Magnetorheological Rotorcraft Actuation System

摘要

In some embodiments, an actuation system includes a plurality of threaded member portions, a plurality of roller nuts, a driving member configured to receive mechanical energy from a power source, a plurality of driven members, and a magnetorheological (MR) fluid disposed between the plurality of driven members and at least one braking surface. An output member may be coupled between the rotor system and either the plurality of threaded member portions or the plurality of roller nuts and configured to translate linearly in response to the threaded member portions advancing or receding within the roller nuts.

主权项

1. A rotorcraft, comprising:
a body; a power train coupled to the body and comprising an engine and a drive shaft coupled to the engine; a rotor system coupled to the power train, the rotor system comprising at least one rotor blade; a pilot input device; and an actuation system in mechanical communication between the pilot input device and the rotor system, the actuation system comprising:
a plurality of threaded member portions comprising a first threaded member portion having a first thread and a second threaded member portion having a second thread;a plurality of roller nuts comprising a first roller nut configured to receive the first thread of the first threaded member portion and a second roller nut configured to receive the second thread of the second threaded member portion;a driving member configured to receive mechanical energy from a power source, the driving member coupled to either the plurality of threaded member portions or the plurality of roller nuts;a plurality of driven members comprising a first driven member and a second driven member, each of the plurality of driven members being coupled to either a corresponding threaded member portion of the plurality of threaded member portions or a corresponding roller nut of the plurality of roller nuts;a magnetorheological (MR) fluid disposed between the plurality of driven members and at least one braking surface, the MR fluid configured to generate a variable amount of friction between the plurality of driven members and the at least one braking surface;a magnetic circuit configured to deliver a magnetic field towards the MR fluid, the magnetic circuit configured to vary the strength of the magnetic field in response to inputs received from the pilot input device; andan output member coupled between the rotor system and either the plurality of threaded member portions or the plurality of roller nuts and configured to translate linearly in response to the threaded member portions advancing or receding within the roller nuts.