United States Patent: Kizhakkepat Et Al

US010507912B2
United States Patent ( 10 ) Patent No.: US 10,507,912 B2

Kizhakkepat et al. (45 ) Date of Patent: Dec. 17 , 2019
(54 ) INBOARD BEARING ASSEMBLIES WITH (58 ) Field of Classification Search
IMPROVED ACCESSIBILITY CPC ..... B64C 27/35 ; B64C 27/54 ; B64C 27/51
See application file for complete search history .
( 71) Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort
Worth , TX (US) (56 ) References Cited
( 72 ) Inventors : Amarjit Olenchery Kizhakkepat, Fort U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
Worth , TX (US ); Michael Christopher 4,028,002 A * 6/1977 Finney B64C 27/35
Burnett, Fort Worth , TX (US ); Michael 416/134 A
Dean Dearman , Weatherford , TX (US ) 4,257,739 A * 3/1981 Covington B64C 27/35
416/134 A
( 73 ) Assignee : Bell Textron Inc., Fort Worth , TX (US) 4,430,045 A * 2/1984 Cresap B64C 27/001
244 / 17.27
( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this 5,186,686 A 2/1993 Staples et al.
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 5,316,442 A * 5/1994 Mouille B64C 27/35
416/134 A
U.S.C. 154 (b ) by 47 days. (Continued )
(21) Appl. No.: 15 /990,622 Primary Examiner Brian M O'Hara
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Lawrence Youst PLLC
(22) Filed : May 26 , 2018
( 57) ABSTRACT
(65) Prior Publication Data
A proprotor system for a tiltrotor aircraft includes a yoke
US 2019/0016455 A1 Jan. 17 , 2019 having a plurality of blade arms each having an inboard
pocket. Each of a plurality of bearing assemblies is disposed
Related U.S. Application Data at least partially within one of the inboard pockets . Each of
(63 ) Continuation -in -part of application No. 15 /648,650 , a plurality of inboard beams is disposed at least partially
filed on Jul. 13 , 2017 . between a centrifugal force bearing and a shear bearing of
each bearing assembly and has a proprotor blade coupled
(51) Int. Ci. thereto . Each of a plurality of latch assemblies selectively
B64C 27/35 (2006.01) couples one of the bearing assemblies to the yoke. Each
B64C 29/00 ( 2006.01 ) latch assembly is rotatable relative to the yoke between an
engaged position wherein the latch assembly is engagable
B64C 11/06 ( 2006.01 ) with one of the bearing assemblies to couple the bearing
F16C 33/06 ( 2006.01) assembly to the yoke and a disengaged position wherein the
F16C 17/10 ( 2006.01) latch assembly is disengaged from the respective bearing
(52) U.S. CI. assembly enabling installation and removal of the respective
CPC B64C 29/0033 (2013.01); B64C 11/06 bearing assembly relative to the respective pocket.
(2013.01 ); F16C 17/10 (2013.01 ); F16C 33/06
( 2013.01 ); F16C 2326/43 (2013.01 ) 20 Claims, 19 Drawing Sheets
516 502
514b -500
-508 520a
-506 514 504
516
518a
516b
514a
5160
518b
510
520b
514c
US 10,507,912 B2
Page 2
( 56 ) References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
5,601,408 A 2/1997 Hunter et al.
5,620,305 A 4/1997 McArdle
6,007,298 A 12/1999 Karem
6,296,444 B1 10/2001 Schellhase et al.
6,641,365 B2 11/2003 Karem
8,226,355 B2 7/2012 Stamps et al.
8,231,346 B2 * 7/2012 Stamps F16F 1/40
416/134 A
9,090,344 B2 * 7/2015 Stucki B64C 27/48
9,126,680 B2 9/2015 Stamps et al.
9,254,915 B2 2/2016 Stamps
9,656,747 B2 * 5/2017 Shundo B64C 11/02
2013/0105637 A1 5/2013 Stamps et al.
2014/0248150 A1 9/2014 Sutton et al.
* cited by examiner
U.S. Patent Dec. 17 , 2019 Sheet 1 of 19 US 10,507,912 B2
20b
22b 10
-16
26
18
12
24b 14
22a 20a
Fig.1A 24a
-26
26
-24b
10 -16
20b
18 12
22b
-24a 26
14 -24a
-20a
22a
Fig.1B
112
116
-100
114
-102
124 -108
126 132 134
130
Fig.2A
104 -102 -100
126 108
118
122
120
Fig.2B
110
108 -106
114
102
-100
-122a
-120
124 -122
104
Fig.2c 126
-122b
102a -102b 118
128
110 -100
112 106
102
114 108
116
136
132 A
130
124 126
Fig.2D
128
204
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O 206
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-214a
Fig.3A
-202
-200
-204
-216b
-212
-206
-212a
-224
216a 214a
Fig.3B 212b
U.S. Patent Dec. 17, 2019 Sheet 5 of 19 US 10,507,912 B2
216b
216a
212 212a 206
218b
214d
2207
o
208
AD
218a
214c
214a
1
210
208b
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202a 212b
200 0
204
202
g
214b -208d
Fig.3C
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200
210b
D -212a
202 210al 204 -208 220 202

210 218a 208c
1208e -208b
210d
222
212f
-208d
214b 212e -212c
Fig.3D
212d
208a I -212b
-212
-212
210 -212a
206
-208
o
214a
-208b
-208d
214b
-212b
210b
210a
Fig.3E
212
206
210
208
210b -208g
210a 212e -208f
218a
218b -212e
-212h
-212d
212g W
210d -208a
212f -208c
-208e
Fig.4A
-212 208f 208

208g
-212e
0 -212d
-212g
-212h
Fig.4C
-208e
-208a
-208c
Fig.4B
312
-306
202 308e
204 -320
-308 202
308g
312h WW
312d 312g 308f
Fig.5A
312
306
308e
312g -308f
-308h
312i
-308
312d
312h W
-320
308g
Fig.5B
-312 308f
308
308g
312g
O -312h -308e
-312i
O
308h
-312d
Fig.5D
Fig.5C
-412 408f 408

408g
412g
-412i
-408h
-412h
Fig.6D
Fig.6C
412
-406
202 204
420
-408 202
1408g
412h M
-408f
-412g
Fig.6A
412
406
408g
-408f
412g
-408
412i
412h
-408h
-420
Fig.6B
516 502
514b
-508 520a -500
-506 514 504
516
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516b
514a )
0
(
5160
518b
510
O
520b
514c Fig .7A
502
514b
-508 -500
-506 514 504
516
516
518a
516b
514a
5160 O
518b
510
514c
Fig.7B
510 516
514 -500
516 518b 514a
516C 520b
-512a
518
512b
514c -512c
502
UTRE
-512d
-512
516a
Fig.7C
516
518b 516a
520b
510
516 -500
518b
IL 520b
Fig.7D
-60
624 -62 b 62 c
602
-614
622
620 M 62 a
-616a 6160 604a 612 -610
-616 616b
604
618
618a 626b -608

628a
626a 624a
606
628b 624b
8A
.
Fig
620
614
-600
626a
624a -622d
602
-616a 624
622b
-622e
-616b
6160
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622a
6227 622c
624b -616
618
626b 618a
Fig.8B
620
-600
614
626a
624a
602
-6228630 624 622b
616d
604a
622a
-616 622c
624b
618
626b 618a
Fig.8C
708 706
702 714
718b 720
724a
704 -700
718a
724b 722b
730
726
726b
718 716
Fig.9A
714
720
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704 -700
724b
722b
718C
726 7260
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718 716 728
724a
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Fig.9B
714 720
-700
718a
702
718b
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704 -704a
-726a
-726b
all 732
-7260
718c
718 -716
Fig.9C
702
722b -700
704
714
716 712
726a
704a 710
708
706
724b
2732
724a
730
726
718
720
Fig.9D
722a
808 806 802

