VTOL Propeller Adapter With Snap-Fit Alignment and Capture Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional propeller connections in VTOL aircraft can lead to improper installation, potential damage, and increased risk of detachment, especially in multi-propeller systems, necessitating a reliable and quick connection that ensures correct alignment and pairing with the motor.
Innovation Solution
A propeller adapter with a base, alignment boss, and capture walls, along with a propeller differentiator overlay, provides a snap-fit mechanism that ensures correct rotational orientation and prevents improper installation by using color coding or markings, allowing easy and tool-free assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central screw connection is used to attach the propeller to the motor, then correct propeller alignment and pairing are ensured, but the connection may loosen or fail, potentially causing propeller detachment and aircraft crash
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the propeller attachment system into three distinct components: a propeller adapter that interfaces with the motor, a propeller hub that interfaces with the adapter, and the propeller blades. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and provides multiple interface points for secure attachment, eliminating the single-point failure mode of the traditional central screw connection
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller hub is inserted into and nested within the propeller adapter, creating a nested structure where the hub fits inside the adapter's recess. This nested arrangement provides concentric alignment and multiple contact surfaces that distribute mechanical loads, preventing the loosening and detachment issues associated with external screw connections
2Reliability
If multiple propellers are removed after each flight for inspection and storage, then propeller condition can be monitored, but the opportunity for propeller damage increases during installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller adapter includes pre-formed alignment features and capture walls that guide the propeller hub into correct positioning before final attachment. This preliminary alignment action prevents misalignment damage during installation, while the snap-fit mechanism enables quick attachment and removal without manual manipulation that could cause damage
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller adapter serves as an intermediary component between the motor and the propeller hub. It provides a standardized interface that protects the propeller hub from direct handling during installation and removal, reducing the risk of damage to the propeller itself while still allowing for easy inspection and storage
3Productivity
If a snap-fit mechanism with alignment features is used, then installation is quick and tool-free, but the device complexity increases with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions into the propeller adapter component: it provides motor interface mounting, propeller hub reception, alignment feature integration, and capture wall structure. This merging reduces the need for separate alignment tools, mounting brackets, and securing mechanisms, achieving quick tool-free installation without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment boss and capture walls on the adapter, combined with corresponding features on the propeller hub, create a self-aligning and self-securing mechanism. When the hub is inserted into the adapter, the alignment features automatically guide correct positioning and the capture walls provide automatic retention, eliminating the need for external tools or complex assembly procedures
Data Source
AI summary
In one possible embodiment, a propeller adapter is provided which includes a base having at least one fastener hole therethrough and a propeller alignment boss extending upward from the base. Opposing capture walls extend upward from the base, each of the opposing capture walls have a lip extending inward to capture and retain corresponding opposing outside edges of a root portion of a propeller therein upon seating of the propeller root portion between the opposing blade capture walls.