Use of individual blade control on a propeller or rotor in axial flight for the purpose of aerodynamic braking and power response modulation
US11203423B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 1, 2018 |
| Grant date | Dec 21, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/30
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods are contemplated for favorably improving flight dynamics of aircraft, including enhanced aerodynamic braking and improved flight maneuverability. Air braking systems selectively position a first set of blades at a negative thrust pitch to product a net negative thrust across first and second sets of blades, while balancing torque of the drive shafts to zero. First and second sets of IBC blades can be driven by the same shaft or torque-linked shafts. Flight maneuver systems operate a powerplant at a high power mode, and dissipate the energy from the high power output by positioning a first set of IBC blades at a low efficiency pitch while maintaining constant thrust. As increased or rapid flight maneuverability is required, the first set of blades is positioned toward a high efficiency pitch to instantly increase thrust to the aircraft without requiring a related increase in energy output from the powerplant.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.