810
824a 814a
822a 812 816
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820a
824b
822b
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-818e
-818
818b 814
818a
8180
Fig.10A
802
824b 822b
818
810 804
816 -800
818e
818c
that
824a
818d
822a
Fig .10B
816
810 -800
818b
820a
818a
802
-812a
-818
-818e
-804a
-804
-8180
818d -812
814
820b
814a
Fig.10C
824a 818b
818a
822a
824b
822b 0 818
-818e
818d 8180
Fig.10D
916
910
-900
916a
-912
918a
902 920
904
-918
-918e
-904a
918c
918b
918d 914 -912a
Fig.11A
910
-916
924a
918a
922a
922b -912
924b -912a
-918
-920
918
918b
? -918c
-918e
Fig.11B
US 10,507,912 B2
1 2
INBOARD BEARING ASSEMBLIES WITH SUMMARY
IMPROVED ACCESSIBILITY
In a first aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a
CROSS -REFERENCE TO RELATED proprotor system for a tiltrotor aircraft having a helicopter
APPLICATIONS 5 flight mode and an airplane flight mode . The proprotor
system includes a yoke having a plurality of blade arms each
This is a continuation - in -part of co -pending application having an inboard pocket. Each of a plurality of bearing
Ser. No. 15/648,650 filed Jul. 13, 2017, the entire contents assemblies is disposed at least partially within one of the
of which is hereby incorporated by reference . inboard pockets with each bearing assembly including a
10 centrifugal force bearing and a shear bearing . Each of a
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE plurality of inboard beams is disposed at least partially
between one of the centrifugal force bearings and one of the
The present disclosure relates, in general, to tor shear bearings. Each of a plurality of proprotor blades is
systems operable for use on tiltrotor aircraft having a coupled to one of the inboard beams. Each of a plurality of
helicopter flightmode and an airplane flightmode and , in
particular, to bearing assemblies with improved accessibility
15 assemblies
latch assemblies selectively couples one of the bearing
to the yoke with the latch assemblies rotatable
that are disposed in inboard pockets of a yoke for use in relative to the yoke between engaged and disengaged posi
stiff -in -plane proprotor systems. tions. In the engaged position , each latch assembly is
engagable with one of the bearing assemblies to couple the
BACKGROUND 20 respective bearing assembly to the yoke. In the disengaged
position , each latch assembly is disengaged from the respec
Tiltrotor aircraft typically include multiple propulsion tive bearing assembly enabling installation and removal of
assemblies that are positioned near outboard ends of a fixed the respective bearing assembly relative to the respective
wing . Each propulsion assembly may include an engine and pocket.
transmission that provide torque and rotational energy to a 25 In some embodiments , the yoke may have first and second
drive shaft that rotates a proprotor system including a hub surfaces and each blade arm may define a pair of hub bolt
assembly and a plurality of proprotor blades. Typically, at openings passing through the yoke inboard of the inboard
least a portion of each propulsion assembly is rotatable pocket. Each of a plurality of flanges may be coupled to one
relative to the fixed wing such that the proprotor blades have of the shear bearings, may have a contact relationship with
a generally horizontal plane of rotation providing vertical lift 30 the first surface of the yoke and may include a pair of bearing
for takeoff , hovering and landing, much like a conventional bolt openings. Each of the latch assemblies may include a
helicopter, and a generally vertical plane of rotation provid clamp plate coupled to the second surface of the yoke and a
ing forward thrust for cruising in forward flight with the pair of cam latches coupled to and rotatable relative the
fixed wing providing lift, much like a conventional propeller first surface of the yoke. In the engaged position , respective
driven airplane . In addition , tiltrotor aircraft can be operated 35 cam latches and clamp plates are coupled to respective
in configurations between the helicopter flight mode and the flanges. In certain embodiments, each clamp plate may have
airplane flight mode,which may be referred to as conversion a pair of hub bolt openings and a pair of bearing bolt
flightmode. openings, each flange may have a pair of bearing bolt
Physical structures have natural frequencies of vibration openings and each cam latch may have a hub bolt opening
that can be excited by forces applied thereto as a result of 40 and a bearing bolt opening. In such embodiments, a plurality
operating parameters and/or environmental conditions. of hub bolts may pass through aligned hub bolt openings of
These frequencies are determined , at least in part, by the respective cam latches, the yoke and respective clamp plates
materials and geometrical dimensions of the structures. In to couple the latch assemblies to the yoke. Also , in such
the case of tiltrotor aircraft , certain structures having critical embodiments, each cam latch may be rotatable about the
natural frequencies include the fuselage, the fixed wing and 45 respective hub bolt between the engaged and disengaged
various elements of the propulsion assemblies. One impor positions enabling installation and removal of the respective
tant operating parameter of a tiltrotor aircraft is the angular bearing assembly relative to the respective pocket without
velocity or revolutions per minute (RPM ) of the proprotor removal of the respective hub bolts when the respective
blades , which may generate excitation frequencies corre latch assembly is in the disengaged position . In some
sponding to 1/rev (1 per revolution ), 2/rev, 3 /rev, etc. In 50 embodiments, a plurality of bearing bolts may pass through
general, proprotor systems for tiltrotor aircraft should be aligned bearing bolt openings of respective cam latches,
designed to achieve blade flap or out-of-plane frequencies respective flanges and respective clamp plates to couple the
and lead -lag or in -plane frequencies that are sufficiently bearing assemblies to the yoke when the latch assemblies are
distant from these excitation frequencies. For example , in the engaged position .
certain tiltrotor aircraft have stiff -in -plane proprotor systems 55 In certain embodiments , the centrifugal force bearing of
with the lead -lag frequency above 1.0 /rev, such as between each bearing assembly may be positioned outboard of the
1.4 /rev and 1.6 /rev . For each proprotor blade, such stiff - in shear bearing. In some embodiments , the centrifugal force
plane proprotor systems have utilized three independent bearings may have a series of spherical elastomeric layers
shear bearings in series and a centrifugal force bearing separated by inelastic shims. In certain embodiments, the
positioned outboard of the yoke and within the proprotor 60 shear bearing may include a radially inwardly disposed
blade . It has been found , however, that this design prevents journal bearing coupled to the inboard beam and a radially
heat dissipation from the centrifugal force bearings during outwardly disposed spherical bearing providing a tilting
operations. In addition , this design precludes visual inspec degree of freedom for the inboard beam relative to the yoke .
tion of the centrifugal force bearings without blade removal. In some embodiments, the yoke may have at least three
Further, this design obstructs compact blade fold options 65 blade arms.
that can reduce the overall tiltrotor aircraft footprint during In a second aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a
storage . proprotor system for a tiltrotor aircraft having a helicopter
US 10,507,912 B2
3 4
flight mode and an airplane flight mode. The proprotor FIGS. 3A - 3D are various views of a bearing assembly
system includes a yoke having a plurality ofblade arms each disposed in an inboard pocket of a yoke for a proprotor
having an inboard pocket . Each of a plurality of hub bolts system in accordance with embodiments of the present
extends through the yoke inboard of the inboard pockets . disclosure ;
Each of a plurality of bearing assemblies is disposed at least 5 FIG . 3E is an isometric view of a bearing assembly for a
partially within one of the inboard pockets with each bearing proprotor system in accordance with embodiments of the
assembly including a centrifugal force bearing and a shear present disclosure;
bearing having a flange . Each of a plurality of inboard beams FIGS. 4A -4C are various viewsof a bearing assembly and
is disposed at least partially between one of the centrifugal 10 component parts thereof for a proprotor system in accor
force bearings and one of the shear bearings . Each of a dance with embodiments of the present disclosure ;
plurality of proprotor blades is coupled to one of the inboard FIGS. 5A -5D are various viewsof a bearing assembly and
beams. Each of a plurality of latch assemblies includes a component parts thereof for a proprotor system in accor
clamp plate coupled to a first side of the yoke and a pair of dance with embodiments of the present disclosure ;
cam latches coupled to a second side yoke by respective hub 15 FIGS. 6A -6D are various viewsof a bearing assembly and
bolts with each cam latch selectively rotatable relative to the component parts thereof for a proprotor system in accor
yoke about the respective hub bolt between engaged and dance with embodiments of the present disclosure ;
disengaged positions. In the engaged position , each cam FIGS. 7A -7D are various views of a bearing assembly
latch is coupled to the flange of one of the shear bearings and
disposed in an inboard pocket of a yoke for a proprotor
system in accordance with embodiments of the present
the respective clamp plate to couple the respective bearing 20 disclosure ;
assembly to the yoke . In the disengaged position , each cam FIGS. 8A -8C are various views of a bearing assembly
latch is uncoupled from the respective flange and the respec disposed in an inboard pocket of a yoke for a proprotor
tive clamp plate enabling installation and removal of the system in accordance with embodiments of the present
respective bearing assembly relative to the respective pocket disclosure ;
without removal of the respective hub bolts . 25 FIGS. 9A -9D are various views of a bearing assembly
In a third aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a disposed in an inboard pocket of a yoke for a proprotor
tiltrotor aircraft having a helicopter flight mode and an system in accordance with embodiments of the present
airplane flight mode. The tiltrotor aircraft includes a fuse disclosure;
lage, a wing extending from the fuselage and first and FIGS. 10A - 10C are various views of a bearing assembly
second pylon assemblies coupled to the wing outboard of the 30 disposed in an inboard pocket of a yoke for a proprotor
fuselage . First and second proprotor systems are operably system in accordance with embodiments of the present
associated respectively with the first and second pylon disclosure ;
assemblies with each proprotor system including a yoke FIG . 10D is an isometric view of a bearing cage of a
having a plurality of blade arms each having an inboard bearing assembly for a proprotor system in accordance with
pocket. Each of a plurality of bearing assemblies is disposed 35 embodiments of the present disclosure ;
at least partially within one of the inboard pockets with each FIG . 11A is a cross sectional view of a bearing assembly
