Mast dampener for a rotorcraft
AssigneeJaunt Air Mobility, LLC
InventorsJay W. Carter, Jr., Jeffrey R. Lewis, M. Keith Robinson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system to prevent or limit resonance in a rotocraft. The system comprises an airframe, a rotor system having a natural frequency and including a rotor and a mast attached to the airframe, and a non-linear spring positioned between the rotor system and the airframe. The rotor system and the airframe are operable to move relative to each other as the rotor system begins to oscillate. The non-linear spring is configured to be deformed when the rotor system and the airframe move relative to each other such that the deformation of the non-linear spring causes the natural frequency of the rotor system to change. Also disclosed is a related method for preventing or limiting resonance in a rotorcraft.
Claims20
A system to prevent or limit resonance in a rotocraft, the system comprising:
- an airframe;
- a rotor system having a natural frequency and including a rotor and a mast attached to the airframe, the rotor system and the airframe operable to move relative to each other as the rotor system begins to oscillate;
- and
- a non-linear spring positioned between the rotor system and the airframe, the non-linear spring configured to be deformed when the rotor system and the airframe move relative to each other such that the deformation of the non-linear spring causes the natural frequency of the rotor system to change.
A system to prevent or limit resonance in a rotocraft, the system comprising:
- an airframe including an attachment fitting with a slot formed therein and having a longitudinal axis;
- a rotor system having a natural frequency and including a rotor and a mast, the rotor system and the airframe operable to move relative to each other as the rotor system begins to oscillate;
- and
- an attachment mechanism connecting the airframe and the rotor system, being operable to prevent or limit resonance in the rotocraft, and including a shuttle having a first end and a second, opposing end connected to the mast with the shuttle being received in the slot of the attachment fitting such that the shuttle is operable to move generally along the longitudinal axis of the slot.
A method for preventing or limiting resonance in a rotorcraft, the method comprising:
- providing a rotorcraft including an airframe, a rotor system having a natural frequency and a rotor and a mast, and an
- attachment mechanism positioned between the airframe and the rotor system, the rotor system and the airframe operable to move relative to each other as the rotor system begins to oscillate;
- causing the rotor system and the airframe to move relative to each other;
- and
- activating the attachment mechanism to change the natural frequency of the rotor system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.