THU LLULLLLLLLLLL US009981750B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 9 ,981, 750 B2

Williams et al. (45) Date of Patent: May 29 , 2018
(54 ) TILTROTOR AIRCRAFT HAVING
SPHERICAL BEARING MOUNTED PYLON
(52) ???
U.S. CI............... B64D 27 /26 (2013.01); B64C 3 / 32
ASSEMBLIES ( 2013 .01 ); B64C 27/ 26 ( 2013 .01 );
(Continued )
(71) Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc ., Fort ( 58 ) Field of Classification Search
Worth , TX (US) CPC .. B64D 27 /26 ; B64D 35/00 ; B64D 2027 / 266 ;
(72 ) Inventors : TXJeffrey
@ Matthew Williams, Fort Worth , B64C 3 /32 ; B64C 29/0033; B64C 27 / 26 ;
(US ); George Ryan Decker , Fort (Continued )
Worth , TX (US ); James Everett (56 ) References Cited
Kooiman , Fort Worth , TX (US ) ;
Andrew G . Baines , Fort Worth , TX U . S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
(US ); Daniel J. Sweigard, Fort Worth ,
TX (US) 2 , 814 ,451 A 11 / 1957 Turner et al.
2 ,936 , 967 A 5 / 1960 Dancik
(73 ) Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort (Continued )
Worth , TX (US) Primary Examiner — Valentina Xavier
( * ) Notice : Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this (74 ) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Lawrence Youst PLLC
patent is extended or adjusted under 35
U .S .C . 154 (b ) by 0 days. days . (57) ABSTRACT
A propulsion system for a tiltrotor aircraft includes an
(21) Appl. No.: 15/792,686 engine supported by the airframe and a fixed gearbox
operably coupled to the engine. Inboard and outboard ped
(22 ) Filed : Oct. 24 , 2017 estals are supported by the airframe and positioned above
the wing. Apylon assembly is rotatably coupled between the
(65 ) Prior Publication Data inboard and outboard pedestals . The pylon assembly
US 2018/0099757 A1 Apr. 12, 2018 includes a spindle gearbox having an input gear, a mast
operably coupled to the input gear and a proprotor assembly
Related U . S . Application Data operable to rotate with the mast. The spindle gearbox is
(63) Continuation of application No. 15 / 407 ,481 , filed on rotatable about a conversion axis to selectively operate the
tiltrotor aircraft between helicopter and airplane modes. A
Jan . 17 , 2017 , now Pat. No . 9, 809 ,318 , which is a common shaft, rotatable about the conversion axis, is con
(Continued ) figured to transfer torque from an output gear of the fixed
(51) Int. CI. gearbox to an input gear of the spindle gearbox . Each of the
inboard and outboard pedestals includes a spherical bearing
B64D 27/ 26 ( 2006 . 01) providing a self -aligning coupling with the pylon assembly.
B640 35 / 00 ( 2006 .01)
( Continued ) 20 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets
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 US 9 ,981,750 B2
Page 2
Related U .S . Application Data 5,749 ,540 A * 5/ 1998 Arlton ............. B64C 27 /82
244 /17. 13
continuation -in -part of application No. 13 / 966 ,726 , 6 ,030 , 177 A * 2 /2000 Hager ................. B64C 27/72
filed on Aug . 14 , 2013 , now Pat. No. 9,834 ,303 . 244/ 17 .23
6,260 , 793 B1 7/2001 Balayn et al.
6 .276 .633 B18 /2001 Balayn et al.
(51 ) Int. Cl. 6 ,367,736 B1 4 /2002 Pancotti
B64C 3 / 32 ( 2006 .01) 6, 607,161 B1 8/ 2003 Krysinski et al.
B64C 27/ 26 (2006 .01) 6, 843 ,447 B2 1/2005 Morgan
B64C 29 /00 ( 2006 . 01) 6 , 974 ,105 B2 | 12/2005 Pham
F16C 17 /02 ( 2006 .01) 7 ,520, 041 B1 4 / 2009 Aguilar
7 ,584 ,923 B2 9 /2009 Burrage
F16C 17 / 26 (2006 .01) 7 , 866, 598 B2 1/ 2011 Waide et al.
