Abstract:
The pitch of either a fan or propeller driven by a gas turbine engine is changed by utilizing a pair of impulse turbines interfacing between the stationary and rotating portion of the fan or propeller and utilizing a servo control responding to a desired pitch input signal for actuating the normally inactive impulse turbines during fixed pitch to drive the impulse turbine which in turn is operatively connected through a pitch change actuator to change the pitch in accordance with the input signal.
Abstract:
A pitch control system has a main electronic control, a mechanical back-up control and a switching system for transferring pitch control from the electronic to the mechanical control in the event of electronic control failure. The switching system utilizes a switch for comparing the output of the electronic and mechanical control systems, the switch choosing the mechanical system if a failure occurs in the electronic control system. By utilizing the switching system, a failure of the electronic control does not permit the blades to go to feather. In certain failure modes, an enable valve or an enable solenoid locks out the switch, to ensure mechanical pitch change control.
Abstract:
An improved electronic hydraulic propeller control designed as a retro-fit kit for existing Hamilton Standard Division 54460 and 54H60 propeller controllers includes an apparatus for controlling the pitch angle of a propeller blade. The retro-fit kit includes an electro-hydraulic servo valve, an electronic controller, a protection valve, and a propeller maintenance interface panel. These components functionally replace the existing hydromechanical propeller control system without reconfiguration of the existing interface. The apparatus converts mechanical inputs of the propeller and airframe systems to electronic signals, which can be measured by the electronic control. The apparatus also receives and converts the electronic control's commands into hydraulic pressure and flow changes through an electro-hydraulic servo valve. The electronic controller performs the required calculations to interpret and then react to changes in the propeller/airframe systems. The electronic controller has two channels in a master/slave configuration to provide back up control of 90% of all functionality. Back-up systems are implemented through a protection valve, which can override hydraulic inputs from the electro-hydraulic servo valve. The propeller maintenance interface panel provides a link between the aircraft personnel and the propeller system to allow for calibration, fault interrogation, and real time data display.
Abstract:
An actuator 39 for controlling the angle of a plurality of propeller blades 12, is supplied with hydraulic pressure by means of a servo valve 20, controlled by an electronic controller 16. A protection valve 24, selectively provides fluid communication between the servo valve 20, and the actuator 39, in accordance with a protect pressure provided in line 5, by a back-up device which actuates the valve in response to a predetermined condition. The condition may include testing, manual override, or a malfunction of the electronic control. Back-up devices may include a feather solenoid 26, a negative torque system 32, and a mechanical feather valve 34. A disarm valve 52, may be provided in series with a negative torque valve 50, the disarm valve being actuated by a cam 54, interconnected with a pilot operated lever 58, by means of a rod 60.
Abstract:
Pitch change for a variable pitch propeller or fan of the type utilized in a gas turbine engine is effected by the application of a bidirectional electrical induction AC motor 62 and an electrical DC induction brake 64 operatively connected to the pitch change actuator. The motor can be utilized in a slip speed range encompassing from a positive slip speed to zero slip speed and negative slip speeds which removes limitations on the gear ratio. Pitch change is effected via a ball screw 24.
Abstract:
A system (10) for controlling propeller blade pitch is disclosed. The system (10) comprises a transfer tube (18), wherein the transfer tube (18) defines an element of the rotatable portion (12) and wherein the transfer tube (18) is non-translating relative the rotatable (12) and non-rotatable portions (26). A transfer bearing (16) for providing hydraulic fluid to and interfacing with the transfer tube (18) is also used, wherein the transfer bearing (16) is located on the non-rotatable portion (26). The system further includes a pitch change actuator (22) and a mechanism form (74) for actuating the pitch change actuator (22), wherein the mechanism (74) is fluidically connected to and translatable relative to the transfer tube (18). A device for measuring blade angle of the propeller blade (120) is also provided, wherein the device is separate and distinct from the transfer tube (18).
Abstract:
The hydraulic propeller system of the present invention has a central hub (14) including a stationary portion (28), and a rotatable portion (30). A plurality of propeller blades (12) are connected with the rotatable portion (30), wherein each of the plurality of propeller blades (12) has an adjustable pitch, and a counterweight (26) biasing the blades (12) in a first pitch direction . An actuating mechanism (16) is used for adjusting the pitch of each of the plurality of blades (12). A valve (56) for locking the propeller blades (12) at a last commanded pitch is further provided. At least the valve (56), the actuating mechanism (16) are located on, and rotatable with, the rotatable portion (30).