Wing Spindle Drive Ring Retention for Low-Play eVTOL Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wing conversion systems in VTOL aircraft face challenges in efficiently rotating engines between flight modes due to issues of rotational and axial free play, which affect the reliability and efficiency of the actuator mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A wing conversion system is designed with a spindle rotatably supported by bearing blocks and a drive ring engaged with the output shaft and spindle, secured by a compression ring and retention nut, to minimize free play and ensure synchronized rotation between the actuator and spindle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional actuator mechanism with offset actuator is used to pivot the pylon between flight modes, then the conversion between flight modes is achieved, but rotational and axial free play occurs affecting reliability
Solution Approach 1:
A drive ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the actuator output shaft and the spindle. The drive ring engages with both the output shaft and the spindle, serving as a mediator that transmits torque while eliminating free play. The compression ring and retention nut further secure this intermediary connection, ensuring synchronized rotation and eliminating the harmful loose connections that cause reliability issues.
2Productivity
If a conventional actuator mechanism is used for wing conversion, then flight mode conversion is achieved, but axial movement and free play reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The drive ring acts as an intermediary that eliminates axial free play between the actuator output shaft and the spindle. By engaging with both components, it ensures direct torque transmission without the axial movement that reduces conversion efficiency. The compression ring and retention nut secure this connection, preventing axial play and ensuring efficient flight mode conversion.
3Power
If a spindle extending through the actuator output shaft is used, then torque transmission is achieved, but loose connections cause rotational free play
Solution Approach 1:
The drive ring serves as an intermediary component that connects the spindle to the actuator output shaft. This intermediary connection eliminates the loose connection between the spindle and output shaft, preventing rotational free play while maintaining effective torque transmission. The compression ring and retention nut secure the drive ring in place, ensuring the connection remains tight and free-play-free during torque transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A wing conversion system is configured to rotate an engine of a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft relative to a wing section between flight modes. The wing conversion system includes a spindle, a conversion actuator, a drive ring, and a holding element. The spindle is rotatably supported for rotation with the engine and relative to the wing section about a spindle axis. The drive ring is drivingly engaged between the spindle and the output shaft, with the output shaft and spindle being rotatable with each other about the spindle axis. The holding element engages the drive ring and urges the drive ring into engagement with the output shaft and spindle.