bearing assembly including a centrifugal force bearing and disposed in an inboard pocket of a yoke for a proprotor
a shear bearing . Each of a plurality of inboard beams is system in accordance with embodiments of the present
disposed at least partially between one of the centrifugal disclosure ; and
force bearings and one of the shear bearings . Each of a 40 FIG . 11B is an isometric view of a bearing assembly for
plurality of proprotor blades is coupled to one of the inboard a proprotor system in accordance with embodiments of the
beams. Each of a plurality of latch assemblies selectively present disclosure.
couples one of the bearing assemblies to the yoke with the
latch assemblies rotatable relative to the yoke between DETAILED DESCRIPTION
engaged and disengaged positions. In the engaged position , 45
each latch assembly is engagable with one of the bearing While the making and using of various embodiments of
assemblies to couple the respective bearing assembly to the the present disclosure are discussed in detailbelow , it should
yoke. In the disengaged position , each latch assembly is be appreciated that the present disclosure provides many
disengaged from the respective bearing assembly enabling applicable inventive concepts, which can be embodied in a
installation and removal of the respective bearing assembly 50 wide variety of specific contexts . The specific embodiments
relative to the respective pocket. discussed herein are merely illustrative and do not delimit
the scope of the present disclosure. In the interest of clarity ,
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS not all features of an actual implementation may be
described in the present disclosure . It will of course be
For a more complete understanding of the features and 55 appreciated that in the development of any such actual
advantages of the present disclosure , reference is now made embodiment, numerous implementation -specific decisions
to the detailed description along with the accompanying must bemade to achieve the developer's specific goals , such
figures in which corresponding numerals in the different as compliance with system -related and business-related con
figures refer to corresponding parts and in which : straints, which will vary from one implementation to
FIGS. 1A - 1B are schematic illustrations of a tiltrotor 60 another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a devel
aircraft in an airplane flight mode and a helicopter flight opment effort might be complex and time- consuming but
mode, respectively , in accordance with embodiments of the would be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in
present disclosure ; the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
FIGS. 2A -2D are various views of a proprotor system In the specification , reference may be made to the spatial
having bearing assemblies disposed in inboard pockets of a 65 relationships between various components and to the spatial
yoke in accordance with embodiments of the present dis orientation of various aspects of components as the devices
closure ; are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be
US 10,507,912 B2
5 6
recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete vert from helicopter flight mode to airplane flight mode
reading of the present disclosure , the devices, members, following vertical takeoff and may convert back to helicop
apparatuses, and the like described herein may be positioned ter flight mode from airplane flight mode for hover and
in any desired orientation . Thus, the use of terms such as vertical landing. In addition, tiltrotor aircraft 10 can perform
" above," " below ," " upper," " lower” or other like terms to 5 certain flightmaneuvers with proprotor systems 24a , 24b
describe a spatial relationship between various components positioned between airplane flight mode and helicopter flight
or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such
components should be understood to describe a relative mode , which can be referred to as conversion flight mode .
relationship between the components or a spatial orientation includingfixed
Each nacelle 20a, 20b may house a drive system
an engine and transmission for supplying torque
of aspects of such components, respectively , as the device 10 and rotational energy to a respective proprotor system 24a ,
described herein may be oriented in any desired direction . 24b . In such embodiments, the drive systems of each fixed
As used herein , the term " coupled ” may include direct or nacelle 20a , 20b may be coupled together via one or more
indirect coupling by any means, including moving and /or drive shafts located in wing 18 such that either drive system
non-moving mechanical connections.
Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B in the drawings, a tiltrotor 15 can aserve as a backup to the other drive system in the event
aircraft is schematically illustrated and generally designated ofincluding
failure . Alternatively or additionally, a drive system
an engine and transmission may be located in
10. Aircraft 10 includes a fuselage 12 , a wing mount
assembly 14 that is rotatable relative to fuselage 12 and a tail fuselage 12 for providing torque and rotational energy to
assembly 16 having control surfaces operable for horizontal both proprotor systems 24a, 24b via one ormore drive shafts
and/or vertical stabilization during forward flight. A wing 18 20 located in wing 18. In tiltrotor aircraft having drive systems
is supported by wing mount assembly 14 and rotates with in both the nacelles and the fuselage , the fuselage mounted
wing mount assembly 14 relative to fuselage 12 to enable drive system may serve as a backup in the event of failure
tiltrotor aircraft 10 to convert to a storage configuration . of either or both of the nacelle mounted drive systems.
Together, fuselage 12 , tail assembly 16 and wing 18 as well In general, proprotor systems for tiltrotor aircraft should
as their various frames, longerons, stringers, bulkheads, 25 be designed to achieve blade flap or out-of-plane frequencies
spars , ribs, skins and the like may be considered to be the and lead - lag or in -plane frequencies that are sufficiently
airframe of tiltrotor aircraft 10 . distant from the excitation frequencies generated by the
Located proximate the outboard ends ofwing 18 are fixed proprotor systemscorresponding to 1/rev (1 per revolution ),
nacelles 20a , 20b , each of which may house a drive system 2/ rev , 3/ rev , etc. As an example , if a proprotor system has an
including an engine and a fixed portion of a transmission . A 30 operating speed of 360 RPM , the corresponding 1/rev exci
pylon assembly 22a is rotatable relative to fixed nacelle 20a tation frequency is 6 Hertz ( 360 /60 = 6 Hz). Similarly , the
and wing 18 between a generally horizontal orientation , as corresponding 2/rev excitation frequency is 12 Hz and the
best seen in FIG . 1A , a generally vertical orie ion , as best corresponding 3 / rev excitation frequency is 18 Hz. It should
seen in FIG . 1B . Pylon assembly 22a may include a tilting be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that
portion of the transmission and a proprotor system 24a that 35 a change in the operating speed of a proprotor system will
is rotatable responsive to torque and rotational energy pro result in a proportional change in the excitation frequencies
vided via the drive system . Likewise , a pylon assembly 22b generated by the proprotor system . For tiltrotor aircraft ,
is rotatable relative to fixed nacelle 20b and wing 18 operating in airplane flight mode typically requires less
between a generally vertical orientation , as best seen in FIG . thrust than operating in helicopter flight mode. One way to
1A , a generally horizontal orientation , as best seen in FIG . 40 reduce thrust as well as increase endurance, reduce noise
1B . Pylon assembly 22b may include a tilting portion of the levels and reduce fuel consumption is to reduce the operat
transmission and a proprotor system 24b that is rotatable ing speed of the proprotor systems. For example, in heli
responsive to torque and rotational energy provided via the copter flight mode , the tiltrotor aircraft may operate at 100
drive system . In the illustrated embodiment, proprotor sys percent of design RPM , but in airplane flight mode, the
tems 24a, 24b each include four proprotor blades 26. It 45 tiltrotor aircraft may operate at a reduced percent of design
should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the RPM such as between about 80 percent and about 90 percent
art, however, that proprotor assemblies 24a, 24b could of design RPM . Thus, to achieve desirable rotor dynamics ,
alternatively have a different number of proprotor blades, the proprotor systems for tiltrotor aircraft should be
either less than or greater than four. In addition , it should be designed to avoid the frequencies of 1/rev, 2/rev, 3 /rev, etc.
understood that the position of pylon assemblies 22a , 22b , 50 for both helicopter flight mode and airplane flight mode
the angular velocity or revolutions per minute (RPM ) of the operations.
proprotor systems 24a , 24b, the pitch of proprotor blades 26 In the illustrated embodiment, each proprotor system 24a ,
and the like are controlled by the pilot of tiltrotor aircraft 10 24b includes four proprotor blades 26 that are positioned
and/or the flight control system to selectively control the circumferentially about a hub assembly at ninety -degree
direction , thrust and lift of tiltrotor aircraft 10 during flight. 55 intervals. Proprotor blades 26 and the hub assembly are
FIG . 1A illustrates tiltrotor aircraft 10 in a forward flight preferably designed to have sufficient stiffness to achieve a
mode or airplane flight mode , in which proprotor systems first- in -plane frequency above 1.0 /rev . In some embodi
24a , 24b are positioned to rotate in a substantially vertical ments , the first in -plane frequency of proprotor blades 26
plane to provide a forward thrust while a lifting force is may preferably be in a range between about 1.2/rev and
supplied by wing 18 such that tiltrotor aircraft 10 flies much 60 about 1.8 /rev and more preferably in a range between about
like a conventional propeller driven aircraft. FIG . 1B illus 1.4 /rev and about 1.6 /rev. As another example, proprotor
trates tiltrotor aircraft 10 in a vertical takeoff and landing blades 26 and the hub assembly may be designed to have
(VTOL ) flight mode or helicopter flight mode, in which sufficient stiffness to achieve a first-in -plane frequency
proprotor systems 24a , 24b are positioned to rotate in a above 2.0/rev . For example , the first in - plane frequency of
substantially horizontal plane to provide a vertical lift such 65 proprotor blades 26 may be in a range between about 2.0 /rev
that tiltrotor aircraft 10 flies much like a conventional and about 3.0 /rev. In such embodiments, the first in -plane
helicopter. During operation , tiltrotor aircraft 10 may con frequency of proprotor blades 26 may preferably be in a
US 10,507,912 B2
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range between about 2.2 /rev and about 2.8 /rev and more arms 122a , 122b with a plurality of connecting members
preferably in a range between about 2.4 /rev and about such as bolts, pins or the like . In addition , each spar 114 is
2.6 /rev. coupled to a respective shear bearing assembly 118 via a