F16H 57/02 ( 2012 .01) 7 , 871, 033 B2 1/ 2011 Karem et al .
7 ,874,513 B1 1 / 2011 Smith
(52 ) U . S . CI.
CPC .......... B64C 29/ 0033 ( 2013.01); B64D 35/ 00
(2013 .01); F16C 17/022 ( 2013 .01); F16C
ON
7 ,913,947 B2
8 , 152, 096 B2
8 , 251 ,305 B2
8 , 276 , 840 B2
3/ 2011 Haynes et al.
4 /2012 Smith
8/2012 Smith et al.
10 / 2012 Karem
17/26 (2013.01); B64D 2027/ 266 (2013 .01); 8 ,567 ,709 B2 10 /2013 Smith et al .
F16H 2057/02043 (2013 .01) 8 ,602 ,347 B2 * 12 /2013 Isaac ............ . B64C 29 /0033
(58 ) Field of Classification Search 244 /23 B
??? . ...... .......... F16C 17 / 26 ; F16C 17 /022 ; F16H 8 , 733, 690 B2
9 , 126 ,678 B2
5 / 2014 Bevirt et al.
9 /2015 Ross et al.
2057 /02043 9 ,174, 731 B2 11/2015 Ross
See application file for complete search history. 9 ,376,206 B2 6 /2016 Ross
2004/0038768 Al 2 / 2004 Thomassey et al.
( 56 ) References Cited 2005 /0045762 Al 3/ 2005 Pham
2005 /0127238 Al 6 /2005 Ballew
U .S . PATENT DOCUMENTS 2007/0102573 Al 5 /2007 Goto
2007/0158494 Al 7 /2007 Burrage
2 ,936 , 968 A 5 / 1960 Mazzitelli 2007/0205325 A1 * 9 / 2007 Waide ...... B64D 35/04
3 ,065,929 A 11/ 1962 Holland 244 /60
3 ,259 ,343 A 7 / 1966 Ropes 2009/0227415 A1* 9/2009 Buelna ............... B64C 29 /0033
3 ,284, 027 A 11/ 1966 Marc 475 /346
3, 360 ,217 A 12 / 1967 Trotter 2010 /0276549 AL 11/2010 Karem
3 , 703,832 A * 11/ 1972 Lindsey GO1C 19 / 28
............ 2010 /0327123 AL 12 / 2010 Smith et al.
74 /5 .45 2011/0114797 Al 5 / 2011 Karem
3 ,797,783 A * 3/ 1974 Kisovec .............. B64C 29 /0033 2012 /0199699 AL 8 /2012 Isaac et al.
244 / 7 A 2013 / 0078100 A1 * 3 /2013 Baskin ........ .......... .. B64C 11/ 06
4 , 136 , 845 A 1/ 1979 Eickmann 416 /204 R
4 , 142 ,697 A 3/ 1979 Fradenburgh 2014 /0034781 A1 2/2014 Kouros et al.
4 ,436 , 261 A 3 / 1984 Koleff 2014 /0263855 A1 * 9 /2014 Ross B64C 29 /0075
4 ,496 ,120 A 1 / 1985 Eickmann 244 /7 A
4 ,682 ,512 A 7 / 1987 Peterson 2015 /0048214 AL 2 /2015 Bockmiller et al.
