Toroidal Chassis Torque Transmission for Gyroscopic Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerodynamic lifting devices face challenges in compact design, weight minimization, and torque transmission efficiency, particularly in handling high instantaneous and gyroscopic loads, which leads to complexity and potential failure risks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a torque transmission system using circumferentially extending drive surfaces and prime movers arranged in pairs to distribute tractive force tangentially, with grooved belts and metallic pulleys to manage radial loads and gyroscopic forces, and a toroidal chassis for structural support and buoyancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a drum rotor type fan is used to reduce craft size and weight, then the footprint and weight are reduced, but torque transmission complexity increases due to high instantaneous and gyroscopic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The torque transmission system is segmented into multiple independent prime movers distributed around the rotor periphery, each driving a separate torque transmitting device. This segmentation allows each component to handle smaller, more manageable loads while collectively transmitting the total required torque, reducing the complexity and failure risk of any single transmission element.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional axial or radial torque transmission to circumferential torque transmission along the rotor's peripheral edge. By arranging prime movers and torque transmitting devices around the rotor's circumference, the system exploits the peripheral dimension to distribute loads more evenly and simplify the transmission path, directly addressing the complexity issue while maintaining the compact drum rotor design.
2Power
If prime movers are arranged to provide high tractive effort, then sufficient torque is generated to drive the rotor, but high instantaneous loads cause damage to rotor structure
Solution Approach 1:
The torque transmitting devices incorporate load-distributing features such as circumferential grooves and mating ribs that engage before peak loads occur. These features distribute the tractive effort across larger contact areas and progressively engage structural elements, cushioning the rotor structure against instantaneous high loads while still transmitting the necessary torque for rotor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic load distribution through flexible torque transmitting devices that can adapt to varying operational conditions. The grooved belt and pulley arrangement allows for elastic deformation and load redistribution, enabling the system to handle peak torque demands without transmitting damaging instantaneous loads to the rotor structure.
3Weight of moving object
If radial loads are minimized in the torque transmission means, then rotor structure weight is reduced, but torque transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces circumferentially extending grooves and ribs as intermediary elements between the prime movers and the rotor. These intermediaries convert radial reaction forces into circumferential tractive forces, allowing torque transmission with minimized radial loads on the rotor structure. The grooved interface acts as a mediator that maintains torque transmission efficiency while protecting the rotor from damaging radial forces.
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 configuration reduces weight, complexity, and failure risks while effectively transmitting torque and restraining loads, enabling efficient lift generation and stability in aerodynamic lifting devices.
Implementation Method 1
said torque transmission means provides tractive force to said rotor by co-operation with at least one complementary and circumferentially extending drive surface of said rotor to transmit tractive force as tangential forces and resultant torque
Implementation Method 2
transmit tractive force as tangential forces and resultant torque sufficient to drive the rotor
Implementation Method 3
with grooved belts and metallic pulleys to manage radial loads and gyroscopic forces
Implementation Method 4
a toroidal chassis for structural support and buoyancy
Data Source
AI summary
An aerodynamic lifting device comprises a chassis (200); a rotor (120) having a rotational axis (R) and a plurality of rotor blades (123) disposed in an annular ring about the rotational axis (R) supported by the chassis (200); and a torque transmission means (126,130,139) to provide tractive force for rotating the rotor (120). The torque transmission means (126,130,139) co-operates with at least one complementary and circumferentially extending drive surface (126a, 126b) of the rotor (120) to transmit tractive force as tangential forces and resultant torque sufficient to drive the rotor (120) and thereby generate lift. The aerodynamic lifting device may be used in airborne craft which may be deployed for waterborne use with a buoyant chassis (200), especially of toroidal shape, for elevating the rotor (120) above a water surface (300) during take off and landing.