Propeller pitch change mechanism
First Claim
1. A propulsor having a plurality of variable pitch blades including actuator means for varying the pitch of said blades about its longitudinal axis, said blades including a hub for supporting said blade for rotational movement about the axis of the propulsor and the longitudinal axes of said blades, each blade having a root end, a trunnion extending from said root end, connection means interconnecting said actuator means and said trunnion of each blade including a pin, said connection means for rotating said blades about said longitudinal axis, said connection means disposed in linear sliding relationship with said trunnion for transmitting rectilinear motion relative to said trunnion, whereby said connection means and said pin rotate each of said blades in unison about said longitudinal axis for obtaining pitch change movement.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The pitch change mechanism for a variable pitch propeller blade or Advanced Ducted Propulsor (ADP) interconnecting the pitch change actuator and the propeller blades of the type that includes a trunnion attached to the root of the propeller blade, the connecting mechanism includes in one embodiment a translating ball screw nut interconnecting the trunnion through a yoke and a cooperating sliding pin and arm connector. In another embodiment where a hydraulic piston is included in the pitch change actuator the cylindrical housing supports a plurality of circumferentially spaced pins that are in sliding relationship with a rod attached to the trunnion. The trunnions in both embodiments are extended to make the interconnections. Means are provided to prevent the blades from binding up during pitch change movements. This invention eliminates the heretofore utilized sliding anti-rotation spline and the multiple linkage connectors.
45 Citations
13 Claims
- 1. A propulsor having a plurality of variable pitch blades including actuator means for varying the pitch of said blades about its longitudinal axis, said blades including a hub for supporting said blade for rotational movement about the axis of the propulsor and the longitudinal axes of said blades, each blade having a root end, a trunnion extending from said root end, connection means interconnecting said actuator means and said trunnion of each blade including a pin, said connection means for rotating said blades about said longitudinal axis, said connection means disposed in linear sliding relationship with said trunnion for transmitting rectilinear motion relative to said trunnion, whereby said connection means and said pin rotate each of said blades in unison about said longitudinal axis for obtaining pitch change movement.
Specification