Wireless Rotor Track and Balance System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wired systems for rotorcraft Rotor Track and Balance (RTB) systems face challenges such as weight and cost issues due to long wires, while traditional wireless systems struggle with discontinuous data acquisition, data synchronization, and sensor power conservation, especially when sensors are located near rotating parts or critical aircraft components.
Innovation Solution
A wireless RTB system comprising a data processing unit, tachometer sensors, and accelerometers that measure and transmit speed and vibration data wirelessly to minimize vibrations, with data synchronization and power management optimized through clock synchronization or relative correction times, and the use of batteries or energy harvesting for power, employing protocols like 802.11, 802.15.4, or 802.16 for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wired systems are used for RTB sensors, then data transmission reliability is improved, but system weight and complexity increase due to long wires and harnesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. Sensors mounted on rotor blades transmit data wirelessly to the airframe, eliminating the need for physical wire harnesses and reducing system weight while maintaining data transmission capability through electromagnetic fields
2Weight of moving object
If wireless sensors are used in RTB systems, then system weight is reduced, but data synchronization and continuity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the wireless sensor on the rotor blade transmits data about blade position and vibration back to the airframe system. This feedback loop enables continuous monitoring and real-time adjustment, ensuring data synchronization is maintained despite the wireless transmission medium
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless sensor unit performs multiple functions: it measures vibration, determines blade position, transmits data wirelessly, and operates autonomously with onboard power management. This multi-functionality integrates previously separate systems into a single universal wireless sensor platform
3Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted on rotating blades, then measurement accuracy is improved, but power supply and data continuity become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless sensor operates in periodic cycles, alternating between measurement mode and sleep mode. During each rotation cycle, the sensor activates to collect vibration and position data, then enters low-power sleep mode until the next required measurement, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy when active
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is self-powered through energy harvesting from the rotor blade's vibration and motion. The sensor contains onboard power management circuitry that harvests energy from the mechanical vibrations it measures, enabling autonomous operation without external power connections
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a rotor track and balance system for rotorcraft that includes a data processing unit (54), a tachometer sensor (20) and at least one accelerometer (10). The tachometer sensor (20) is located remotely from the data processing unit and is mounted proximate to the rotating blades of the rotorcraft. The tachometer sensor (20) is adapted to measure the speed and position of the rotating blades and to wirelessly transmit speed and position data to the data processor (54). The at least one accelerometer (10) is also located remotely from the data processing unit (54) and is mounted proximate the rotating blades of the rotorcraft. Each accelerometer (10) is adapted to measure vibration anomalies in the rotating blades and to wirelessly transmit vibration data to the data processor (54). The data processing unit (54) synchronizes the wireless data transmitted from the tachometer sensor (20) and the wireless accelerometer(s) (10) and determines necessary adjustments to be made in order to reduce the vibration anomalies in the rotor blades.