The desired proprotor blade stiffness and /or stiffness tosuitable connection (not visible ).
mass ratio of the present embodiments is achieved using, for 5 Each proprotor blade 112 has a centrifugal force retention
example , carbon -based materials for the structural compo load path through bearing assembly 120 to yoke 104. In the
nents of proprotor blades 26 such as graphite -based mate illustrated embodiment, each spar 114 includes an integral
rials , graphene -based materials or other carbon allotropes pitch horn 124 on the leading edge of spar 114 that is
including carbon nanostructure-based materials such as coupled to a leading edge pitch link 126 of a pitch control
materials including single -walled and multi -walled carbon 10 assembly 128 depicted as the rotating portion of a rise and
nanotubes. In one example , the spar and / or skin ofproprotor fall swash plate operable to collectively and cyclically
blades 26 are preferably monolithic structures formed using control the pitch of proprotor blades 112. In other embodi
a broad goods and /or layered tape construction process ments , the pitch horns may be independent components
having a manual or automated layup of a plurality of coupled to the spars , the pitch horns may be trailing edge
composite broad goods material layers including carbon 15 pitch horns and /or the pitch links may be trailing edge pitch
fabrics, carbon tapes and combinations thereof, positioned links . Each proprotor blade 112 has an independent pitch
over one or more mandrels having simple geometric sur change degree of freedom relative to hub assembly 102
faces with smooth transitions. After curing and other pro about a pitch change axis 130. The pitch change of each
cessing steps, the material layers form a high strength , proprotor blade 112 is controlled responsive to changes in
lightweight solid composite members . In this process , the 20 position of pitch links 126 and pitch control assembly 128 .
material thicknesses of the components can be tailoring Rotation of each proprotor blade 112 causes the respective
spanwise and chordwise to the desired stiffness and /or inboard beam 122 to rotate relative to yoke 104 about the
stiffness to mass ratio . The proprotor blade components may respective pitch change axis 130. Each proprotor blade 112
be composed of up to about 50 percent, about 60 percent, has an independent tilting degree of freedom relative to hub
about 70 percent, about 80 percent, about 90 percent or more 25 assembly 102 about a focal point 132 that is coincident with
of the carbon -based material or materials . pitch change axis 130. For example , each proprotor blade
Referring next to FIGS. 2A -2D in the drawings, a pro 112 is operable to tilt relative to hub assembly 102 with
protor system for tiltrotor aircraft is depicted and generally lead -lag motion , as indicated by arrow 134 in FIG . 2A , and
designated 100. In the illustrated embodiment, proprotor with flapping motion , as indicated by arrow 136 in FIG . 2D .
system 100 includes a hub assembly 102 including a yoke 30 Referring additionally to FIGS. 3A - 3E in the drawings ,
104 that is coupled to a mast 106 via a constantvelocity joint therein are depicted various viewsofa proprotor system 200
assembly 108. Hub assembly 102 rotates with mast 106 , of the present disclosure. Proprotor system 200 includes a
which is coupled to a drive system including an engine and yoke 202 depicted as having three blade arms each including
transmission of the tiltrotor aircraft that provides torque and an inboard pocket 204. As discussed herein , a yoke of the
rotational energy to proprotor system 100. Constant velocity 35 present disclosure could have any number of blade arms
joint assembly 108 provides a gimballing degree of freedom corresponding to the desired number of proprotor blades in
for yoke 104 relative to mast 106 enabling yoke 104 to teeter a particular implementation including yoke designs having
in any direction relative to the rotational axis 110 of pro at least three blade arms, at least four blade arms or other
protor system 100. Accordingly, hub assembly 102 may be suitable number of blade arms. Yoke 202 may be formed
referred to as a gimbaled hub . In the illustrated implemen- 40 from composite materials including numerous material plies
tation , constant velocity joint assembly 108 is positioned composed of continuous filaments, fibers and /or sheets. The
above the rotational plane of yoke 104 and is mounted on composite materials may include one or more of carbon,
and / or coupled to an upper surface of yoke 104 using a graphite, glass , basalt, aromatic polyamide materials or the
plurality of hub bolts , such as hub bolts 102a , 102b , that pass like and any combination thereof. The material plies may be
through hub bolt openings of constant velocity joint assem- 45 in the form of fabrics such as woven fabrics, tape such as
bly 108 and yoke 104 , as best seen in FIG . 2C . As illustrated , unidirectional tape and the like . The plies may be joined
yoke 104 includes four blade arms each of which holds and together with a resin such as a polymeric matrix including
supports a proprotor blade 112. Each proprotor blade 112 thermoplastic or thermosetting resin or any suitable resin
includes a spar 114 that extends spanwise toward the tip of system such as epoxies, polyimides,polyamides, bismaleim
proprotor blade 112. Spars 114 are preferably the main 50 ides, polyesters, vinyl esters, phenolics, polyetheretherke
structural members of proprotor blades 112 designed to tones (PEEK ), polyetherketones (PEK ), polyphenylene sul
carry the primary centrifugal and bending loads of proprotor fides (PPS ) and the like. After curing, yoke 202 may require
blades 112. Spars 114 may have a root-to -tip twist on the a variety of finishing steps including material removal
order of about 30 degrees to about 40 degrees or other processes such as machining operations to shape the surface
suitable root-to -tip twist . 55 of yoke 202 and to form inboard pockets 204 as well as other
Each spar 114 has a root section 116 that couples of each openings, such as hub bolt openings , in yoke 202.
proprotor blade 112 with yoke 104 via an outboard shear A bearing assembly 206 is disposed in each of the inboard
bearing 118 and an inboard bearing assembly 120. Each pockets 204 of yoke 202, for clarity of illustration , only one
shear bearing assembly 118 is coupled to an outboard end of such bearing assembly 206 is shown in FIGS. 3A -3E .
yoke 104 with a plurality of connecting members such as 60 Bearing assembly 206 includes a centrifugal force bearing
bolts , pins or the like . Likewise, each bearing assembly 120 208 , a shear bearing 210 and an inboard beam 212. In the
is coupled to an inboard station of yoke 104 with a plurality illustrated embodiment, centrifugal force bearing 208
of connecting members such as bolts , including the hub includes an inboard member 208a having a convex spherical
bolts , pins or the like . Each bearing assembly 120 includes outboard surface and an outboard member depicted as
a rotatably mounted inboard beam 122 having upper and 65 integral shoe 208b having a concave spherical inboard
lower arms 122a , 122b . As illustrated , each spar 114 is surface . Disposed between inboard member 208a and out
coupled to a respective inboard beam 122 at upper and lower board member 2086 is a bearing element 208c that includes
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a series of spherical elastomeric layers separated by inelastic ber 208a . Boss 208e is received within an anti- rotation
shims. The connections within bearing element 208c and feature depicted as cavity 212d of inboard beam 212 that
between bearing element 208c and inboard member 208a extends radially inwardly , relative to yoke 202 , to couple
and outboard member 208b are permanent and may be made centrifugal force bearing 208 to inboard beam 212 and
by vulcanizing the elastomeric material of bearing element 5 preventrelative rotation therebetween . An inboard extension
208c to the adjacent surfaces or by bonded , adhered or 212e of inboard beam 212 is received in an opening 210c of
otherwise secured the elastomeric material in a non -remov shear bearing 210. In addition , an anti-rotation feature
able manner to these surfaces . The durometer and thickness depicted as a boss 212f of inboard extension 212e is received
of the materials as well as the stiffness, softness and /or within an anti -rotation feature 210d of shear bearing 210 to
spring rate of centrifugal force bearing 208 may be tailored 10 couple shear bearing 210 to inboard beam 212 and prevent
to achieve the desired operational modes based upon the relative rotation therebetween . In the illustrated embodi
loads and motions expected in the particular application . In ment, centrifugal force bearing 208 and shear bearing 210
operation , each centrifugal force bearing 208 is operable to are coupled together with a bolt 218a and washer 218b.
provide a centrifugal force retention load path from a As best seen in FIG . 3E , to install a bearing assembly 206
proprotor blade 112 to yoke 202. In the illustrated embodi- 15 in an inboard pocket 204 of yoke 202 , clamp plate 214b and
ment, centrifugal force bearing 208 includes a lower clamp lower clamp plate 208d of centrifugal force bearing 208 are
plate 208d that is bolted , pinned or otherwise coupled to a removed such that the remainder of bearing assembly 206
lower surface of outboard member 208b once centrifugal may be lowered into an inboard pocket 204. Once bearing
force bearing 208 is disposed in an inboard pocket 204. assembly 206 is disposed in an inboard pocket 204 lower
Centrifugal force bearing 208 is coupled to yoke 202 out- 20 clampplate 208d may be coupled to outboard member 2086
board of inboard pocket 204 using bolts 224 or other suitable by bolting or other suitable technique. Outboard member
technique. 208b may now be coupled to yoke 202 by bolting or other
In the illustrated embodiment, shear bearing 210 includes suitable technique. In addition , clamp plates 214a , 214b are
a radially inwardly disposed journal bearing 210a and a coupled together and clamp plates 214a , 214b are coupled to
radially outwardly disposed spherical bearing 2106. Journal 25 yoke 202 with hub bolts 216a, 216b that also couple the
bearing 210a includes a series of cylindrical elastomeric constant velocity joint assembly to yoke 202 ( see for
layers separated by inelastic shims. Spherical bearing 2106 example constant velocity joint assembly 108 of FIG . 2C ).
includes a series ofspherical elastomeric layers separated by These connections secure bearing assembly 206 in inboard
inelastic shims. The connections within journal bearing pocket 204 of yoke 202.
210a and spherical bearing 210b are permanent and may be 30 As discussed herein , a proprotor blade is coupled to upper
made by vulcanizing the elastomeric material directly on and lower arms212a , 212b of inboard beam 212 by bolting
adjacent surfaces or by bonded , adhered or otherwise or other suitable technique. As the proprotor blades engage
secured the elastomeric material in a non - removable manner in collective and /or cyclic blade pitch operations, inboard
to these surfaces . The durometer and thickness of the beam 212 must rotate therewith about pitch changes axis
materials as well as the stiffness , softness and /or spring rate 35 220. During these rotary operations, inboard beam 212