4 ,691, 878 A * 9/ 1987 Vaughan .............. B64C 3 / 56 2016 /0122039 A1* 5/2016 Ehinger .................. B64C 27 / 32
244 / 49 416 / 170 R
4 ,783, 023 A 11/ 1988 Jupe 2017 /0158323 A1 * 6 /2017 Ross ........ .......... B64C 29 /0033
4 , 979 ,698 A 12/ 1990 Lederman 2017/0225780 A1 * 8 /2017 Kooiman ............ B640 29 /0033
5 ,054,716 A 10 / 1991 Wilson 2018/ 0079503 A1 * 3/ 2018 Ivans . B64C 29 /0033
5 ,085,315 A 2 / 1992 Sambell
5 ,645,250 A 7 / 1997 Gevers * cited by examiner
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 US 9, 981, 750 B2
TILTROTOR AIRCRAFT HAVING supported by the airframe proximate an outboard end of the
SPHERICAL BEARING MOUNTED PYLON wing and a fixed gearbox operably coupled to the engine and
ASSEMBLIES having an output gear. Inboard and outboard pedestals are
CROSS -REFERENCE TO RELATED
supported by the airframe above the wing. A pylon assembly
5 is rotatably coupled between the inboard and outboard
APPLICATIONS pedestals . The pylon assembly includes a spindle gearbox
having an input gear, a mast operably coupled to the input
This is a continuation of co -pending application Ser. No. gear and a proprotor assembly operable to rotate with the
15 /407,481 filed Jan . 17 , 2017 which is a continuation -Inin mast. The spindle gearbox is rotatable about a conversion
part of co -pending application Ser. No. 13 / 966 ,726 filed 10 axis to selectively operate the tiltrotor aircraft between
Aug . 14 , 2013. helicopter and airplane modes . A common shaft is config
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE ured to transfer torque from the output gear of the fixed
gearbox to the input gear of the spindle gearbox . The
The present disclosure relates , in general, to tiltrotor common shaft is rotatable about the conversion axis. Each of
aircraft operable for vertical takeoff and landing in a heli - 15 the inboard and outboard pedestals includes a spherical
copter mode and forward cruising in an airplane mode and , bearing providing a self-aligning coupling between the
in particular, to tiltrotor aircraft having a fixed engine and pylon assembly and the inboard and outboard pedestals to
rotatable pylon assembly implementation . reduce alignment sensitivity between the inboard and out
board pedestals.
BACKGROUND 20 In some embodiments, the coupling between the pylon
assembly and the outboard pedestal may be a fixed bearing
Fixed -wing aircraft, such as airplanes , are capable of coupling to substantially prevent lateral movement of the
flight using wings that generate lift responsive to the forward pylon assembly relative to the outboard pedestal. In certain
airspeed of the aircraft, which is generated by thrust from embodiments , the coupling between the pylon assembly and
one or more jet engines or propellers . The wings generally 25 the inboard pedestal may be a floating bearing coupling to
have an airfoil cross section that deflects air downward as allow lateralmovement of the pylon assembly relative to the
the aircraft moves forward , generating the lift force to inboard pedestal. In some embodiments, the pylon assembly
support the aircraft in flight. Fixed -wing aircraft, however, may include an inboard sleeve positioned within the spheri
typically require a runway that is hundreds or thousands of cal bearing of the inboard pedestal and an outboard sleeve
feet long for takeoff and landing . 30 positioned within the journal spherical of the outboard
Unlike fixed -wing aircraft, vertical takeoff and landing pedestal . In certain embodiments, the spherical bearings
(VTOL ) aircraft do not require runways . Instead , VTOL may enable the spindle gearbox to rotate about the conver
aircraft are capable of taking off , hovering and landing sion axis in an environment including misalignment of the
vertically . One example of a VTOL aircraft is a helicopter inboard and outboard pedestals.
which is a rotorcraft having one or more rotors that provide 35 In certain embodiments , the inboard and outboard pedes
lift and thrust to the aircraft. The rotors not only enable tals may be full pillow block housings . In other embodi
hovering and vertical takeoff and landing, but also enable ments, the inboard and outboard pedestals may be split
forward , backward and lateral flight. These attributes make pillow block housings . In additional embodiments , the
helicopters highly versatile for use in congested , isolated or inboard pedestal may be a full pillow block housing while
remote areas. Helicopters, however, typically lack the for- 40 the outboard pedestal may be a split pillow block housing.
