US010640205B2

(12) Paulson
Unitedet alStates Patent (10 ) Patent No.: US 10,640,205 B2
. (45 ) Date of Patent: May 5 , 2020
(54 ) OUTBOARD CENTRIFUGAL FORCE (56 ) References Cited
BEARING WITH INBOARD BLADE FOLD
AXIS IN A FOLDING ROTOR BLADE U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
ASSEMBLY 2,623,713 A 12/1952 Foster
2,658,576 A * 11/1953 Mosinskis Vytautas
(71) Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. , Fort B64C 27/50
Worth , TX (US) 416/106
3,026,942 A 3/1962 Cresap
( 72 ) Inventors: Jared Mark Paulson , Fort Worth , TX 3,153,455 A 10/1964 Mosinskis
3,625,631 A 12/1971 Covington , Jr. et al.
(US); Tyler Wayne Baldwin , Keller, 3,652,185 A 3/1972 Cresap et al.
TX (US ); Kyle Thomas Cravener , 3,967,918 A 7/1976 Mouille et al.
Watauga, TX (US) 4,252,504 A 2/1981 Covington et al.
4,257,739 A 3/1981 Covington et al.
4,268,222 A 5/1981 Bernard
(73 ) Assignee : Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. , Fort 4,427,340 A 1/1984 Metzger et al.
Worth , TX (US) 4,522,563 A 6/1985 Reyes et al.
4,691,878 A 9/1987 Vaughan et al.
( * ) Notice : Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 5,031,858
5,059,094 A
A 7/1991 Schellhase et al.
10/1991 Robinson et al .
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 5,096,380 A 3/1992 Byrnes et al.
U.S.C. 154 (b ) by 255 days . 5,337,974 A 8/1994 Rumberger et al.
(21) Appl. No.: 15 /846,011 (Continued )
(22 ) Filed : Dec. 18 , 2017 OTHER PUBLICATIONS

(65) Prior Publication Data Paulson , Jared Mark , “ U.S. Appl. No. 15 /845,720 " , filed Dec. 18 ,
2017 .
US 2019/0185153 A1 Jun . 20 , 2019 (Continued )
(51) Int. Cl. Primary Examiner Aaron R Eastman
B64C 27/50 ( 2006.01) ( 74 ) Attorney , Agent, or Firm Winstead PC
B64C 27/48 (2006.01)
B64C 3/56 ( 2006.01 ) (57) ABSTRACT
B64C 29/00 (2006.01 ) A rotor blade assembly for a tiltrotor aircraft comprising a
(52) U.S. CI. rotor blade pivotally connected to a yoke with dual concen
CPC B64C 27/50 (2013.01); B64C 27/48 tric blade bolts having a common central axis providing a
(2013.01); B64C 3/56 ( 2013.01); B64C pivotal axis inboard of an outboard CF bearing and the yoke
29/0033 ( 2013.01) tip . In use, the compact folded arrangement of the rotor
(58 ) Field of Classification Search blades reduces folded aircraft dimensions in response to ever
CPC B64C 27/50 ; B64C 27/48 ; B64C 3/56 ; increasing restricted storage space parameters .
B64C 29/0033; B64C 11/28; B64C 27 /
See application file for complete search history . 20 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
334 302
352 hop
354,355
326
-342,343 304

322 -344,345
350
- 316
318 305 313
324
307 314
331
309 312
330 313
320 308 oo 00
310
306

313
OO
OO
 US 10,640,205 B2
Page 2

( 56 ) References Cited 2017/0320567 A1 * 11/2017 Miller B640 27/72

2018/0229830 A1 8/2018 Foskey et al.
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 2018/0244377 Al 8/2018 Chan