of journal bearing 210a and spherical bearing 210b may be causes inboard member 208a of centrifugal force bearing
tailored to achieve the desired operationalmodes based upon 208 to rotate relative to outboard member 208b due to the
the loads and motions expected in the particular application . anti-rotation connection between inboard beam 212 and
In other embodiments, shear bearing 210 could be a non inboard member 208a as well as the fixed connection
elastomer bearing or could include a non elastomer journal 40 between outboard member 208b and yoke 202. Also , during
bearing and /or a non elastomer spherical incorporating , for these rotary operations , inboard beam 212 causes rotation
example , one or more metal bearings. In the illustrated within journal bearing 210a and /or between journal bearing
embodiment, shear bearing 210 includes a metal bearing 210a and spherical bearing 210b due to the anti -rotation
ring 214a that is preferably permanently coupled to spheri connection between inboard beam 212 and shear bearing
cal bearing 2106 by vulcanizing, bonding, adhering or 45 210 as well as the fixed connection between shear bearing
otherwise securing the elastomeric material of spherical 210 and yoke 202 created by clamp plates 214a, 214b . Thus ,
bearing 210b to the inner surface ofbearing ring 214a . In the a proprotor blade coupled to bearing assembly 206 has a
illustrated embodiment, bearing ring 214a includes a pair of pitch change degree of freedom about pitch change axis 220.
oppositely disposed flanges 2140 , 214d forming an upper Centrifugal force bearing 208 is positioned outboard of
clamp plate. Shear bearing 210 is coupled to yoke 202 using 50 shear bearing 210 and provides a centrifugal force retention
hub bolts 216a, 216b that pass through the hub bolt openings path between a proprotor blade and yoke 202. As the
in bearing ring 214a , yoke 202 and lower clamp plate 214b . proprotor blades engage in blade flap or out-of-plane move
As best seen in FIG . 3C , hub bolts 216a, 216b have been ments and lead -lag or in -plane movements, spherical bear
foreshortened for convenience of illustration as hub bolts ing 210b enables inboard beam 212 to tilt relative to yoke
216a, 216b would also coupled the constant velocity joint to 55 202. In the illustrated embodiment, inboard beam 212 is
yoke 202 as discussed herein . In the illustrated embodiment, operable to tilt relative to a focal point 222 associated with
bushings 202a , 202b , such as metalbushings, are positioned the spherical elements of spherical bearing 210b , which is
within the hub bolt openings of yoke 202. Bushings 202a , preferably coincident with pitch change axis 220. Thus , a
2025 may be bonded or otherwise secured within the hub proprotor blade coupled to bearing assembly 206 has a
bolt openings of yoke 202. 60 tilting degree of freedom about focal point 222 .
In the illustrated embodiment, inboard beam 212 includes Use of proprotor systems having the inboard bearing
upper and lower arms 212a , 212b . Inboard beam 212 assemblies of the present disclosure reduces the bearing
receives centrifugal force bearing 208 in an opening 2120 count compared to conventional proprotor systems. The
such that centrifugal force bearing 208 is housed within inboard bearing assemblies of the present disclosure also
inboard beam 212. Centrifugal force bearing 208 includes an 65 dissipate heat faster than conventional centrifugal force
anti-rotation feature depicted as a boss 208e extending bearings that are disposed outboard of the yoke and within
radially inwardly, relative to yoke 202 , from inboard mem the proprotor blades . In addition , locating the bearing assem
US 10,507,912 B2
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blies of the present disclosure in inboard stations enables that extends radially inwardly . As illustrated , boss 208e and
visual inspection of the bearing assemblies without blade cavity 212d are each non -cylindrical features depicted as
removal . Further, the inboard positioning of the bearing multisided geometric prism features in the form of four
assemblies of the present disclosure allows for compact sided geometric prism features . Preferably, boss 208e and
blade fold options that reduce the tiltrotor aircraft footprint 5 cavity 212d have a close fitting relationship that prevents
during storage. and/or substantially prevents relative rotation between cen
Referring to FIGS. 4A -4C , additional features ofbearing trifugal force bearing 208 and inboard beam 212 during
assembly 206 will be described . The coupling between rotary operations. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral
centrifugal force bearing 208 and inboard beam 212 pref movement constraint feature and the anti -rotation feature of
erably serves three important functions including providing 10 centrifugal force bearing 208 are integral to one another.
a centrifugal force load path function , a lateral movement Referring to FIGS. 5A -5D , a bearing assembly for a
constraint function and an anti - rotation function . During proprotor system is generally designated 306. As stated
rotary operations of an aircraft using a proprotor system of herein , the coupling between centrifugal force bearing 308
the present disclosure , the centrifugal force load generated and inboard beam 312 preferably serves three important
by each proprotor blade is transferred to the yoke by a 15 functions including providing a centrifugal force load path
bearing assembly 206. Within each bearing assembly 206 , function , a lateral movement constraint function and an
the centrifugal force load path includes mating surfaces anti-rotation function . During rotary operations of an aircraft
208f, 208g of centrifugal force bearing 208 and mating using a proprotor system of the present disclosure , the
surfaces 212g , 212h of inboard beam 212. In the illustrated centrifugal force load generated by each proprotor blade is
embodiment, mating surfaces 208f, 208g are generally pla- 20 transferred to the yoke by a bearing assembly 306. Within
nar mating surfaces with a radial step therebetween . Like each bearing assembly 306 , the centrifugal force load path
wise, mating surfaces 212g, 212h are generally planar includes mating surfaces 308f, 308g of centrifugal force
mating surfaces with a radial step therebetween . As illus bearing 308 and mating surfaces 312g , 312h of inboard
trated , mating surface 208f of centrifugal force bearing 208 beam 312. In the illustrated embodiment, mating surfaces
has a contact relationship with corresponding mating surface 25 308f, 308g are generally planar mating surfaces with a radial
212g of inboard beam 212. Similarly , mating surface 208g step therebetween . Likewise , mating surfaces 312g , 312h
of centrifugal force bearing 208 has a contact relationship are generally planar mating surfaces with a radial step
with corresponding mating surface 212h of inboard beam therebetween . As illustrated , mating surface 308f of cen
212. In other embodiments , certain of the mating surfaces or trifugal force bearing 308 has a contact relationship with
portions thereof could have a spaced apart relationship with 30 corresponding mating surface 312g of inboard beam 312 .
a corresponding mating surface . Thus , during rotary opera Similarly, mating surface 308g of centrifugal force bearing
tions of an aircraft using a proprotor system of the present 308 has a contact relationship with corresponding mating
discl ire, the centrifugal force load path includes mating surface 312h of inboard beam 312. Thus, during rotary
surfaces 208f , 208g of centrifugal force bearing 208 and operations of an aircraft using a proprotor system of the
mating surfaces 212g, 212h of inboard beam 212. 35 present disclosure , the centrifugal force load path includes
In addition to the centrifugal forces that are generally in mating surfaces 308f, 308g of centrifugal force bearing 308
the radially outward direction relative to yoke 202 , the and mating surfaces 312g, 312h of inboard beam 312 .
components of bearing assembly 206 also experience lateral In addition to the centrifugal forces that are generally in
forces associated with , for example, lead - lag and/or flapping the radially outward direction relative to yoke 202 , the
motions of a proprotor blade. As used herein , the term lateral 40 components of bearing assembly 306 also experience lateral
force includes forces that are generally normal to the radial forces associated with , for example, lead -lag and /or flapping
direction of the yoke and/or normal to pitch change axis 220 . motions of a proprotor blade. Such lateral forces may tend
Such lateral forces may tend to urge centrifugal force to urge centrifugal force bearing 308 out of concentricity
bearing 208 out of concentricity with inboard beam 212. In with inboard beam 312. In the illustrated embodiment,
the illustrated embodiment, centrifugal force bearing 208 45 centrifugal force bearing 308 includes a lateral movement
includes a lateral movement constraint feature depicted as constraint feature depicted as boss 308e that extends radially
boss 208e that extends radially inwardly. Boss 208e is inwardly . Boss 308e is operably associated with and
operably associated with and received within a lateral move received within a lateral movement constraint feature
ment constraint feature depicted as cavity 212d of inboard depicted as cavity 312d of inboard beam 312 that extends
beam 212 that extends radially inwardly. As illustrated ,boss 50 radially inwardly . As illustrated , boss 308e and cavity 312d
208e and cavity 212d are each non -cylindrical features are each cylindrical features. Preferably , boss 308e and
depicted as multisided geometric prism features in the form cavity 312d have a close fitting relationship that prevents
of four- sided geometric prism features. Preferably, boss and /or substantially prevents relative lateral movement
208e and cavity 212d have a close fitting relationship that between centrifugal force bearing 308 and inboard beam 312
prevents and /or substantially prevents relative lateralmove- 55 during rotary operations.
ment between centrifugal force bearing 208 and inboard In addition to the centrifugal forces and lateral forces, the
beam 212 during rotary operations, components of bearing assembly 306 also experience tor
In addition to the centrifugal forces and lateral forces, the sional forces associated with , for example , pitch change
components of bearing assembly 206 also experience tor operations of a proprotor blade. Such torsional forces may
sional forces associated with , for example , pitch change 60 tend to urge centrifugal force bearing 308 to rotate relative
operations of a proprotor blade . Such torsional forces may to inboard beam 312. In the illustrated embodiment, cen
tend to urge centrifugal force bearing 208 to rotate relative trifugal force bearing 308 includes an anti -rotation feature
to inboard beam 212. In the illustrated embodiment, cen depicted as a plurality of sockets 308h that extend radially
trifugal force bearing 208 includes an anti-rotation feature outwardly . Sockets 308h correspond with an anti-rotation
depicted as boss 208e that extends radially inwardly . Boss 65 feature depicted as sockets 312i of inboard beam 312 that
208e corresponds with and is received within an anti extend radially inwardly. As best seen in FIG . 5A , a plurality
