Members from Left to Right:
Andrew Styer, Josh Tinelli, Matt Chverchko, and Danielle Lesser
1. Develop a basic understanding of how a Flex Pivot works in some of its current applications.
2. Brainstorm for ideas of how to utilize flex pivots in a helicopter application. Down select to a few concepts the
students feel are the most likely to make production.
3. Propose concept(s) to Goodrich for evaluation.
4. Upon Goodrich approval of concept, proceed to detailed design and development.
Free Flex Pivot
A Flex pivot can be described as “A unique bearing concept for applications with limited angular travel.”
Cutaway of Free Flex Pivot
Some of the benefits or characteristics of the Free Flex pivot are:
High radial stiffness
High axial stiffness
Frictionless
Stiction-Free
Exceptional Repeatability
Predictable Performance
Lubrication Free Operation
Maintenance Free
Electrical Continuity
Infinite Life
Temperature operating range from -400°F to 1200°F
An articulated rotor facilitates vertical, horizontal,
and torsional blade motion at three specific hinge
positions:
Pitch (Feathering) hinge
Drag hinge
Flapping hinge
These yield three possible applications for the flex
pivot in a helicopter.
Drag is when the rotor blade moves forward or backward only
Flap is when the rotor blade moves up and down only
Pitch is when the rotor blade pivots to change its attack angle
Each of these hinges currently has less than or equal to a 30 degree range of motion with stops at each end. These hinges are good candidates to be replaced with Flex-Pivots.
The final articulated hub was ordered and reconstructed using the Flex Pivots as shown above. The pivots allow for only feathering motion (pitch) as the hub does not allow a flapping motion and the pivots were not able to be installed for the lagging motion.
The Flex Pivots that were used in the prototype are 1/4 inch in diameter.
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Last updated: 04/28/03.