ward airspeed of fixed -wing aircraft due to the phenomena In further embodiments , the inboard and outboard pedestals
of retreating blade stall and advancing blade compression may be tip ribs extending above the wing and defining slots
Tiltrotor aircraft attempt to overcome this drawback by having bearing cartridges including bearing assemblies
utilizing proprotors that can change their plane of rotation received therein . In some embodiments, the inboard and
based on the operation being performed. Tiltrotor aircraft 45 outboard pedestals support fore /aft loads generated by the
typically have a pair of nacelles mounted near the outboard proprotor assembly when the tiltrotor aircraft is in the
ends of a fixed wing with each nacelle housing a propulsion airplane mode and vertical loads generated by the proprotor
system that provides torque and rotational energy to a assembly when the tiltrotor aircraft is in the helicopter mode .
proprotor. The nacelles are rotatable relative to the fixed In certain embodiments , each of the spherical bearings may
wing such that the proprotors have a generally horizontal 50 include a monoball bearing and a spherical race . In some
plane of rotation providing vertical thrust for takeoff , hov - embodiments , the fixed gearbox may be coupled to the
ering and landing,much like a conventional helicopter, and outboard pedestal to maintain the output gear of the fixed
a generally vertical plane of rotation providing forward gearbox in substantial collinear alignment with the input
thrust for cruising in forward flight with the fixed wing gear of the spindle gearbox .
providing lift, much like a conventional propeller driven 55 In a second aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a
airplane. It have been found, however, that the outboard tiltrotor aircraft having a helicopter mode and an airplane
location of the nacelles coupled with the requirement of mode . Tiltrotor aircraft includes an airframe including a
rotating the nacelles significantly influence the size and fuselage and a wing . An engine is supported by the airframe
weight of the airframe structure required to support the proximate an outboard end of the wing. A fixed gearbox is
nacelles. Accordingly, a need has arisen for improved sys - 60 operably coupled to the engine and has an output gear.
tems and methods for realizing a tiltrotor aircraft having Inboard and outboard pedestals are supported by the air
reduced structural loads generated by the propulsion system . frame above the wing . Apylon assembly is rotatably coupled
between the inboard and outboard pedestals. The pylon
SUMMARY assembly includes a spindle gearbox having an input gear, a
65 mast operably coupled to the input gear and a proprotor
In a first aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a assembly operable to rotate with the mast. The spindle
propulsion system for a tiltrotor aircraft including an engine gearbox is rotatable about a conversion axis to selectively
 US 9 ,981,750 B2
operate the tiltrotor aircraft between helicopter and airplane FIGS. 17A - 17B are perspective and exploded views of a
modes . A common shaft is configured to transfer torque from pylon assembly positioned above a wing between inboard
the output gear of the fixed gearbox to the input gear of the and outboard pedestals in accordance with embodiments of
spindle gearbox . The common shaft is rotatable about the the present disclosure;
conversion axis . Each of the inboard and outboard pedestals 5 FIGS. 18A - 18B are perspective and exploded views of a
includes a spherical bearing providing a self -aligning cou - pylon assembly positioned above a wing between inboard
pling between the pylon assembly and the inboard and and outboard pedestals in accordance with embodiments of
outboard pedestals to reduce alignment sensitivity between the present disclosure ;
the inboard and outboard pedestals. FIG . 19 is a cross sectional view of a pylon assembly
10 positioned above a wing between inboard and outboard
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS pedestals in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure ; and
For a more complete understanding of the features and FIG . 20 is a cross sectional view of a pylon assembly
positioned above a wing between inboard and outboard
advantages of the present disclosure , reference is now made 15 pedestals
to the detailed description along with the accompanying in accordance with embodiments of the present
figures in which corresponding numerals in the different disclosure .