rotation feature depicted as cavity 212d of inboard beam 212 of pins 320 extend into corresponding sockets 308h of
US 10,507,912 B2
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centrifugal force bearing 308 and sockets 312i of inboard sional forces associated with , for example , pitch change
beam 312 to prevent and/or substantially prevent relative operations of a proprotor blade . Such torsional forces may
rotation between centrifugal force bearing 308 and inboard tend to urge centrifugal force bearing 408 to rotate relative
beam 312 during rotary operations . In the illustrated to inboard beam 412. In the illustrated embodiment, cen
embodiment, the lateralmovement constraint feature and the 5 trifugal force bearing 408 includes an anti-rotation feature
anti-rotation feature of centrifugal force bearing 308 are depicted as a plurality of sockets 408h that extend radially
independent of one another. Even though centrifugal force outwardly . Sockets 408h correspond with an anti - rotation
bearing 308 and inboard beam 312 are depicted as having a feature depicted as sockets 412i of inboard beam 412 that
particular number of anti-rotation sockets 308h , 312i, in a extend radially inwardly . As best seen in FIG . 6A , a plurality
particular arrangement, it should be understood by those 10 of pins 420 extend into corresponding sockets 408h of
having ordinary skill in the art that the centrifugal force centrifugal force bearing 408 and sockets 412i of inboard
bearings and inboard beams of the present disclosure could beam 412 to prevent and /or substantially prevent relative
have any number of anti-rotation sockets both greater than rotation between centrifugal force bearing 408 and inboard
or less than four that are arranged in any desired orientation beam 412 during rotary operations. In the illustrated
including having uniform or nonuniform circumferential 15 embodiment, the lateral movement constraint feature and the
orientations, uniform or non -uniform socket depths, uniform anti -rotation feature of centrifugal force bearing 408 are
or nonuniform socket diameters and /or uniform or non independent of one another.
uniform distances from the pitch change axis . Referring next to FIGS. 7A -7D in the drawings , therein
Referring to FIGS. 6A -6D , a bearing assembly for a are depicted various views of a proprotor system 500 of the
proprotor system is generally designated 406. As stated 20 present disclosure. Proprotor system 500 includes a yoke
herein , the coupling between a centrifugal force bearing 408 502 depicted as having three blade arms each including an
and an inboard beam 412 preferably serves three important inboard pocket 504 and a pair of hub bolt openings 506 each
functions including providing a centrifugal force load path having a bushing 508 secured therein . A bearing assembly
function , a lateral movement constraint function and an 510 is disposed in each of the inboard pockets 504 of yoke
anti-rotation function. During rotary operations of an aircraft 25 502, for clarity of illustration , only one such bearing assem
using a proprotor system of the present disclosure, the bly 510 is shown in FIGS. 7A -7D . Bearing assembly 510
centrifugal force load generated by each proprotor blade is includes a centrifugal force bearing 512 , a shear bearing 514
transferred to the yoke by a bearing assembly 406. Within and an inboard beam 516. As best seen in FIG . 7C , cen
each bearing assembly 406, the centrifugal force load path trifugal force bearing 512 has is a bearing element 512a , an
includes mating surfaces 408f, 408g of centrifugal force 30 integral shoe 512b that includes an upper clamp plate 512c
bearing 408 and mating surfaces 412g, 412h of inboard and an independent lower clamp plate 512d . Preferably , the
beam 412. In the illustrated embodiment, mating surface connection between bearing element 512a and integral shoe
408f is a generally conical mating surface and mating 512b is permanent and may be made by vulcanizing the
surface 408g is a generally planarmating surface . Likewise , elastomeric materialof bearing element512a to the adjacent
mating surface 412g is a generally conical mating surface 35 surface of integral shoe 512b or by bonded , adhered or
and mating surface 412h is a generally planar mating otherwise secured the elastomeric material in a non -remov
surface . As illustrated , mating surface 408f of centrifugal able manner to integral shoe 512b . Lower clamp plate 512d
force bearing 408 has a contact relationship with corre is independent of integral shoe 512b to enable installation
sponding mating surface 412g of inboard beam 412. As best and removal of bearing assembly 510 relative to inboard
seen in FIG . 6A , mating surface 408g of centrifugal force 40 pocket 504 of yoke 502. In the installed orientation , lower
bearing 408 has a spaced apart relationship with correspond clamp plate 512d is coupled to upper clamp plate 512c by
ing mating surface 412h of inboard beam 412. Thus , during one or more bolts 518 which also couple centrifugal force
rotary operations of an aircraft using a proprotor system of bearing 512 to yoke 502 outboard of inboard pocket 504 .
the present disclosure, the centrifugal force load path In the illustrated embodiment, shear bearing 514 includes
includes mating surface 408f of centrifugal force bearing 45 a metal bearing ring 514a that is preferably permanently
408 and mating surface 412g of inboard beam 412 . coupled to an elastomer element of shear bearing 514 by
In addition to the centrifugal forces that are generally in vulcanizing , bonding, adhering or otherwise securing the
the radially outward direction relative to yoke 202 , the elastomeric material to the inner surface of bearing ring
components ofbearing assembly 406 also experience lateral 514a . In the illustrated embodiment, bearing ring 514a
forces associated with , for example , lead -lag and/or flapping 50 includes a pair of oppositely disposed flanges 514b , 514c
motions of a proprotor blade. Such lateral forces may tend forming an upper clamp plate . Shear bearing 514 is selec
to urge centrifugal force bearing 408 out of concentricity tively coupled to yoke 502 using a latch assembly 516. In the
with inboard beam 412. In the illustrated embodiment, illustrated embodiment, latch assembly 516 includes a lower
centrifugal force bearing 408 includes a lateral movement clamp plate 516a and a pair of cam latches 5166, 516C .
constraint feature depicted as mating surface 408f that 55 Lower clamp plate 516a is coupled to cam latches 516b ,
extends radially inwardly . Mating surface 408f is operably 516c respectively by hub bolts 518a , 518b . As described
associated with and received within a lateral movement above , hub bolts 518a , 5186 have been foreshortened for
constraint feature depicted as mating surface 412g of convenience of illustration as hub bolts 518a , 518b would
inboard beam 412 that extends radially inwardly. As illus also coupled the constant velocity joint to yoke 502. It is
trated ,mating surface 408f and mating surface 412g are each 60 noted that one or more of the components of bearing
conical features that provide a self-aligning interface assembly 510 may need inspection , maintenance and /or
between centrifugal force bearing 408 and inboard beam 412 replacement on a periodic basis . The procedure for such
that prevents and/or substantially prevents relative lateral operations may be complicated by the need to remove the
movement between centrifugal force bearing 408 and hub bolts and the other associated hub components, such as
inboard beam 412 during rotary operations. 65 the constant velocity joint, from the yoke 502 to simply
In addition to the centrifugal forces and lateral forces , the inspection or replace a single bearing assembly 510. In the
components of bearing assembly 406 also experience tor present embodiment, however,bearing assemblies 510 have
US 10,507,912 B2
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improved access for installation , removal and inspections arc profile. The arcuate profile of load transfer surface 622a
due to the operation of latch assemblies 516 . of independent shoe 622 matches the arcuate profile of load
In the illustrated embodiment, latch assembly 516 has an transfer surface 604a of inboard pocket 604 to form a
engaged position depicted in FIGS . 7A , 7C , 7D and a centrifugal force load path therebetween . Load transfer
disengaged position depicted in FIG . 7B . More specifically, 5 surface 622a of independent shoe 622 may be bonded ,
cam latch 516b is rotatable relative to yoke 502 about hub adhered or otherwise secured to load transfer surface 604a
bolt 518a between the engaged and disengaged positions, as of inboard pocket 604. Alternatively or additionally , one or
seen in the comparison between FIGS. 7A and 7B . Likewise, more shoe bolts 624 may pass through aligned shoe bolt
cam latch 516c is rotatable relative to yoke 502 about hub openings of upper clamp plate 622b , yoke 602 and lower
bolt 518b between the engaged and disengaged positions , 10 clamp plate 622c to form a clamped relationship between
also seen in the comparison between FIGS. 7A and 7B . In independent shoe 622 and yoke 602 outboard of inboard
the engaged position , bearing bolts 520a , 520b may pass pocket 604. The bonded relationship and /or the clamped
through aligned bearing bolt openings of respective cam relationship between independent shoe 622 and yoke 602
latches 516b , 516c, respective flanges 5146 , 514c and lower prevents relative movement therebetween to maintain the
clamp plate 516a to couple bearing assembly 510 to yoke 15 contact relationship and centrifugal force load path therebe
502 with flanges 5145, 514c having a contact relationship tween .
with an upper surface of yoke 504 and lower clamp plate The coupling between independent shoe 622 and centrifu
516a having a contact relationship with a lower surface of gal force bearing 616 preferably serves three important
yoke 504. functions including providing a centrifugal force load path
To gain access to bearing assembly 510 , bearing bolts 20 function , a lateral movement constraint function and an
520a , 520b may be removed from bearing assembly 510 anti -rotation function . During rotary operations of an aircraft
such that cam latches 516b , 516c may be rotated relative to using proprotor system 600, the centrifugal force load gen
yoke 502 about hub bolts 518a , 518b from the engaged erated by each proprotor blade is transferred to yoke 620 by
position of FIG . 7A to the disengaged position of FIG . 7B bearing assembly 614. Within each bearing assembly 614 ,
enabling inspection , installation and removal of bearing 25 the centrifugal force load path includes mating surfaces
assembly 510 relative to inboard pocket 504 without 6160, 616b of centrifugal force bearing 616 and mating
removal of hub bolts 518a , 518b , thereby alleviating the surfaces 622d , 622e of independent shoe 622. In the illus
complications associated therewith . Thus, in both the trated embodiment, mating surface 616a is a generally
engaged and disengaged positions of latch assembly 516 , conical mating surface and mating surface 616b is a gener
hub bolts 518a , 518b remain in place passing through 30 ally planarmating surface. Likewise, mating surface 622d is
aligned hub bolt openings of cam latches 516b , 516c, yoke a generally conical mating surface and mating surface 622e