5,358,381 A 10/1994 Covington et al. OTHER PUBLICATIONS

5,645,400 A 7/1997 Hunter et al.
5,868,351 A 2/1999 Stamps et al. Paulson , Jared Mark , “U.S. Appl. No. 15 /845,810 ” , filed Dec. 18 ,
6,036,442 A 3/2000 Certain et al.
7,530,790 B2 * 5/2009 Cabrera B64C 27/10 2017 .
416/134 A Paulson , Jared Mark , “ U.S. Appl. No. 15/845,876 ” , filed Dec. 18 ,
8,231,346 B2 7/2012 Stamps et al. 2017 .
8,360,727 B2 1/2013 Stamps et al. Paulson , Jared Mark , “ U.S. Appl. No. 15 /845,928 " , filed Dec. 18 ,
9,156,545 B1 10/2015 Fenny et al. 2017 .
9,169,010 B2 10/2015 Foskey et al. Paulson , Jared Mark , “ U.S. Appl. No. 15 /845,967” , filed Dec. 18 ,
9,499,262 B2 11/2016 Foskey et al. 2017 .
2004/0026564 A1 2/2004 Romani et al. Cravener, Kyle Thomas , “U.S. Appl. No. 15 / 963,516 ” , filed Apr. 26 ,
2013/0149151 A1 6/2013 Rauber et al. 2018.
2014/0271199 Al 9/2014 Maresh et al.
2014/0271222 A1 9/2014 Maresh et al. Paulson , Jared Mark , “ U.S. Appl. No. 16 /016,280 ” , filed Jun . 22 ,
2015/0125300 A1 5/2015 Stamps et al. 2018 .
2016/0152329 Al 6/2016 Tzeng et al.
2017/0144746 A1 5/2017 Schank et al . * cited by examiner
U.S. Patent May 5 , 2020 Sheet 1 of 7 US 10,640,205 B2

112 20

120 -1 6
117
20
102
.
FIG
1
108

118
*
114
100
118
118 115
106

110
U.S. Patent May 5, 2020 Sheet 2 of 7 US 10,640,205 B2
T
114 124

115
118
118

100 110

108
126 120 2
.
FIG
120 T

224
122

116 117 104

112

106
U.S. Patent May 5, 2020 Sheet 3 of 7 US 10,640,205 B2

334 302
/ 352

• 354,355
326
-342,343 304

344,345
3221
350
0
316

3181 324
305 313
307 314
331
309 312
330 313
320
308

310
306

313
?
00
FIG . 3
U.S. Patent May 5 , 2020 Sheet 4 of 7 US 10,640,205 B2

358 356
350
316
342

304 354

324

326
336

313
345 351

343
322
| 356356
359

FIG . 4
U.S. Patent May 5, 2020 Sheet 5 of 7 US 10,640,205 B2

316 502

504 324510 313 506

350 356
FIG
5
.

518
342 516 514 512 351 343
/

540
322
520326
522
530 T

304 330

322 331
.
334
U.S. Patent May 5 , 2020 Sheet 6 of 7 US 10,640,205 B2

634 638

604 608

602
648 649

6
.
FIG

330
331
331
|
614 620
610 540 616

530
612 618
?*
604 632 608
U.S. Patent May 5 , 2020 Sheet 7 of 7 US 10,640,205 B2