figures refer to corresponding parts and in which : DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG . 1 is a perspective view of a tiltrotor aircraft in
airplane mode in accordance with embodiments of the 20 While the making and using of various embodiments of
present disclosure ; the present disclosure are discussed in detailbelow , it should
FIG . 2 is a perspective view of a tiltrotor aircraft in be appreciated that the present disclosure provides many
helicopter mode in accordance with embodiments of the applicable inventive concepts, which can be embodied in a
present disclosure; wide variety of specific contexts . The specific embodiments
FIG . 3 is a perspective view of a tiltrotor aircraft in 25 discussed herein are merely illustrative and do not delimit
airplane mode in accordance with embodiments of the the scope of the present disclosure . In the interest of clarity ,
present disclosure ; not all features of an actual implementation may be
FIG . 4 is a perspective view of a propulsion system of a described in the present disclosure . It will of course be
tiltrotor aircraft in accordance with embodiments of the appreciated that in the development of any such actual
present disclosure ; 30 embodiment, numerous implementation - specific decisions
FIG . 5 is a cross sectional view of a pylon assembly of a must bemade to achieve the developer ' s specific goals, such
tiltrotor aircraft in accordance with embodiments of the as compliance with system - related and business- related con
present disclosure ; straints , which will vary from one implementation to
FIG . 6 is an aft view of a propulsion system and wing another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a devel
section of a tiltrotor aircraft in accordance with embodi- 35 opment effort might be complex and time- consuming but
ments of the present disclosure ; would be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in
FIG . 7 is a top view of a propulsion system and wing the art having the benefit of this disclosure .
section of a tiltrotor aircraft in accordance with embodi- In the specification , reference may be made to the spatial
ments of the present disclosure ; relationships between various components and to the spatial
FIG . 8 is a perspective view of a wing section of a tiltrotor 40 orientation of various aspects of components as the devices
aircraft in accordance with embodiments of the present a re depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be
disclosure ; recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete
FIG . 9 is a perspective view of a propulsion system of a reading of the present disclosure , the devices , members,
tiltrotor aircraft in accordance with embodiments of the apparatuses , and the like described herein may be positioned
present disclosure ; 45 in any desired orientation . Thus, the use of terms such as
FIG . 10 is a cross sectional view of a propulsion system " above ," " below ," " upper," " lower” or other like terms to
section of a tiltrotor aircraft in accordance with embodi- describe a spatial relationship between various components
ments of the present disclosure ; or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such
FIG . 11 is a cross sectional view of a propulsion system components should be understood to describe a relative
section of a tiltrotor aircraft in accordance with embodi- 50 relationship between the components or a spatial orientation
ments of the present disclosure ; of aspects of such components , respectively, as the device
FIG . 12 is a perspective view of a quill shaft in accordance described herein may be oriented in any desired direction . In
with embodiments of the present disclosure; addition , as used herein , the term " coupled " may include
FIG . 13 is a perspective view of a propulsion system direct or indirect coupling by any means , including moving
section of a tiltrotor aircraft in a partially disassembled state 55 and / or non -moving mechanical connections and the term
in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure ; " pedestal” will refer to the structure above the wing to which
FIG . 14 is a perspective view of a propulsion system the pylon assembly is mounted .
section of a tiltrotor aircraft in a partially disassembled state Referring to FIGS . 1 - 3 in the drawings, a tiltrotor aircraft
in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure ; is schematically illustrated and generally designated 10 .
FIGS. 15A - 15B are perspective and exploded views of a 60 Aircraft 10 includes a fuselage 12 , a wing mount assembly
pylon assembly positioned above a wing between inboard 14 that is rotatable relative to fuselage 12 and a tail assembly
and outboard pedestals in accordance with embodiments of 16 including rotatably mounted tail members 16a, 16b
the present disclosure ; having control surfaces operable for horizontal and/or ver
FIGS . 16A - 16B are perspective and exploded views of a
tical stabilization during forward flight. A wing 18 is sup
pylon assembly positioned above a wing between inboard 65 ported by wing mount assembly 14 and rotates with wing
and outboard pedestals in accordance with embodiments of mount assembly 14 relative to fuselage 12 to enable tiltrotor
the present disclosure ; aircraft 10 convert to a storage configuration . Together,
 US 9 ,981,750 B2
fuselage 12 , tail assembly 16 and wing 18 as well as their aircraft 10 , the propulsion systems of the present disclosure
various frames, longerons, stringers , bulkheads , spars , ribs, can be implemented on other types of tiltrotor aircraft
skins and the like may be considered to be the airframe of including, for example , quad tiltrotor aircraft and unmanned
tiltrotor aircraft 10 . tiltrotor aircraft, to name a few .