502 and clamp plate 516a . In certain implementations, it is a generally planar mating surface. As illustrated , mating
may be desirable to loosen hub bolts 18a , 518b when surface 616a of centrifugal force bearing 616 has a contact
operating of cam latches 516b , 516c between the engaged relationship with corresponding mating surface 622d of
and disengaged positions. 35 independent shoe 622. As best seen in FIG . 8B , mating
Referring next to FIGS. 8A -8C in the drawings , therein surface 616b of centrifugal force bearing 616 has a spaced
are depicted various views of a proprotor system 600 of the apart relationship with corresponding mating surface 622e
present disclosure . Proprotor system 600 includes a yoke of independent shoe 622. Thus, during rotary operations of
602 depicted as having three blade arms each including an an aircraft using proprotor system 600 , the centrifugal force
inboard pocket 604 having a load transfer surface 604a . 40 load path includesmating surface 616a of centrifugal force
Load transfer surface 604a has an arcuate profile such as a bearing 616 and mating surface 622d of independent shoe
circular arc profile or an elliptical arc profile. In addition , 622 .
each blade arm includes a pair ofhub bolt openings 606 each In addition to the centrifugal forces that are generally in
having a bushing 608 secured therein and a pair of shoe bolt the radially outward direction relative to yoke 602 , the
openings 610 each having a bushing 612 secured therein . A 45 components of bearing assembly 614 also experience lateral
bearing assembly 614 is disposed in each of the inboard forces associated with , for example , lead -lag and/or flapping
pockets 604 of yoke602 , for clarity of illustration , only one motions of a proprotor blade. Such lateral forces may tend
such bearing assembly 614 is shown in FIGS. 8A -8C . to urge centrifugal force bearing 616 out of concentricity
Bearing assembly 614 includes a centrifugal force bearing with independent shoe 622. In the illustrated embodiment,
616 , a shear bearing 618 , an inboard beam 620 and an 50 centrifugal force bearing 616 includes a lateral movement
independent shoe 622. In the illustrated embodiment, shear constraint feature depicted as boss 616c that extends radially
bearing 618 includes a metal bearing ring 618a that is outwardly. Boss 616c is operably associated with and
preferably permanently coupled to an elastomer element of received within a lateral movement constraint feature
shear bearing 618 by vulcanizing, bonding, adhering or depicted as cavity 622fof independent shoe 622 that extends
otherwise securing the elastomeric material to the inner 55 radially outwardly.Asillustrated , boss 616c and cavity 622f
surface of bearing ring 618a . In the illustrated embodiment, are each non -cylindrical features depicted as multisided
bearing ring 618a is coupled to an upper clamp plate 624a geometric prism features in the form of four- sided geometric
and a lower clamp plate 624b using screws 626a , 626b . prism features. Preferably, boss 616c and cavity 622f have a
Upper and lower clamp plates 624a, 624b are coupled to close fitting relationship that prevents and /or substantially
yoke 602 by hub bolts 628a, 628b . As described above, hub 60 prevents relative lateral movement between centrifugal
bolts 628a , 628b have been foreshortened for convenience force bearing 616 and independent shoe 622 during rotary
of illustration as hub bolts 628a , 628b would also coupled operations.
the constant velocity joint to yoke 602 . In addition to the centrifugal forces and lateral forces, the
As best seen in FIG . 8A , independent shoe 622 includes components of bearing assembly 614 also experience tor
a load transfer surface 622a , an upper clamp plate 622b and 65 sional forces associated with , for example , pitch change
a lower clamp plate 622c. Load transfer surface 622a has an operations of a proprotor blade. Such torsional forces may
arcuate profile such as a circular arc profile or an elliptical tend to urge centrifugal force bearing 616 to rotate relative
US 10,507,912 B2
17 18
to independent shoe 622. In the illustrated embodiment, tionship with yoke 702. The space apart relationship pre
centrifugal force bearing 616 includes an anti-rotation fea vents centrifugal force load transfer between outboard sur
ture depicted as boss 616c that extends radially outwardly . face 726a of integral shoe 726 and outboard surface 704a of
Boss 616c corresponds with and is received within an inboard pocket 704. Instead , shoe bolts 730 provide cen
anti-rotation feature depicted as cavity 622f of independent 5 trifugal force load paths between bearing assembly 714 and
shoe 622 that extends radially outwardly . As illustrated , boss yoke 702. Even though a particular number ofshoe bolts 730
616c and cavity 622f are each non -cylindrical features have been depicted and described as maintaining the space
depicted as multisided geometric prism features in the form apart relationship between outboard surface 726a of integral
of four-sided geometric prism features. Preferably, boss shoe 726 and outboard surface 704a of inboard pocket 704
616c and cavity 622f have a close fitting relationship that 10 and as providing the centrifugal force load paths between
prevents and /or substantially prevents relative rotation bearing assembly 714 and yoke 702, it should be understood
between centrifugal force bearing 616 and independent shoe by those having ordinary skill in the art that the number of
622 during rotary operations. shoe bolts could be either less than or greater than four
An alternate configuration of the coupling between inde including two shoe bolts , three shoe bolts , five shoe bolts or
pendent shoe 622 and centrifugal force bearing 616 is 15 more .
depicted in FIG . 8C . In this configuration, the centrifugal Referring next to FIGS. 10A - 10D in the drawings, therein
force load path includes generally planar mating surface are depicted various views of a proprotor system 800 of the
616d of centrifugal force bearing 616 and generally planar present disclosure . Proprotor system 800 includes a yoke
mating surface 622g of independent shoe 622. A plurality of 802 depicted as having three blade arms each including an
pins depicted as four screws 630 (only two being visible in 20 inboard pocket 804 and a pair of hub bolt openings 806
the drawing ) extend between independent shoe 622 and inboard of inboard pocket 804 each having a bushing 808
centrifugal force bearing 616 to prevent and /or substantially secured therein . A bearing assembly 810 is disposed in each
prevents relative lateral movement and relative rotation of the inboard pockets 804 of yoke 802 , for clarity of
between centrifugal force bearing 616 and independent shoe illustration , only one such bearing assembly 810 is shown in
622. 25 FIGS. 10A - 10C . Bearing assembly 810 includes a centrifu
Referring next to FIGS. 9A -9D in the drawings , therein gal force bearing 812 , a shear bearing 814 , an inboard beam
are depicted various views of a proprotor system 700 of the 816 and a bearing cage 818. In the illustrated embodiment,
present disclosure. Proprotor system 700 includes a yoke shear bearing 814 includes an integralbearing ring 814a that
702 depicted as having three blade arms each including an is preferably permanently coupled to an elastomer element
inboard pocket 704 with an outboard surface 704a , a pair of 30 of shear bearing 814 by vulcanizing, bonding, adhering or
hub bolt openings 706 each having a bushing 708 secured otherwise securing the elastomeric material to the inner
therein and four shoe bolt openings 710 each having a surface of integral bearing ring 814a .
bushing 712 secured therein . A bearing assembly 714 is In the illustrated embodiment, bearing cage 818 includes
disposed in each of the inboard pockets 704 of yoke 702 , for upper clamp plate 818a , bearing ring 818b ,bearing retainer
clarity of illustration , only one such bearing assembly 714 is 35 818c and lower clamp plate 818d . Integralbearing ring 814a
shown in FIGS . 9A -9D . Bearing assembly 714 includes a of shear bearing 814 is coupled to bearing ring 818b of
centrifugal force bearing 716 , a shear bearing 718 and an bearing cage 818 by a pair of bolts 820a , 8206. An inboard
inboard beam 720. In the illustrated embodiment, shear surface of bearing retainer 818c is preferably permanently
bearing 718 includes a metal bearing ring 718a that is coupled to an elastomer bearing element 812a of centrifugal
preferably permanently coupled to an elastomer element of 40 force bearing 812 by vulcanizing, bonding , adhering or
shear bearing 718 by vulcanizing, bonding, adhering or otherwise securing the elastomeric material to bearing
otherwise securing the elastomeric material to the inner retainer 818c. In the illustrated embodiment, centrifugal
surface of bearing ring 718a . Bearing ring 718a includes an force bearing 812 is disposed within bearing retainer 818c .
upper clamp plate 718b that is coupled to a lower clamp Upper clamp plate 818a and a lower clamp plate 818d are
plate 718c by bearing bolts 722a , 722b . Upper and lower 45 coupled together by bearing bolts 8220 , 822b . Upper and
clamp plates 718b , 718c are coupled to yoke 702 by hub lower clamp plates 818a , 818d are coupled to yoke 802 by
bolts 724a , 724b . As described above ,hub bolts 724a , 724b hub bolts 824a, 824b . As described above, hub bolts 824a ,
have been foreshortened for convenience of illustration as 824b have been foreshortened for convenience of illustration
hub bolts 724a , 724b would also coupled the constant as hub bolts 824a , 824b would also coupled the constant
velocity joint to yoke 702 . 50 velocity joint to yoke 802. Importantly , an outboard surface
Centrifugal force bearing 716 has an integral shoe 726 818e of bearing retainer 818c has a space apart relationship
having an outboard surface 726a and an upper clamp plate with an outboard surface 804a of inboard pocket 804 when
726b . An independent lower clamp plate 726c is coupled to upper and lower clamp plate 818a , 818d have the clamped
integral shoe 726 by bolts 728 or other suitable connectors. relationship with yoke 802. The space apart relationship
In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of shoe bolts 730 55 prevents centrifugal force load transfer between outboard
pass through aligned shoe bolt openings of upper clamp surface 818e of bearing retainer 818c and outboard surface
plate 726b , yoke 702 and lower clamp plate 726c to form a 804a of inboard pocket 804. Instead , hub bolts 824a, 824b
clamped relationship between integral shoe 726 and yoke provide centrifugal force load paths between bearing assem
702 outboard of inboard pocket 704 wherein upper clamp bly 810 and yoke 802.
plate 726b may have a contact relationship with an upper 60 Referring next to FIGS. 11A - 11B in the drawings, therein
surface of yoke 702 and lower clamp plate 726c may have is depicted various a proprotor system 900 of the present
a contact relationship with a lower surface of yoke 702 . disclosure. Proprotor system 900 includes a yoke 902
Importantly, shoe bolt openings 710 are positioned and sized depicted as having an inboard pocket 904 and a pair of hub
such that outboard surface 726a of integral shoe 726 and bolt openings (not visible ) inboard of inboard pocket 904
outboard surface 704a of inboard pocket 704 have a space 65 each having a bushing secured therein . A bearing assembly
