Abstract:
An interconnect drive system for an aircraft (11) has a driveline (43) and clutch control system. The driveline (43) comprises a shaft (45, 47, 49) for each propulsion assembly, each shaft for transferring torque to and from the associated propulsion assembly (25, 27), and a clutch (53) operably coupling the shafts and configured for selective engagement. The clutch is capable of transferring a first amount of torque between the shafts while engaged and a second amount of torque between the shafts while disengaged. The system also has a clutch control system (57), comprising a computer (59) operably connected to the clutch (53) for controlling operation of the clutch and sensors (61) for sensing torque applied to the driveline (43), output from the sensors being communicated to the computer. The computer commands operation of the clutch in response to the output from the sensors, the clutch being commanded to disengage to relieve a transient torque imbalance in the driveline.
Abstract:
A vibration isolation system (208) for an advancing blade concept rotorcraft (200) having a pylon assembly (202) and an airframe (222). The vibration isolation system (208) includes one or more pylon links (210; 212) each having first and second ends with the first end (214; 216) coupled to the pylon assembly (202) and the second end (218; 220) coupled to the airframe (22). Each pylon link (210; 212) includes a vibration isolator (228; 230), such as a Liquid Inertia Vibration Eliminator unit (232), that is interposed between the pylon assembly (202) and the airframe (222). The vibration isolator system (208) is operable to reduce or eliminate transmission of the pylon assembly (202) vibration to the airframe (222).
Abstract:
A tail sitter aircraft (10) includes a fuselage (12) having a forward portion (14) and an aft portion (16). The forward portion (14) of the fuselage (12) includes first and second rotor stations (18, 20). A first rotor assembly (22) is positioned proximate the first rotor station (18). A second rotor assembly (24) is positioned proximate the second rotor station (20). A tailboom assembly (26) extends from the aft portion (16) of the fuselage (12). The tailboom assembly (26) includes a plurality of landing members (28). In a vertical takeoff and landing mode of the aircraft (10), the first and second rotor assemblies (22, 24) rotate about the fuselage (12) to provide vertical thrust. In a forward flight mode of the aircraft, the first rotor assembly (22) rotates about the fuselage (12) to provide forward thrust and the second rotor assembly (24) is non-rotatable about the fuselage (12) forming wings to provide lift.
Abstract:
An aircraft (10) has a fuselage (28), a first rotor assembly (36) having a first rotor hub (38) and first rotor blades (40a, 40b, 40c) pivotably coupled to the first rotor hub (38) and a second rotor assembly (56) having a second rotor hub (58) and second rotor blades (60a, 60b, 60c) pivotably coupled to the second rotor hub (58). The first (40a, 40b, 40c) and second (60a, 60b, 60c) rotor blades have deployed configurations extending generally radially from the fuselage (28) and stowed configurations extending generally parallel with the fuselage (28). A sequencing cam (90), positioned between the first (38) and second (58) rotor hubs, is coupled to the second rotor blades (60a, 60b, 60c). The sequencing cam (90) has a retracted orientation when the second rotor blades (60a, 60b, 60c) are in the stowed configuration and an extended orientation when the second rotor blades (60a, 60b, 60c) are in the deployed configuration in which the sequencing cam (90) props support arms (42a, 42b, 42c) of the first rotor blades (40a, 40b, 40c) preventing transition of the first rotor blades (40a, 40b, 40c) from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration.
Abstract:
A rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade (504) comprising an inboard end (506) and an outboard end (508). A composite yoke fitting (502) made from a composite material is attached to the rotor blade (504). The composite yoke fitting (502) includes an outboard portion (510) inserted into the inboard end (506) of the rotor blade (504), an inboard portion (512), and a flexure region (514) about which the rotor blade (504) is configured to flex. The inboard portion (512) and the flexure region (514) are outside the rotor blade (504).
Abstract:
Systems and methods include providing a coaxial helicopter (100) with a main rotor system (110) having an upper rotor system (112), a coaxial counter-rotating lower rotor system (116), and a rotor mast assembly (120) having an upper rotor mast (122) and a coaxial counter-rotating lower rotor mast (124). The upper rotor system (112) and an associated upper vibration reduction system (130) are coupled to the upper rotor mast (122). The upper vibration reduction system (130) provides in-plane vibration control and reduction to the upper rotor system (112). The lower rotor system (116) and an associated lower vibration reduction system (140) are coupled to the lower rotor mast (124). The lower vibration reduction system (140) provides in-plane vibration control and reduction to the lower rotor system (116). A third vibration reduction system (800) is coupled to the rotor mast assembly (120) and cooperates with the upper (130) and lower (140) vibration reduction systems to provide total in-plane vibration control and reduction to the main rotor system (110).