702 PIVOT NACELLES TO

HELICOPTER MODE

704 PITCH ROTOR BLADES

706 UNLOCK ROTOR BLADES

708 ROTATE ROTOR BLADES

PIVOT NACELLES
710 TO AIRPLANE MODE

PIVOT WING TIPS

712
SWIVEL WING
714
FIG . 7
 US 10,640,205 B2
1 2
OUTBOARD CENTRIFUGAL FORCE connected to the yoke, a grip connected to the inboard
BEARING WITH INBOARD BLADE FOLD bearing assembly , and a rotor blade connected to the grip at
AXIS IN A FOLDING ROTOR BLADE a pivotal connection positioned inboard of the CF bearing .
ASSEMBLY An example folding rotor blade assembly includes a yoke
5 connected to a hub spring assembly , an inboard clamp
CROSS -REFERENCE TO RELATED mounted to the yoke proximate the hub spring assembly and
APPLICATIONS connected to an inboard shear bearing , an inboard beam ,
housing the inboard shear bearing , connected to a grip , a
This patent application is related to U.S. patent applica spindle connected to the yoke and connected to an outboard
tion Ser. No. 15 /845,720 ; entitled “ Split Yoke In A Folding 10 centrifugal force (“ CF ” ) bearing, an outboard beam , housing
Rotor Blade Assembly ,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. the outboard CF bearing , connected to a rotor blade , and the
15 /845,810 ; entitled “ Compact Folding Yoke In A Folding rotor blade connected to the grip at a pivotal connection
Rotor Blade Assembly,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. positioned inboard of the outboard CF bearing .
15 /845,876 ; entitled " Compact Folding Yoke With Flexible An example method includes pitching a rotor blade of a
Yoke Arms In A Folding Rotor Blade Assembly,” U.S. patent 15 rotor blade assembly
application Ser. No. 15 /845,928 ; entitled “ Dual Blade Fold nected to a yoke and acomprising grip , an
an inboard bearing con
outboard bearing connected
Bolts And Inboard Centrifugal Bearing In A Folding Rotor to the yoke and the rotor blade , the rotor blade connected to
Blade Assembly ,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15 /845,967; entitled “ Folding Spindle And Bearing Assem the grip at a lockable connection with releasable pins and at
bly In A Folding Rotor Blade Assembly ”. Each patent 20 providing a pivotablea pivotconnection with axially aligned blade bolts
axis inboard of the outboard bearing ,
application identified above is filed on the same date as this
patent application and is incorporated herein by reference in releasing the releasable pins at the lockable connection , and
its entirety. rotating the rotor blade about the pivot axis.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
BACKGROUND 25 concepts that are further described below in the detailed
description. This summary is not intended to identify key or
This section provides background information to facilitate essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it
a better understanding of the various aspects of the disclo intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of claimed
sure . It should be understood that the statements in this subject matter .
section of this document are to be read in this light, and not 30
as admissions of prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Rotorcraft and tiltrotor aircraft are often transported or
stored on vessels or in areas where storage space is limited . The disclosure is best understood from the following
In order to reduce the space that each aircraft occupies such detailed
that the maximum number of aircraft can be accommodated 35 ures. It isdescription when read with the accompanying fig
within the limited storage space , the blade assemblies of practice in the industry,that
emphasized , in accordance with standard
various features are not drawn to
some rotor systems can be folded so that each rotor blade is
generally parallel with each other in order to reduce the arbitrarily increased or reduced forvarious
scale . In fact , the dimensions of
clarity
features may be
of discussion .
overall profile of the blade assembly. Typically , each rotor FIG . 1 is a perspective view of a tiltrotor aircraft in a flight
blade is folded about a single pivot point positioned out- 40 ready position according to aspects of the disclosure .
board of the yoke that attaches the rotor blade to the central FIG . 2 is a perspective view of a tiltrotor aircraft in a
drive mast. The single pivot point is also necessarily out stowed position according to aspects of the disclosure .
board of a set of inboard and outboard bearings that connect
the rotor blade to the yoke. The distance between the inboard FIG . 3 is a partial top view of a blade assembly in a folded
and outboard bearings is dependent on aircraft configuration 45 position according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.
where each configuration has an optimal distance for that FIG . 4 is a partial perspective view of a rotor blade
particular aircraft's loads and dynamics. As a result , in order connection in an unfolded position according to one ormore