Located proximate the outboard ends of wing 18 are 5 Referring now to FIGS. 4 -11, propulsion assembly 20a is
propulsion assemblies 20a , 206 . Propulsion assembly 20a disclosed in further detail . Propulsion assembly 20a is
includes a fixed nacelle 22a that houses an engine and a substantially similar to propulsion assembly 20b therefore ,
fixed portion of the drive system . In addition, propulsion for sake of efficiency, certain features will be disclosed only
assembly 20a includes a pylon assembly 24a that is posi- with regard to propulsion assembly 20a. One having ordi
tioned inboard of fixed nacelle 22a and above wing 18 . 10 nary skill in the art, however, will fully appreciate an
Pylon assembly 24a is rotatable relative to fixed nacelle 22a understanding of propulsion assembly 20b based upon the
and wing 18 between a generally horizontal orientation , as disclosure herein of propulsion assembly 20a . Propulsion
best seen in FIG . 1 , a generally vertical orientation , as best system 20a includes an engine 30 that is fixed relative to
seen in FIG . 2 . Pylon assembly 24a includes a rotatable wing 18 . An engine output shaft 32 transfers power from
portion of the drive system and a proprotor assembly 26a 15 engine 30 to a spiral bevel gearbox 34 that includes spiral
that is rotatable responsive to torque and rotational energy bevel gears to change torque direction by 90 degrees from
provided via the engine and drive system . Likewise , pro - engine 30 to a fixed gearbox 36 . Fixed gearbox 36 includes
pulsion assembly 20b includes a fixed nacelle 22b that a plurality of gears, such as helical gears , in a gear train that
houses an engine and a fixed portion of the drive system . In are coupled to an interconnect drive shaft 38 and a common
addition , propulsion assembly 20b includes a pylon assem - 20 shaft depicted as quill shaft 40 . Torque is transferred to an
bly 24b that is positioned inboard of fixed nacelle 22b and input gear 42 in spindle gearbox 44 of proprotor gearbox 46
above wing 18 . Pylon assembly 24b is rotatable relative to through quill shaft 40 .
fixed nacelle 22b and wing 18 between a generally horizon - Interconnect drive shaft 38 provides a torque path that
tal orientation , as best seen in FIG . 1 , a generally vertical enables a single engine to provide torque to both proprotors
orientation , as best seen in FIG . 2 . Pylon assembly 24b 25 assemblies 26a , 26b in the event of a failure of the other
includes a rotatable portion of the drive system and a engine. In the illustrated embodiment, interconnect drive
proprotor assembly 26b that is rotatable responsive to torque shaft 38 has a rotational axis 48 that is vertically lower and
and rotational energy provided via the engine and drive horizontally aft of a longitudinal axis of the spindle gearbox
system . 44 referred to herein as a conversion axis 50 . Conversion
FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate aircraft 10 in airplane or forward 30 axis 50 is parallel to a lengthwise axis 52 of wing 18 .
flight mode, in which proprotor assemblies 26a , 26b are Referring in particular to FIG . 8 , interconnect drive shaft 38
rotating in a substantially vertical plane to provide a forward includes a plurality of segments that share rotational axis 48 .
thrust enabling wing 18 to provide a lifting force responsive Locating interconnect drive shaft 38 aft of wing spar 54 ,
to forward airspeed , such that aircraft 10 flies much like a which is a structural member of the airframe of tiltrotor
conventional propeller driven aircraft. FIG . 2 illustrates 35 aircraft 10 , provides for optimal integration with fixed
aircraft 10 in helicopter or VTOL flight mode , in which gearbox 36 without interfering with the primary torque
proprotor assemblies 26a , 26b are rotating in a substantially transfer of quill shaft 40 between fixed gearbox 36 and
horizontal plane to provide a lifting thrust, such that aircraft spindle gearbox 44 . Conversion axis 50 of spindle gearbox
10 flies much like a conventional helicopter. It should be 44 is parallel to rotational axis 48 of interconnect drive shaft
appreciated that aircraft 10 can be operated such that pro - 40 38 but located forward and above rotational axis 48 .
protor assemblies 26a , 26b are selectively positioned As best seen in FIG . 4 , proprotor assembly 26a of
between airplane mode and helicopter mode , which can be propulsion system 20a includes a plurality of proprotor
referred to as a conversion flightmode . Even though aircraft blades 56 coupled to a yoke 58 that is coupled to a mast 60 .
