Measurement of Coupling Misalignment of a Driveshaft

摘要

According to one embodiment, a system for measuring coupling misalignment of a rotorcraft drive shaft includes a reference device and a sensor. The sensor is configured to receive a signal from the reference device indicative of a distance between the reference device and the sensor. The reference device and the sensor are configured to be disposed on opposite sides of a flexible coupling coupled to the drive shaft and disposed between the engine and the pylon. The flexible coupling is configured to rotate with the drive shaft and comprises a flexure portion configured to flex in response to a difference in alignment between the engine and the pylon. A misalignment measurement system may be configured to generate a misalignment value in response to the signal.

主权项

1. A rotorcraft, comprising:
a body; a rotor system comprising a pylon, a hub disposed adjacent to the pylon, and a rotor blade in mechanical communication with the hub; an engine; a drive shaft in mechanical communication with the power hub and the engine and configured to rotate the hub in response to receiving rotational energy from the engine; a flexible coupling coupled to the drive shaft and disposed between the engine and the pylon, the flexible coupling configured to rotate with the drive shaft and comprising a flexure portion configured to flex in response to a difference in alignment between the engine and the pylon; and a measurement system configured to measure the difference in alignment between the engine and the pylon, the measurement system comprising:
a reference device;a sensor situated opposite the flexure from the reference device and configured to receive a signal from the reference device indicative of a distance between the reference device and the sensor; anda misalignment measurement system configured to generate a misalignment value in response to the signal.