to not interfere with the bearings and preserve the optimal aspects of the disclosure .
distance between the bearings, the pivot point of each rotor FIG . 5 is a partial side view of a rotor blade connection
blade is typically at least that optimal distance out from the 50 in an unfolded position according to one or more aspects of
inboard connection of the rotor blade to the yoke . the disclosure .
In an effort to transport or store larger numbers of FIG . 6 is a top view of a rotor blade assembly in a folded
rotorcraft and tiltrotor aircraft, current naval vessels have position according to aspects of the disclosure .
reduced the allotted storage space available for each aircraft. FIG . 7 is a flowchart of the actions performed in convert
Present rotor blade folding systems cannot accommodate the 55 ing a tiltrotor aircraft from a flight ready position to a stowed
reduced space parameters. This requirement necessitates a position according to aspects of the disclosure .
tighter grouping of the rotor blades than is currently avail
able by prior art rotor blade folding systems. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
SUMMARY It is to be understood that the following disclosure pro
60
vides many different embodiments , or examples, for imple
An example folding rotor blade assembly for a tiltrotor menting different features of various embodiments . Specific
aircraft includes a drive mast connected to a hub spring examples of components and arrangements are described
assembly , a yoke connected to the hub spring assembly , an below to simplify the disclosure . These are , of course ,
inboard bearing assembly connected to the yoke proximate 65 merely examples and are not intended to be limiting . In
the hub spring assembly, an outboard bearing assembly, addition , the disclosure may repeat reference numerals and /
including an outboard centrifugal force (“ CF” ) bearing , or letters in the various examples . This repetition is for the
 US 10,640,205 B2
3 4
purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate The weight of the rotor blades and the lift of rotor blades
a relationship between the various embodiments and /or may result in transverse forces on the yoke and other
configurations discussed . components. Examples of transverse forces may include
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , an illustrative tiltrotor aircraft forces resulting from flapping and coning of the rotorblades .
100 is shown. Tiltrotor aircraft 100 includes fuselage 102 , 5 Flapping generally refers to the up -and-down movement of
landing gear 104 , tail member 106 , wing 108 , wing tip 110 , a rotor blade positioned at a right angle to the plane of
wing tip 112 , rotor system 114 , and rotor system 116. Rotor rotation . Coning generally refers to the upward flexing of a
system 114 is housed within nacelle 115 located on an end rotor blade due to lift forces acting on the rotor blade . The
portion of wing 108 proximate wing tip 110, while rotor rotor blades may be subject to other forces, such as axial,
system 116 is housed within nacelle 117 located on an 10 lead /lag , and feathering forces. Axial forces generally refer
opposite end portion of wing 108 proximate wing tip 112 . to the centrifugal force on the rotor blades during rotation of
Wing tip 110 is pivotable at a location on wing 108 outboard the rotor blades. Lead and lag forces generally refer to forces
of nacelle 115. Wing tip 112 is pivotable at a location on resulting from the horizontal movement of the rotor blades
wing 108 outboard of nacelle 117.Nacelles 115 and 117 are about a vertical pin occurring if, for example, the rotor
pivotable between a helicopter mode where the rotor sys- 15 blades do not rotate at the same rate as the yoke . Feathering
tems are generally vertical and an airplane mode where the forces generally refer to forces resulting from twisting
rotor systems are generally horizontal. Nacelle 115 and motions that cause a rotor blade to change pitch . The power
nacelle 117 are substantially symmetric of each other about source, mast, and yoke are components for transmitting
fuselage 102. Rotor system 114 includes a plurality of torque. The power source may include a variety of compo
foldable rotor blades 118. Rotor system 116 includes a 20 nents including an engine, a transmission , and differentials .
plurality of foldable rotor blades 120. Rotor blades 118 and In operation , the mast receives torque from the power source
120 may rotate in opposite directions to cancel the torque and rotates the yoke. Rotation of the yoke causes the rotor
associated with the operation of each rotor system 114 and blades to rotate with the mast and yoke.
116. The angle of the pivotable nacelles 115 and 117 relative Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , blade assembly 302 is shown
to the wing , as well as the pitch of rotor blades 118 and 120 , 25 in a folded position . Each rotor system 114 and 116 com
