Dual mode rotor hub assembly

摘要

A rotor hub assembly and method for controlling movement of a rotor blade relative to a swashplate. The hub assembly having an attachment device operably associated with the rotor blade and the swashplate. The attachment device provides pivot and rotational blade movement relative to the swashplate. A dual spring-rate damper is operably associated with the attachment device. The damper switches between a first spring rate and a second spring rate during flight to control movement of the rotor blade. The method includes the process of switching the damper between the first spring rate and the second spring rate during flight.

主权项

1. A rotor hub assembly for a rotary aircraft, comprising:
a swashplate; an attachment device rotatably coupled to the swashplate and pivotally coupled to a rotor blade;a first damper operably associated with the attachment device configured to dampen forces exert by the rotor blade during flight, the first damper comprising:
a fluidly sealed chamber having:
a first fluid reservoir;a second fluid reservoir; anda conduit in fluid communication with the first reservoir and the second reservoir a valve in fluid communication with the conduit, the valve being configured to restrict fluid passage between the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir an elastomeric seal configured to elastically resist rotational movement of the attachment device relative to the swashplate; wherein a first spring rate is created by the elastic resistance from the elastomeric seal as the fluid is restricted from channeling through the conduit; and wherein a second spring rate is created by the elastic resistance from the elastomeric seal and the fluid passing between the first fluid reservoir and the second reservoir; and a second damper operably associated with the attachment device and configured to dampen forces from the rotor blade.