Multi-ratio rotorcraft drive system and a method of changing gear ratios thereof
US8133155B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 2009 |
| Grant date | Mar 13, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 6, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U10/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A multi-ratio rotorcraft drive system and a method of changing gear ratios thereof are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the multi-ratio rotorcraft drive system comprises a rotor system comprising one or more rotors and one or more engines. Each engine of the one or more engines is coupled to the rotor system through a multi-ratio transmission. The multi-ratio transmission comprises an output shaft coupled to the rotor system, an input shaft coupled to a respective engine of the one or more engines, a high speed clutch integrated into a high speed gear train, and a low speed clutch integrated into a low speed gear train. The high speed clutch and the low speed clutch are freewheeling clutches without a friction plate and are capable of disconnecting the output shaft and the input shaft in an overrunning condition when the output shaft spins faster than the input shaft. The multi-ratio transmission shifts between the high speed gear train and the low speed gear train by engaging or disengaging the high speed clutch and modulating speed of the coupled engine.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.