Tiltrotor Torque Measurement via Quill Shaft Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods of measuring torque in tiltrotor aircraft, such as applying sensors to the mast or engine output shaft, have significant shortcomings, including high costs, complexity, and inaccuracies due to metal debris interference and assumptions about accessory power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The torque measuring system is relocated to the quill shaft, which allows for accurate and efficient measurement of torque through the use of magnetoelastically active elements and sensors, such as Hall Effect sensors, and a phase shift system, enabling precise calculation of torque without the limitations of mast-based or engine output shaft-based methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are applied on the mast or engine output shaft to measure torque, then torque measurement is achieved, but the system becomes complex, costly, and inaccurate due to metal debris interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the torque measurement function from the traditional locations (mast or engine output shaft) and relocates it to the quill shaft. This separation removes the measurement system from the environment contaminated by metal debris, thereby reducing complexity and improving accuracy simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The quill shaft serves as an intermediary element that transmits torque from the engine to the propeller while providing a clean measurement location. By measuring torque on this intermediate component rather than directly on the engine output shaft or mast, the system avoids metal debris interference and reduces measurement system complexity
2Measurement precision
If sensors are applied on the mast or engine output shaft to measure torque, then torque measurement is achieved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the measurement function to the quill shaft, the patent enables use of simpler, less expensive sensors that are not exposed to metal debris contamination, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining torque measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system on the quill shaft uses simpler, more cost-effective sensors that can be replaced more easily if needed, reducing the overall cost burden compared to expensive mast or engine output shaft sensor systems
3Measurement precision
If conventional torque measurement methods are used on the engine output shaft, then torque is measured, but accuracy deteriorates due to assumptions about accessory power consumption and metal debris interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement point from the engine output shaft environment to the quill shaft, removing the measurement system from the harmful metal debris zone and eliminating the need for corrections related to accessory power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The quill shaft's position in the torque transmission path, while necessary for power transmission, inadvertently provides a clean measurement location that is isolated from metal debris contamination, converting a structural requirement into a measurement advantage
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 solution provides a cost-effective and accurate method for torque measurement, reducing maintenance costs and improving accuracy by avoiding metal debris interference and accounting for accessory power fluctuations, while maintaining functionality even in case of engine failure.
Implementation Method 1
The torque measuring system includes magnetoelastically active elements and sensors, such as Hall Effect sensors, and a phase shift system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calculating torque through a rotor mast of a propulsion system of a tiltrotor aircraft includes receiving the torque being applied through a quill shaft of the rotorcraft. The quill shaft is located between a fixed gearbox and a spindle gearbox, and the spindle gearbox is rotatable about a conversion access. The torque through the rotor mast is determined by using the torque through the quill shaft and the efficiency loss value between the quill shaft and the rotor mast.