can be adjusted in order to selectively control direction , prises a separate blade assembly . In the interest of clarity , a
thrust, and lift of tiltrotor aircraft 100. Further, rotor systems single blade assembly is described herein with the under
114 and 116 are illustrated in the context of tiltrotor aircraft standing that tiltrotor aircraft 100 comprises a pair of
100 ; however, a singular rotor system with foldable rotor similarly configured blade assemblies . In an unfolded posi
blades can be implemented on other non - tilting rotor and 30 tion , each rotor blade of blade assembly 302 is generally
helicopter rotor systems. It should also be appreciated that equally spaced from each other around a mast. For example ,
teachings from tiltrotor aircraft 100 may apply to other in the three rotor blade configuration shown, 120 ° separates
aircraft such as airplanes and unmanned aircraft which each rotor blade . It should also be appreciated that teachings
would benefit from folding rotor blades. regarding blade assembly 302 can apply to blade assemblies
Fuselage 102 represents the body of tiltrotor aircraft 100 35 having greater or fewer rotor blades.
and may be coupled to rotor systems 114 and 116 such that Mast 306 is connected to hub spring assembly 310
the rotor systemswith rotor blades 118 and 120 may move through central opening 308. Yoke 312 is mounted to hub
tiltrotor aircraft 100 through the air . Landing gear 104 spring assembly 310 through a central aperture axially
supports tiltrotor aircraft 100 when tiltrotor aircraft 100 is aligned with central opening 308. Yoke 312 includes yoke
landing or when tiltrotor aircraft 100 is at rest on the ground . 40 arms 313 extending radially from the central aperture. A
Vertical axis 122 is generally perpendicular to the longitu rotor blade, for example rotor blade 304 , is connected to
dinal axis of the wing and is generally positioned at the yoke 212 at each yoke arm 313. In the interest of clarity, a
intersection of the fuselage and the wing . FIG . 1 represents single connection between a yoke arm and a rotor blade is
tiltrotor aircraft 100 in operational flying position in an described herein with the understanding that blade assembly
airplane mode . FIG . 2 represents tiltrotor aircraft 100 in a 45 302 comprises a similarly configured connection for each
stowed position where rotor blades 118 have been folded extension , rotor blade interface .
generally parallel with each other and rotor blades 120 have Inboard direction 330 points toward mast 306 of a blade
been folded generally parallel with each other in order to assembly while outboard direction 331 points away from the
reduce the dimensions of the aircraft to whatever degree is mast along longitudinal axis 334 of each rotor blade /yoke
required in response storage space restrictions. In the stowed 50 arm . Inboard bearing assembly 314 connects yoke 312 to
position , wing 108 is swivelled approximately 90 ° to gen grip 316 via an inboard shear bearing. Inboard bearing
erally align with fuselage 102 . assembly 314 includes inboard beam 305 , clamp plate 307 ,
Generally each rotor system includes a mast driven by a and inboard shear bearing 309. Clamp plate 307 is mounted
power source . A rotor system includes a yoke connected to to yoke 312 proximate hub spring assembly 310. Clamp
the mast and rotor blades indirectly connected to the yoke 55 plate 307 is connected to inboard shear bearing 309. Inboard
with bearings. The bearings are generally elastomeric bear beam 305 is connected to grip 316. Inboard beam 305
ings constructed from a rubber type material that absorb houses inboard shear bearing 309 .
vibration . There may be inboard bearings connecting a cuff A swash plate is connected to mast 306. Pitch links extend
or grip of a rotor blade to the yoke proximate the mast and from the swash plate. The pitch links are connected to pitch
outboard bearings connecting the rotor blade to an outboard 60 horns 320. Pitch horn 320 is connected to grip 316. The
end of the yoke . The cuff or grip may be separate from the swash plate , pitch links, and pitch horns are operatively
rotor blade ormay be integrally formed with the rotor blade. connected to an actuator to pitch each rotor blade and grip
Other combinations of inboard and outboard bearings with relative to yoke 212 in direction 352 around longitudinal
or without cuffs or grips are possible as well as the removal axis 334 of each rotor blade. Longitudinal axis 334 may also
of one or the other bearings. The bearings accommodate 65 be referred to as a blade pitch change axis. Each rotor blade
forces acting on the rotor blades allowing each rotor blade is free to rotate or "pitch ” about its central longitudinal axis
to flex with respect to the yoke /mast and other rotor blades. with respect to the yoke in a range between 0 ° to 90 °.
 US 10,640,205 B2
