Patent · US Active

Small-size high-speed transmission system for use in microturbine-powered aircraft

US7481396B2 · kind B2 · utility

4Cited by
24References
22Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJun 14, 2006
Grant dateJan 27, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 14, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB64U2201/20
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A transmission system that is used in conjunction with a microturbine engine for propelling an aircraft body, such as a propeller-based fixed-wing aircraft or a rotor-based vertical lift aircraft, or for a wide variety of other applications. The output shaft of the microturbine engine preferably operates at a rotational speed in a range between 72,000 RPM and 150,000 RPM with an output power between 150 HP and 5 HP (and most preferably operates in an extended range between 50,000 RPM and 200,000 RPM with an output power between 200 HP and 5 HP). The two reduction stages provide a reduction ratio preferably having a value of at least 19, and most preferably greater than 24. The transmission system is of small-size preferably having a maximum diameter less than twelve inches. The two stages of the transmission system may comprise any one (or parts of) of a number of configurations, including an in-line lay shaft configuration, an in-line star-star configuration, an offset star-spur configuration, an offset compound idler configuration, an inline traction-internal gear configuration, and an inline traction-planetary gear configuration. Preferably, the input stage of the transmission s…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.