of installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The non-rotating tube serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support element, provides a mounting platform for sensors, and extends the monitoring reach toward the tail rotor. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling improved detection precision.
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
This setup allows for direct and precise monitoring of tail rotor parameters, enhancing fault detection and reducing indirect detection limitations, thereby improving rotor health and usage monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more sensors detect one or more parameters associated with the rotating shaft or the set of rotor blades. In one aspect, the one or more parameters comprise a vibration, a rotational speed, an acceleration
Implementation Method 2
the one or more parameters comprise a vibration, a rotational speed, an acceleration, a temperature or a combination thereof; and the one or more sensors comprise a tachometer
Implementation Method 3
the one or more parameters comprise a vibration, a rotational speed, an acceleration, a temperature or a combination thereof; and the one or more sensors comprise a temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for monitoring rotors includes a rotating shaft coupled to a set of rotor blades and a non-rotating tube at least partially disposed within the rotating shaft and coupled to the rotating shaft. The non-rotating tube includes a first end and a second end, a sensor mount disposed within the non-rotating tube proximate to the second end of the non-rotating tube. One or more sensors are attached to the sensor mount.