5 6
Outboard bearing assembly 318 connects yoke arm 313 to Pivot points 612 and 618 are located distance 540 in the
grip 316 and rotor blade 304 via an outboard centrifugal inboard direction 330 from tip 530.Pivotpoints 612 and 618
force (" CF” )/ shear bearing. Outboard bearing assembly 318 are positioned inboard of outboard CF /shear bearing 326 .
includes outboard beam 322 , spindle 324 , and outboard Distance 540 is measured along the longitudinal axis 634
CF/shear bearing 326. Outboard beam 322 is connected to 5 and 638 of rotor blades 604 and 608 , respectively. Pivot
grip 316.Outboard beam 322 includes passage 336. Spindle points 612 and 618 are positioned on longitudinal axes 634
324 is mounted to yoke arm 313 outboard of inboard bearing and 638 , respectively . The pivot point of each rotor blade
assembly 314. Outboard CF/shear bearing 326 extends from positioned inboard of the outboard CF/ shear bearing allows
spindle 324 through passage 336. Rotor blade 304 is sand folded profile 632 to be less than if the pivot point were
wiched between outboard beam 322 and grip 316 . 10 outboard of the yoke tip . Each rotor blade includes leading
Blade tangs 342, 343 extend from rotor blade 304. Blade edge 648 and trailing edge 649 .
tangs 342 , 343 include locking holes 344 , 345 , respectively. Actuators are operatively connected to the rotor blades to
Locking holes 344 , 345 are axially aligned . Blade tangs 342 , facilitate rotational movement of the rotor blades about the
343 are pivotally connected to outboard beam 322 and grip pivot points . Angles 614 and 620 may be in the range of 90 °
316. Grip 316 includes locking holes 354 , 355. Locking 15 to 180 °. Physical stops or proximity sensors signal the
holes 354, 355 are axially aligned . In an unfolded position actuators to cease rotational movement of the rotor blades.
( FIG . 4 ), locking holes 344 , 345 , 354 , and 355 are axially Rotor blade 604 cannot rotate at pivot point 612 and rotor
aligned . Releasable pins 358 , 359 are sized to engage blade 608 cannot rotate at pivot point 618 until releasable
locking holes 344 , 345 , 354 , and 355 lock rotor blade 304 pins 358, 359 are temporarily removed from engagement
with respect to grip 316 in an unfolded position . The blade 20 with locking holes 344 , 345, 354, and 355. Actuators are
tangs are connected to the outboard beam and the grip with connected to releasable pins 358, 359 to temporarily release
dual, axially aligned blade fold bolts 350 , 351. Blade fold the pins from engagement with the blade tangs and the grip .
bolts 350 , 351 provide pivot axis 356. Rotor blade 304 is Releasable pins 358 , 359 lock each blade tang , thus the rotor
rotatable around pivot axis 356 relative to outboard beam arm , with respect to the grip in the unfolded position and
322 and grip 316 . 25 when removed , allows each rotor blade to rotate relative to
Referring to FIG . 5 , an illustrative pivotal connection of grip 316 and outboard bearing assembly 318 .
a rotor arm to the yoke is shown. Outboard beam 322 is Referring to FIG . 7 , the actions performed in converting
connected to rotor blade 304 between blade tangs 342 , 343. tiltrotor aircraft 100 from a flight ready position to a stowed
Grip 316 defines cutout 502. Cutout 502 is positioned position are shown. At block 702, nacelles 115 and 117
between surfaces 504 , 506 and includes span 518. Span 518 30 which house rotor systems 114 and 116 , respectively , are
is at least 1/4 of the overall length of grip 316 to allow the pivoted to helicopter mode . Each nacelle is rotated nose up
rotor blade to fold against the grip . Surfaces 504 , 506 are to approximately 90 ° nacelle angle . A 90 ° nacelle angle is
interior surfaces of grip 316. Blade fold bolts 351 where the longitudinal axis of the nacelle is generally
pivotally connect blade tangs 342 , 343 to grip 316 at vertical relative to the ground . The blade assemblies of each
surfaces 504 , 506. Blade tangs 342 , 343 are interior to grip 35 rotor system are generally horizontal. At block 704 , each
316 adjacent surfaces 504 , 506. It should also be appreciated rotor blade is pitched about its central longitudinal axis to
that the blade tangs could alternatively be connected exterior high collective position . High collective is when the leading
surfaces of grip 316 . edge of each rotor blade is generally facing upward . This is
Spindle 324 is a clevis including aligned prongs 510 , 512 referred to as indexing the rotor blades. Actuators opera
extending generally parallel from bridge 514. The space 40 tively connected to pitch horns 320 facilitate the change in
between prongs 510 , 512 is sized to engage yoke arm 313 . pitch of the rotor blades .
Shaft 516 extends from bridge 514 through passage 336 and At block 706 , each to -be -folded rotor blade is unlocked
engages outboard CF/shear bearing 326. Ring 520 is con from grip 316. Actuators operatively connected to releasable
