摘要 |
A Variable Diameter Rotor (VDR) system (4) having telescoping odd and even blade assemblies (Ob, Eb) wherein the odd blade assemblies define a radial length RO and the even blade assemblies define a radial length RE. Each blade assembly (Ob, Eb) defines an internal chamber (64) for accepting a positioning mechanism (70) operative to effect telescopic translation of the blade assemblies (Ob, Eb) such that the radial length RE of the even blade assemblies (Eb) is equal to the radial length RO of the odd blade assemblies (Ob) in a first operating mode, and such that the radial length RE is between about 70% to about 95% of the length RO in a second operating mode. The positioning mechanism (70) includes a centrifugal restraint assembly (80) disposed within each internal chamber (64), a stop surface (64s) formed internally of each internal chamber (64), and an actuation mechanism (90) operative for transpositioning the centrifugal restraint assemblies (80) within the internal chambers (64) such that, in one operating mode, the centrifugal restraint assemblies (80)are disposed in abutting engagement with the stop surfaces (64s) and, in another operating mode, the actuation mechanism (90) is disposed in abutting engagement with the centrifugal restraint assemblies (80) of at least one of the blade assemblies (Ob, Eb). The actuation mechanism includes a reeling assembly (110) having a cylindrical drum (112) disposed internally of the rotor assembly (8), end fixities (114) disposed internally of the chambers (64) and operative for engaging and disengaging the centrifugal restraint assembly (80), straps (116) for mechanically coupling the end fixities (114) to the cylindrical drum (112), and a drive mechanism (120) for effecting rotation of the cylindrical drum (112).
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