apart relationship , as indicated by arrows 732 , when upper 910 is disposed in inboard pocket 904 of yoke 902. Bearing
and lower clamp plate 726b , 726c have the clamped rela assembly 910 includes a centrifugal force bearing 912 , a
US 10,507,912 B2
19 20
shear bearing 914 , an inboard beam 916 and a bearing cage wherein , in the engaged position , the latch assembly is
918. In the illustrated embodiment, inboard beam 916 engaged with the bearing assembly to couple the bear
includes a cavity 916a that is preferably permanently ing assembly to the yoke; and
coupled to an elastomer element of shear bearing 914 by wherein , in the disengaged position , the latch assembly is
vulcanizing , bonding, adhering or otherwise securing the 5 disengaged from the bearing assembly enabling instal
elastomeric material to the inner surface of cavity 916a. lation and removal of the bearing assembly relative to
In the illustrated embodiment, bearing cage 918 includes the inboard pocket.
upper clamp plate 918a , spindle 918b , bearing retainer 9180 2. The proprotor system as recited in claim 1 wherein the
and lower clamp plate 918d. Bearing retainer 918c has an yoke further comprises first and second surfaces and
anti -rotation coupling with centrifugal force bearing
the illustrated embodiment, screws 920 extend between
912. In 10 wherein the first blade arm defines a pair of hub bolt
bearing retainer 918c and an outboard metal housing 912a of pocket . passing through the yoke inboard of the inboard
openings
centrifugal force bearing 912 to prevent relative rotation and 3. The proprotor system as recited in claim 2 further
lateral movements therebetween . In the illustrated embodi
ment , spindle 918b passes through and is operable to allow 15 acomprising a flange coupled to the shear bearing and having
pair of bearing bolt openings, the flange having a contact
relative rotation thereabout by centrifugal force bearing 912
and shear bearing 914. Upper clamp plate 918a and a lower relationship with the first surface of the yoke.
clamp plate 918d are coupled together by bearing bolts 4. The proprotor system as recited in claim 3 wherein the
922a , 922b . Upper and lower clamp plates 918a , 918b are latch assembly further comprises a clamp plate coupled to
coupled to yoke 902 by hub bolts 924a , 924b. As described 20 the second surface of the yoke and a pair of cam latches each
above, hub bolts 924a , 924b have been foreshortened for coupled to and rotatable relative to the first surface of the
convenience of illustration as hub bolts 924a , 924b would yoke .
also coupled the constant velocity joint to yoke 902. Impor 5. The proprotor system as recited in claim 4 wherein , in
tantly , an outboard surface 918e ofbearing retainer 918c has the engaged position , each cam latch and the clamp plate is
a space apart relationship with an outboard surface 904a of 25 coupled to the flange .
inboard pocket 904 when upper and lower clamp plate 918a , 6. The proprotor system as recited in claim 4 wherein the
918b have the clamped relationship with yoke 902. The clamp plate has a pair of hub bolt openings and a pair of
space apart relationship prevents centrifugal force load bearing bolt openings, wherein the flange has a pair of
transfer between outboard surface 918e of bearing retainer bearing bolt openings and wherein each cam latch has a hub
918c and outboard surface 904a of inboard pocket 904. 30 bolt opening and a bearing bolt opening .
Instead , hub bolts 924a , 924b provide centrifugal force load 7. The proprotor system as recited in claim 6 further
paths between bearing assembly 910 and yoke 902 . comprising first and second hub bolts each passing through
The foregoing description of embodiments of the disclo aligned hub bolt openings of one of the cam latches, the yoke
sure has been presented for purposes of illustration and and the clamp plate to couple the latch assembly to the yoke .
description . It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the 35 8. The proprotor system as recited in claim 7 wherein each
disclosure to the precise form disclosed , and modifications cam latch is rotatable about one of the hub bolts between the
and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or engaged and disengaged positions enabling, in the disen
may be acquired from practice of the disclosure . The gaged position , installation and removal of the bearing
embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain assembly relative to the inboard pocket without removal of
the principals of the disclosure and its practical application 40 the hub bolts .
to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure in 9. The proprotor system as recited in claim 6 further
various embodiments and with various modifications as are comprising first and second bearing bolts each passing
suited to the particular use contemplated . Other substitu through aligned bearing bolt openings of one of the cam
tions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in latches, the flange and the clamp plate to couple the bearing
the design , operating conditions and arrangement of the 45 assembly to the yoke when the latch assembly is in the
embodiments without departing from the scope of the pres engaged position .
ent disclosure . Such modifications and combinations of the 10. The proprotor system as recited in claim 1 wherein ,
illustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments will the centrifugal force bearing is positioned outboard of the
be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the shear bearing
description . It is, therefore, intended that the appended 50 11. The proprotor system as recited in claim 1 wherein ,
claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments . the centrifugal force bearing further comprises a series of
spherical elastomeric layers separated by inelastic shims.
What is claimed is : 12. The proprotor system as recited in claim 1 wherein ,
1. A proprotor system for a tiltrotor aircraft having a the shear bearing further comprises :
helicopter flight mode and an airplane flight mode, the 55 a radially inwardly disposed journal bearing coupled to
proprotor system comprising: the inboard beam ; and
a yoke having a plurality of blade arms including a first a radially outwardly disposed spherical bearing providing
blade arm having an inboard pocket; a tilting degree of freedom for the inboard beam
a bearing assembly disposed at least partially within the relative to the yoke.
inboard pocket, the bearing assembly including a cen- 60 13. The proprotor system as recited in claim 1 wherein the
trifugal force bearing and a shear bearing ; plurality of blade arms further comprises at least three blade
an inboard beam disposed at least partially between the arms.
centrifugal force bearing and the shear bearing; 14. A proprotor system for a tiltrotor aircraft having a
a proprotor blade coupled to the inboard beam ; and helicopter flight mode and an airplane flight mode, the
a latch assembly selectively coupling the bearing assem- 65 proprotor system comprising:
bly to the yoke , the latch assembly rotatable relative to a yoke having a plurality of blade arms including a first
the yoke between engaged and disengaged positions; blade arm having an inboard pocket;
US 10,507,912 B2
21 22
first and second of hub bolts extending through the yoke 18. The proprotor system as recited in claim 14 wherein ,
inboard of the inboard pocket; the centrifugal force bearing is positioned outboard of the
a bearing assembly disposed at least partially within the shear bearing.
inboard pocket, the bearing assembly including a cen 19. The proprotor system as recited in claim 14 wherein ,
trifugal force bearing and a shear bearing having a 5 the centrifugal force bearing further comprises a series of
flange; spherical elastomeric layers separated by inelastic shimsand
an inboard beam disposed at least partially between the
the shear bearing further comprises a radially inwardly
centrifugal force bearing and the shear bearing;
disposed journal bearing coupled to the inboard beam and a
radially outwardly disposed spherical bearing providing a
a proprotor blade coupled to the inboard beam ; and tilting degree of freedom for the inboard beam relative to the
a latch assembly including a clamp plate coupled to a first 10 yoke.
side of the yoke and a pair of cam latches coupled to a 20. A tiltrotor aircraft having a helicopter flightmode and
second side yoke by the first and second hub bolts, each an airplane flightmode, the tiltrotor aircraft comprising :
cam latch selectively rotatable relative to the yoke a fuselage ;
about one of the hub bolts between engaged and 15 first a wing extending from the fuselage ;
disengaged positions; and second pylon assemblies coupled to the wing
wherein , in the engaged position , each cam latch is outboard of the fuselage ; and
coupled to the flange of the shear bearing and the clamp first and second proprotor systems operably associated
plate to couple the bearing assembly to the yoke; and respectively with the first and second pylon assemblies,
wherein , in the disengaged position , each cam latch is 20 a yoke each proprotor system including :
uncoupled from the flange enabling installation and having a plurality of blade arms including a first
removal of the bearing assembly relative to the inboard blade arm having an inboard pocket ;
pocket without removal of the first and second hub a bearing assembly disposed at least partially within the
bolts . inboard pocket, the bearing assembly including cen
15. The proprotor system as recited in claim 14 wherein 25 an inboardforce
trifugal bearing and a shear bearing ;
beam disposed at least partially between the
the clamp plate has a pair of hub bolt openings and a pair of centrifugal force bearing and the shear bearing ;
bearing bolt openings, wherein the flange has a pair of a proprotor blade coupled to the inboard beam ; and
bearing bolt openings and wherein each cam latch has a hub a latch assembly selectively coupling the bearing assem
bolt opening and a bearing bolt opening. bly to the yoke, the latch assembly rotatable relative to
16. The proprotor system as recited in claim 15 wherein 30 the yoke between engaged and disengaged positions;
each of the hub bolts pass through aligned hub bolt openings wherein , in the engaged position , the latch assembly is
of one of the cam latches, the yoke and the clamp plate to engaged with the bearing assembly to couple the bear
couple the latch assembly to the yoke . ing assembly to the yoke; and
17. The proprotor system as recited in claim 16 further
comprising first and second bearing bolts each passing 35 wherein , in the disengaged position , the latch assembly is
disengaged from the bearing assembly enabling instal
through aligned bearing bolt openings of one of the cam lation and removal of the bearing assembly relative to
latches, the flange and the clamp plate to couple the bearing the inboard pocket.
assembly to the yoke when the latch assembly is in the
engaged position .

United States Patent: Kizhakkepat Et Al

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United States Patent: Kizhakkepat Et Al

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US010507912B2

United States Patent ( 10 ) Patent No.: US 10,507,912 B2

104 -102 -100

202 210al 204 -208 220 202

-212 208f 208

312d 312g 308f

-412 408f 408

618a 626b -608

808 806 802

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