nected to shaft 516 and abuts outboard CF /shear bearing pins 358 , 359 facilitate temporary removal or “ pulling” of
326. Cap plate 522 is connected to ring 520 to prevent 45 releasable pins 358 , 359 from engagement with the blade
rotation of outboard CF/shear bearing 326 around shaft 516 . tangs and grip of each to -be - folded rotor blade . The position
Cap plate 522, ring 520 , outboard CF /shear bearing 326 , and and quantity of identified to -be-folded rotor blades can vary
spindle 324 attached to yoke arm 313 effectively create tip depending on rotor blade assembly configuration (e.g., two
530 of yoke arm 313. Pivot axis 356 is positioned distance of the three blades in the illustrated embodiment are folded ).
540 inboard of outboard tip 530. Distance 540 is measured 50 At block 708 , each to -be - folded rotor blade is rotated about
parallel with longitudinal axis 334. Pivot axis 356 is posi pivot axis 356 provided by the axially aligned blade fold
tioned inboard of CF/shear bearing 326. The CF load path of bolts 350, 351. Each rotor blade is rotated relative to
rotor blade 304 is from blade tangs 342 , 343 to outboard outboard bearing assembly 318 and grip 316. Actuators
beam assembly 318 to spindle 324 to yoke 312. Pivot axis operatively connected to the rotor blades facilitate the rota
356 is on the centrifugal force (“ CF ” ) path of rotor blade 55 tional movement of the rotor blades. The rotor blades are
304 . rotated toward the fuselage until the rotor blades are gen
Referring to FIG . 6, blade assembly 602 is shown in a erally parallel with each other at which point physical stops
folded position . Unfolded rotor blade 604 and unfolded rotor or proximity sensors signal the actuators to cease movement
blade 608 are depicted in shadow . Rotor blade 604 includes of the rotor blades. At block 710 , nacelles 115 and 117 are
central longitudinal axis 634. Rotor blade 608 includes 60 pivoted to airplane mode. Each nacelle is rotated to approxi
central longitudinal axis 638. Rotor blade 604 is rotated in mately 0 ° nacelle angle . A 0 ° nacelle angle is where the
direction 610 at pivot point 612 around pivot axis 356 longitudinal axis of the nacelle is generally horizontal rela
through angle 614. Rotor blade 608 is rotated in direction tive to the ground . The blade assemblies of each rotor system
616 at pivot point 618 around pivot axis 356 through angle remain generally horizontal.Atblock 712 , wing tips 110 and
620. Axially aligned blade bolts 350, 350 at pivot points 612 65 112 are pivoted toward the fuselage . Atblock 714 ,wing 108
and 618 provide pivot axis 356 for each rotor blade with is swivelled about vertical axis 122 to lie above and gener
respect to its grip . ally align with the fuselage . The entire sequence of convert
 US 10,640,205 B2
7 8
ing tiltrotor aircraft 100 from an operational flight ready 6. The folding rotor blade assembly of claim 1 , further
position to a stowed position can be completed in a range of comprising a pair of axially aligned blade fold bolts at the
1 to 2 minutes in a wind of up to at least 60 knots . It can be pivotal connection providing a pivot axis of the rotor blade
interrupted or stopped at any point to facilitate maintenance . relative to the grip .
Manual operation is possible in the event of a system failure. 5 7. The folding rotor blade assembly of claim 1 , wherein
It is to be understood that several of the previous actions the rotor blade is connected to the grip at a releasable
may occur simultaneously or in different order. The order of connection with axially aligned releasable pins.
actions disclosed is not meant to be limiting.
The term “ substantially ” is defined as largely but not upon engagementrotor
8. The folding blade assembly of claim 7 , wherein
of the releasable pins with the rotor blade
necessarily wholly
specified ; e.g. what is specified
, substantially 90 degrees(andincludes
includes90 what
degreesis 10 and the grip ,the rotor blade is locked with respect to the grip
and substantially parallel includes parallel), as understood in an unfolded position .
by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In any disclosed upon release 9. The folding rotor blade assembly of claim 7, wherein
embodiment, the terms “ substantially,” “ approximately,” of the releasable pins from engagement with
“generally,” and“ about” may be substituted with “ within ?a 15 around
the rotortheblade and the grip, the rotor blade may be rotated
pivotal connection to a folded position .
percentage ] of' what is specified , where the percentage
includes 0.1 , 1, 5 , and 10 percent. 10. The folding rotor blade assembly of claim 1 , wherein
The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments the rotor blade further comprises a first blade tang and a
so that those skilled in the art may better understand the second blade tang connected to interior surfaces of the grip
