公开(公告)号：US11325719B2

公开(公告)日：2022-05-10

申请号：US16792997

申请日：2020-02-18

Applicant: Bell Textron Inc.

Inventor： Christopher Edward Foskey ,  Colton Gilliland

IPC: B64D35/04 ,  B64C29/00 ,  B64C11/28 ,  B64C27/26

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a selectable drive system that allows a rotor gearbox to send torque to a proprotor assembly and/or through a multiplier planetary gear set to a pylon-mounted ducted fan thrust unit. The rotor drive system may be a stop-fold system in which rotor blades can be folded when not rotating. This allows a normally idle lift engine to provide additional aircraft thrust during cruise where an aircraft is typically using only a dedicated thrust engine for high speed flight. An inline engage/disengage actuator or “shift fork” on the rotor gearbox is used to select the torque-output direction. The multiplier planetary gear set increases the output RPM that is received from the rotor gearbox and that is applied to the thrust fan unit.

公开(公告)号：US12043375B2

公开(公告)日：2024-07-23

申请号：US17547578

申请日：2021-12-10

Applicant: Bell Textron Inc.

Inventor： Colton Gilliland ,  Russell Mueller

IPC: F16C35/063 ,  B64C27/12 ,  B64C27/32

CPC classification number: B64C27/32 ,  B64C27/12

Abstract: A bearing restraint, for use on a rotorcraft with a rotor mast and bearing assembly. The bearing restraint interfacing with a mast groove along the rotor mast to longitudinally restrain the bearing assembly. The bearing restraint includes a pilot ring, groove collar, and retaining ring.

公开(公告)号：US10773794B2

公开(公告)日：2020-09-15

申请号：US16244512

申请日：2019-01-10

Applicant: Bell Textron Inc.

Inventor： Colton Gilliland ,  Tyson Henry

IPC: B64C11/50 ,  F16H1/28

Abstract: A dynamic rotor-phasing unit can phase rotors in-flight for dynamic rotor tuning and in an idle state for aircraft storage. The input and output shafts can be clocked (e.g., rotated) from 0 degrees apart to in excess of 360 degrees apart or from 0 degrees apart to 140 degrees apart. Such rotation can minimize the footprint of an aircraft for stowing purposes, as the rotor blades can be folded to fit within a smaller area without disconnecting the drive system. Additionally, the unit can allow tiltrotor blades to be clocked during flight, which can allow the live-tuning of the aircraft's rotor dynamics. A fail-safe rotary actuator can rotate a stationary planet carrier to clock the input shaft and the output shaft. Alternatively, an actuator can position a slider housing to clock the input shaft and the output shaft.

公开(公告)号：US20210253233A1

公开(公告)日：2021-08-19

申请号：US16792997

申请日：2020-02-18

Applicant: Bell Textron Inc.

Inventor： Christopher Edward Foskey ,  Colton Gilliland

IPC: B64C29/00 ,  B64C11/28

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a selectable drive system that allows a rotor gearbox to send torque to a proprotor assembly and/or through a multiplier planetary gear set to a pylon-mounted ducted fan thrust unit. The rotor drive system may be a stop-fold system in which rotor blades can be folded when not rotating. This allows a normally idle lift engine to provide additional aircraft thrust during cruise where an aircraft is typically using only a dedicated thrust engine for high speed flight. An inline engage/disengage actuator or “shift fork” on the rotor gearbox is used to select the torque-output direction. The multiplier planetary gear set increases the output RPM that is received from the rotor gearbox and that is applied to the thrust fan unit.

公开(公告)号：US20230182896A1

公开(公告)日：2023-06-15

申请号：US17547578

申请日：2021-12-10

Applicant: Bell Textron Inc.

Inventor： Colton Gilliland ,  Russell Mueller

IPC: B64C27/32 ,  B64C27/12

CPC classification number: B64C27/32 ,  B64C27/12

Abstract: A bearing restraint, for use on a rotorcraft with a rotor mast and bearing assembly. The bearing restraint interfacing with a mast groove along the rotor mast to longitudinally restrain the bearing assembly. The bearing restraint includes a pilot ring, groove collar, and retaining ring.

公开(公告)号：US20210094679A1

公开(公告)日：2021-04-01

申请号：US16588843

申请日：2019-09-30

Applicant: Bell Textron Inc.

Inventor： Colton Gilliland ,  Tyson Henry ,  Russell Mueller

IPC: B64C27/32 ,  F01D25/16 ,  F16H1/28

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a rotor mast for an aircraft comprising a shaft portion, a carrier portion having a plate and a web, and frame segments that separate the web from the plate at a fixed distance. The shaft portion, the plate, the web, and the frame segments are as single component. A plurality of first holes are formed in the plate, and a plurality of second holes are formed in the web. Pairs of the first and second holes are aligned. Posts are mounted between each pair of first and second holes. Pinion gears are mounted on the posts. Roller bearings are mounted between the posts and pinion gears. An open region of the web is configured to allow a sun gear to mesh with the pinion gears.