1346

Item 1346

DESIGN: UniCopter ~ Pusher Prop - General - Clutched Drive

Objective:

To disengage the propeller from the engine during specific events.

Reasons;

Safety: The propeller is not turning while the craft is on the ground.
Eliminate damage: The propeller will not throw debris at the fuselage.
Ground clearance: The prop might be stopped with the blade tip as high as possible off the ground.
Hover: Wasted power will not be drawn from the engine to rotate the propeller.

Possible Design:
The following is a quick and crude listing of thoughts. It must be thought through and fleshed out.

A flexible coupling is affixed to the engine crankshaft.

Next is a hydramatic style of clutch, in which the amount of torque transmitted to the propeller can be varied. Any 'lost' power due to slippage will be going to the rotors.

Weighted flybars are driven outward by centrifugal force for the rotation of the propeller. This unit is connected to the pitch of the blades, therefor as the propeller speeds up the pitch becomes greater.

When the flybars are fully in, a light friction brake will stop the propeller from turning.

The variation of the hydramatic torque is linked to the forward cyclic and air speed.

This may eliminate the need for a hollow crankshaft.

Notes:

Mounting:

The propeller might be attached to the fuselage or the drive frame.

Weight:

Will the hydramatic and its oil add too much weight?

Will the weight be detrimental to the CG?

Back to top | SynchroLite Home Page | UniCopter Home Page | Dragonfly Home Page

Initially displayed: : June 9, 2004 ~ Last Revised: : August 18, 2004

The above utility invention is openly and publicly disclosed on the Internet to negate an entity from patenting it, to the exclusion of all others whom may wish to use it. ~ Reference patent law 35 U.S.C. 102 A person shall be entitled to a patent unless - (a) the invention was known ... by others in this country, ..., before the invention thereof by the applicant for patent.