Teetering Propulsor Assembly for eVTOL Aircraft
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Edgewise flight causes non-axial strain on rotors and corresponding drive systems of aircraft, leading to accelerated aging and wear.
Innovation Solution
A teetering propulsor assembly for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, featuring a teeter mechanism with a base rotatably affixed to the aircraft, a hinge connecting the base and propeller, and a rod allowing the propeller to pivot about a pivot point, reducing strain through rotational axis movement and utilizing springs to limit teetering at certain speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the propeller is rigidly fixed to the aircraft, then the structural strength is improved, but non-axial strain during edgewise flight increases causing accelerated wear
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller is made dynamically adjustable through a teeter mechanism that allows it to pivot about a pivot point. The teeter mechanism includes a base rotatably affixed to the aircraft and a hinge connecting the base and propeller, enabling the propeller rotation plane to move relative to the aircraft to accommodate edgewise flight conditions without transmitting non-axial strain to the drive system
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation of the propeller rotation plane is changed dynamically during flight. The teeter mechanism allows the propeller to adjust its angular position relative to the aircraft, changing the parameter of rotation plane orientation to maintain axial alignment with the drive system during edgewise flight, thereby reducing non-axial strain
2Reliability
If the propeller is allowed to pivot freely, then strain on the drive system is reduced, but control precision and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The teeter mechanism includes springs that change the mechanical parameters of the system by providing a restoring force. These springs limit the teetering motion at certain rotational speeds, ensuring that the propeller remains stable during normal operation while still allowing strain relief during edgewise flight conditions
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 teetering propulsor assembly reduces strain on the propeller and drive systems during edgewise flight, enhancing the robustness and durability of the aircraft by allowing the propeller to pivot relative to the base, thus mitigating excessive loads and wear.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge connecting the base and the propeller and configured to allow the propeller to pivot about a pivot point of the hinge
Implementation Method 2
a base rotatably affixed to the electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and configured to rotate about a rotational axis
Implementation Method 3
a rod having a longitudinal axis, wherein the rod traverses through the aperture of the hinge and a portion of the propeller to create a pivot point at the hinge between the base and the propeller
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft including a teetering propulsor assembly is provided. Teetering propulsor assembly may include a propeller that includes a hub and blades. Hub of propeller may be mechanically connected to a teeter mechanism of propulsor assembly that may be configured to allow the propeller to pivot about a teeter axis relative to the electric aircraft. Thus, teeter mechanism allows for a rotational axis of propeller to move during teetering of propeller. Teeter mechanism may include one or more springs that reduce teetering or prevent teetering of the propulsor at certain rotational speeds of propeller.