aspects of the disclosure . Those skilled in the art should 20 at the pivotal connection.
appreciate that they may readily use the disclosure as a basis 11. A folding rotor blade assembly , comprising :
for designing or modifying other processes and structures a yoke connected to a hub spring assembly ;
for carrying out the same purposes and /or achieving the an inboard clamp mounted to the yoke proximate the hub
same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein . spring assembly and connected to an inboard shear
Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equiva- 25 bearing ;
lent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of an inboard beam , housing the inboard shear bearing,
the disclosure , and that they may make various changes , connected to a grip ;
substitutions and alterations herein without departing from a spindle connected to the yoke and connected to an
the spirit and scope of the disclosure . The scope of the outboard centrifugal force (“ CF ” ) bearing ;
invention should be determined only by the language of the 30 an outboard beam , housing the outboard CF bearing ,
claims that follow . The term “ comprising” within the claims connected to a rotor blade ; and
is intended to mean “ including at least” such that the recited the rotor blade connected to the grip at a pivotal connec
listing of elements in a claim are an open group . The terms tion positioned inboard of the outboard CF bearing .
“ a ," " an ” and other singular terms are intended to include the 12. The folding rotor blade assembly of claim 11, further
plural forms thereof unless specifically excluded . 35
comprising a pair of axially aligned blade fold bolts at the
What is claimed is :
1. A folding rotor blade assembly for a tiltrotor aircraft, pivotal connection providing a pivot axis of the rotor blade
comprising: relative to the grip .
a drive mast connected to a hub spring assembly ; 13. The folding rotor blade assembly of claim 12 , wherein
a yoke connected to the hub spring assembly ; 40 the rotor blade is connected to the grip at a releasable
an inboard bearing assembly connected to the yoke proxi connection with axially aligned releasable pins.
mate the hub spring assembly ; 14. The folding rotor blade assembly of claim 13, wherein
an outboard bearing assembly, including an outboard upon engagement of the releasable pins with the rotor blade
centrifugal force (" CF" ) bearing , connected to the and the grip , the rotor blade is locked with respect to the grip
yoke; 45 in an unfolded position.
a grip connected to the inboard bearing assembly ; and 15. The folding rotor blade assembly of claim 13 , wherein
a rotor blade connected to the grip at a pivotal connection upon release of the releasable pins from engagement with
positioned inboard of the outboard CF bearing . the rotor blade and the grip , the rotor blade may be rotated
2. The folding rotor blade assembly of claim 1, wherein around the pivotal connection to a folded position .
the outboard bearing assembly further comprises an out- 50 16. The folding rotor blade assembly ofclaim 13 , wherein
board shear bearing. the rotor blade further comprises a first blade tang and a
3. The folding rotor blade assembly of claim 1, wherein second blade tang connected to interior surfaces of the grip
the inboard bearing assembly further comprises an inboard at the pivotal connection .
shear bearing 17. A method comprising:
4. The folding rotor blade assembly of claim 1, wherein 55 pitching a rotor blade of a rotor blade assembly compris
the outboard bearing assembly further comprises : ing an inboard bearing connected to a yoke and a grip ,
an outboard beam connected to the rotor blade and an outboard bearing connected to the yoke and the rotor
connected to the outboard CF bearing; and blade , the rotor blade connected to the grip at a lockable
a spindle connected to the outboard CF bearing and connection with releasable pins and at a pivotable
connected to the yoke opposite the hub spring assem- 60 connection with axially aligned blade bolts providing a
bly . pivot axis inboard of the outboard bearing;
5. The folding rotor blade assembly of claim 1, wherein releasing the releasable pins at the lockable connection ;
the inboard bearing assembly further comprises: and
a clamp plate connected to the yoke and connected to an rotating the rotor blade about the pivot axis .
inboard shear bearing ; and 65 18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the outboard bearing
an inboard beam connected to the grip and connected to further comprises an outboard centrifugal force bearing and
the inboard shear bearing. a shear bearing
 US 10,640,205 B2
9 10
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the rotor blade
assembly is connected to a nacelle pivotally mounted to a
wing.
20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the rotor blade
assembly is mounted to a wing and the wing is mounted to 5
a fuselage .