10 has been described as having one engine in each fixed Mast 60 is coupled to proprotor gearbox 46 . The collective
nacelle 22a , 22b , it should be understood by those having 45 and / or cyclic pitch of proprotor blades 56 may be controlled
ordinary skill in the art that other propulsion system arrange - responsive to pilot input via actuators 62 , swashplate 64 and
ments are possible and are considered to be within the scope pitch links 66 .
of the present disclosure including , for example, having a Referring in particular to FIG . 5 , proprotor gearbox 46 is
single engine which may be housed within one of the fixed configured to transfer power and reduce speed to mast 60 .
nacelles or within the fuselage that provides torque and 50 Proprotor gearbox 46 includes a top case portion 70 and
rotational energy to both proprotor assemblies 26a , 26b. spindle gearbox 44 . Speed reduction is accomplished by a
During all flight modes, proprotor assemblies 26a, 26b low speed planetary gear assembly 72 and a high speed
rotate in opposite directions to provide torque balancing to planetary gear assembly 74 . A spiral bevel gear assembly
aircraft 10 . For example , when viewed from the front of includes spiral bevel input gear 42 and a spiral bevel output
aircraft 10 in forward flight mode, proprotor assembly 26a 55 gear 76 . The spiral bevel gear assembly changes power
rotates clockwise and proprotor assembly 26b rotates coun - direction from along longitudinal axis 50 of spiral bevel
terclockwise . In the illustrated embodiment, proprotor input gear 42 to a centerline axis 78 of spiral bevel output
assemblies 26a, 26b each include three twisted proprotor gear 76 . An accessory drive 80 can be coupled to spiralbevel
blades that are equally spaced apart circumferentially at output gear 76 . It should be appreciated that proprotor
approximately 120 degree intervals . It should be understood 60 gearbox 46 can include additional or different components
by those having ordinary skill in the art, however, that the including bearing systems, lubrication systems and other
proprotor assemblies of the present disclosure could have gearbox related systemsthatmay be beneficial for operation .
proprotor blades with other designs and other configurations During operation , a conversion actuator 80 , as best seen
including proprotor assemblies having four, five or more in FIG . 4 , can be actuated so as to selectively rotate
proprotor blades . Further, it should be understood by those 65 proprotor gearbox 46 and thus pylon assembly 24a about
having ordinary skill in the art that even though propulsion conversion axis 50 , which in turn selectively positions
systems 20a, 20b are illustrated in the context of tiltrotor proprotor assembly 26a between helicopter mode, as best
 US 9 ,981,750 B2
seen in FIG . 2, and airplane mode , as best seen in FIGS. 1
se Fixed gearbox 36 extends generally normal to conversion
and 3 . The operational loads, such as thrust loads, are axis 50 and is coupled to the airframe by a support assembly
transmitted through mast 60 and into spindle gearbox 44 of preferably having multiple joints . In the illustrated embodi
proprotor gearbox 46 and thus the structural support of ment, the support assembly includes a fixed joint depicted as
spindle gearbox 44 is critical. In the illustrated embodiment, 5 a bolted connection to a housing 102 that is supported by the
spindle gearbox 44 is rotatably coupled to the airframe of airframe of tiltrotor aircraft 10 via outboard pillow block 84
tiltrotor aircraft 10 by mounting spindle gearbox 44 to an and outboard intermediate support 96 . As illustrated , hous
inboard pedestal depicted as inboard pillow block 82 having ing 102 is a conical structure with one or more flanges
an inboard bearing assembly 86 and an outboard pedestal configured to support bolted connections with fixed gearbox
depicted as outboard pillow block 84 with an outboard 10 36 and with outboard pillow block 84 . The support assembly
bearing assembly 88 . Thus, spindle gearbox 44 is structur - also includes one or more joints 104 that provide support
ally supported and is operable to be rotated about conversion between fixed gearbox 36 and the airframe of tiltrotor
axis 50 by conversion actuator 80 . aircraft 10 , only one of which being visible in FIG . 9 . It is
