Variable Hub-to-Hub Phasing Rotor System for Vibration Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pre-flight rotor phasing methods are limited in addressing vibrations during varying flight conditions such as bad weather and changes in payload, as they do not allow for real-time adjustments to maintain optimal vibration control.
Innovation Solution
A phase angle adjustment system with a phase adjustor that continuously monitors and adjusts the offset angles of rotor assemblies during flight, using sensors and a control system to minimize vibrations by dynamically adjusting the rotor blade positions relative to each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pre-flight rotor phasing is used, then vibration control is achieved for standard flight conditions, but the system cannot adapt to varying flight conditions such as bad weather and payload changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static pre-flight phasing to dynamic in-flight phasing adjustment. The rotor blade phase positions are continuously adjustable during flight through motorized mechanisms, allowing the system to adapt to changing flight conditions, weather, and payload variations while maintaining vibration control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through vibration sensors that continuously monitor aircraft vibrations during flight. This feedback is processed by a control system that automatically adjusts rotor blade phase positions to minimize vibrations, enabling real-time adaptation to varying flight conditions without requiring complex manual intervention.
2Reliability
If real-time rotor phasing adjustment is implemented, then vibration control under varying flight conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vibration sensors and control systems to continuously monitor and adjust rotor blade phase positions in real-time, improving vibration control reliability under varying flight conditions. The feedback mechanism automatically compensates for changes in weather, payload, and flight phase without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automated control mechanisms that independently adjust rotor blade phasing based on vibration feedback. The control system autonomously determines optimal phase positions and actuates the adjustment mechanisms, reducing the need for complex external control systems or manual intervention.
3Productivity
If fixed rotor blade positions are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but the system cannot optimize performance for different flight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed rotor blade positions to dynamically adjustable positions during flight. Motorized mechanisms enable continuous adjustment of blade phase angles, allowing the system to optimize performance for different flight conditions, weather, and payload configurations while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft includes a first rotor assembly, a second rotor assembly, and a rotor phase angle control system. The system includes a phase adjustor operably associated with the first rotor assembly and the second rotor assembly. The method includes sensing vibrations exerted on the aircraft and offsetting a phase angle of the first rotor assembly and the second rotor assembly to minimize the vibrations.