Method and apparatus for in-flight blade folding
US8998125B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 15, 2010 |
| Grant date | Apr 7, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 10, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64C27/30
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A foldable rotor system for a rotorcraft, the foldable rotor system comprising a rotor assembly operably associated with a driveshaft, the driveshaft being operable associated with an engine, the rotor assembly comprising a rotor blade connected to a grip pin. A swashplate is operable associated with the grip pin in order selectively change a pitch of the rotor blade. A blade fold actuator is operably associated with the grip pin such that the blade fold actuator is configured to fold and unfold the rotor blade about a blade fold axis. During an airplane mode, the rotorcraft can stop and fold the rotor blades so that the rotorcraft relies upon thrust from the engine for propulsion. The rotor blades are folded in a spiral fold path so that the rotor blades remain substantially edgewise, or feathered, during the folding process. The spiral fold path minimizes the aerodynamic drag experienced by the rotor blades while being folded during flight of the rotorcraft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.