Wing Spindle Retention for Low-Play Tiltrotor Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft actuator mechanisms for converting between flight modes in tiltrotor aircraft suffer from inefficiencies in torque transmission and rotational play, particularly in the spindle and actuator interface.
Innovation Solution
A wing conversion system incorporating a spindle, conversion actuator, drive ring, and holding element, where the spindle and drive ring are removably intermeshed with splines and driven elements, and secured by a compression ring and retention nut, allowing for high-torque rotation and minimal axial and rotational play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional actuator mechanism with spindle and actuator interface is used, then the structure is simple, but torque transmission efficiency is poor and rotational play increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elements including a movable piston that translates linear motion to rotational motion of the spindle, and a clutch mechanism that dynamically engages and disengages torque transmission. The piston rod connects to the spindle to convert linear actuator movement into rotational movement, while the clutch allows selective engagement of the drive ring with the output shaft, optimizing torque transmission during different phases of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements to improve torque transmission: the piston rod acts as an intermediary between the actuator piston and spindle, the drive ring serves as an intermediary torque transmission element between the output shaft and spindle, and the clutch mechanism acts as an intermediary to control engagement. These intermediaries reduce direct contact issues and improve overall torque transmission efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If the actuator mechanism uses a standard spindle interface, then the design is straightforward, but mechanical play increases reducing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical spline interfaces with a clutch mechanism that uses friction surfaces and compression springs to engage and disengage the drive ring. This substitution eliminates the play inherent in splined connections while providing controlled engagement through the clutch plates and spring pressure, significantly reducing rotational and axial play.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the engagement parameters from rigid mechanical splines to flexible friction-based clutch engagement. The compression spring adjusts the contact pressure between clutch plates, allowing optimization of engagement force and reduction of play. The movable piston also changes the engagement timing and force application, improving precision while managing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spindle is fixed rigidly to the output shaft, then rotational play is minimized, but the ability to convert between flight modes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism provides dynamic engagement and disengagement capability, allowing the system to adapt between different flight modes. The movable piston dynamically adjusts the engagement state of the drive ring with the output shaft, enabling smooth transitions between locked and unlocked states for flight mode conversion while maintaining stability during each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic engagement and disengagement of the clutch mechanism to enable flight mode conversions. The actuator piston periodically moves to engage or disengage the clutch plates, allowing the aircraft to transition between horizontal and vertical flight modes in a controlled, periodic manner while maintaining torque transmission stability during steady-state operation.
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
The system enables efficient conversion between horizontal and vertical flight modes with reduced mechanical play, enhancing the aircraft's propulsion efficiency and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The compression ring and retention nut secure the drive ring in engagement with the output shaft and spindle
Implementation Method 2
The spindle and drive ring include respective splines removably intermeshed with one another so that the spindle and drive ring rotate together
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.