Propeller ground stop mechanism
AssigneeWisk Aero LLC
InventorsGeoffrey Alan Long, Pieter DePape
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Embodiments provide a propeller ground stop mechanism configured to keep an unpowered propeller of an aircraft (e.g. when the aircraft is on the ground and not operating) static. The propeller is prevented from rotating due to external forces (e.g. an air flow caused by wind, manual rotation of the propeller). When the propeller is powered, and the propeller is providing thrust, the propeller ground stop mechanism automatically disengages and does not provide any drag. Among various benefits, the propeller ground stop mechanism provides added safety to the ground support personnel.
Claims20
A propeller ground stop mechanism including:
- a first element including a body portion and an arm portion extending from the body portion;
- a second element coupled to the first element via a coupling means, wherein the coupling means provides a fulcrum such that the first element is configured to rotate about the fulcrum with respect to the second element;
- a preload element coupled to the first element and the second element, wherein the preload element is configured to apply a first force in a first direction to the first element, wherein a net force on the first element is produced by at least the first force;
- and
- a brake pad coupled to the arm portion of the first element, wherein when the net force on the first element is in the first direction, the brake pad engages a braking surface, and when the net force on the first element is in a second direction that is opposite the first direction, the brake pad disengages from the braking surface.
A system comprising:
- a propeller ground stop mechanism including:
- a first element including a body portion and an arm portion extending from the body portion;
- a second element coupled to the first element via a coupling means, wherein the coupling means provides a fulcrum such that the first element is configured to rotate about the fulcrum with respect to the second element;
- a preload element coupled to the first element and the second element, wherein the preload element is configured to apply a first force in a first direction to the first element, wherein a net force on the first element is produced by at least the first force;
- and
- a brake pad coupled to the arm portion of the first element, wherein when the net force on the first element is in the first direction, the brake pad engages a braking surface, and when the net force on the first element is in a second direction that is opposite the first direction, the brake pad disengages from the braking surface;
- a motor housing including a rotor, wherein the propeller ground stop mechanism is coupled to an exterior surface of the rotor via the second element;
- the braking surface provided around the rotor;
- and
- a propeller coupled to the rotor, wherein the propeller ground stop mechanism provides a braking torque to the propeller through the rotor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.