Inboard pillow block 82 is structurally coupled to an noted that joint 102 is the primary support structure between
inboard tip rib 90 . Similarly, outboard pillow block 84 is 15 fixed gearbox 36 and the airframe. This is significant
structurally coupled to an outboard tip rib 92 . Inboard tip rib because the support assembly is configured to maintain
90 and outboard tip rib 92 are structural members of the collinear alignment between fixed gearbox 36 and spindle
airframe of tiltrotor aircraft 10 . In the illustrated embodi- gearbox 44 . If the primary attachment structure was not
ment, the inboard pedestal includes an inboard intermediate common with the attachment structure of spindle gearbox
support 94 that is utilized as a structural element between 20 44 , then operation loading, such as load deflection and / or
inboard pillow block 82 and inboard tip rib 90 . Likewise, the thermal growth , would dramatically increase the potential
outboard pedestal includes an outboard intermediate support for misalignment therebetween . Joints 104 may be stiff in
96 that is utilized as a structural element between outboard certain directions but soft in other directions such as stiff in
pillow block 84 and outboard tip rib 92 . It should be the inboard /outboard and vertical directions, but soft in the
appreciated that the exact structural configuration is imple - 25 fore /aft direction and /or stiff in the inboard / outboard and
mentation specific , and that structural components can be fore /aft directions, but soft in the vertical direction .
combined and/ or separated to meet implementation specific Power is transferred from an output gear 106 of fixed
requirements. For example , in certain implementations, air - gearbox 36 to input gear 42 of spindle gearbox 44 through
frame structures such as tip ribs 90 , 92 may extend above quill shaft 40 . Quill shaft 40 is a floating shaft configured to
wing 18 and form a portion the inboard and outboard 30 accept certain misalignment due to manufacturing toler
pedestals . ances and operational effects between fixed gearbox 36 and
Pylon assembly 24a including proprotor gearbox 46 and rotating spindle gearbox 44 . Quill shaft 40 is configured to
spindle gearbox 44 is located above a surface of an upper be assembled and disassembled independently from fixed
wing skin 98 such that conversion axis 50 is at a distance D1 gearbox 36 and rotating spindle gearbox 44. As such , quill
above upper wing skin 98 , as best seen in FIG . 11 . In 35 shaft 40 can be removed without removing either of fixed
addition , pylon assembly 24a is generally centered between gearbox 36 or rotating spindle gearbox 44 .
inboard tip rib 90 and outboard tip rib 92 . One advantage of Referring also to FIGS . 12 -14 , quill shaft 40 has a first
locating pylon assembly 24a above the surface of upper splined portion 110 and a second splined portion 112. In the
wing skin 98 is that the fore /aft location of pylon assembly illustrated embodiment, first splined portion 110 has a
24a can be easily tailored to align the aircraft center of 40 smaller diameter than second splined portion 112 , thus first
gravity (CG ) with conversion axis 50 while pylon assembly splined portion 110 is located inboard and second splined
24a is in helicopter mode , while also aligning the aircraft portion 112 is located outboard so that quill shaft 40 can be
center of gravity (CG ) with the wing aerodynamic center of removed to the outboard direction for inspection /mainte
lift while pylon assembly 24a is in airplanemode . It is noted nance thereof. Quill shaft 40 includes one or more inboard
that the aircraft center of gravity (CG ) shifts as pylon 45 lubrication ports 114 and outboard lubrication ports 116 .
assembly 24a rotates between helicopter mode and airplane Quill shaft 40 also includes a first set of o -ring glands 118
mode. As such , locating pylon assembly 24a above the wing and a second set of o -ring glands 120 .
allows the exact fore /aft location to be optimized , while also During operation , second splined portion 112 is in torque
structurally attaching pylon assembly 24a to a portion of the engagement with output gear 106 of fixed gearbox 36 while
airframe in the form of a torque box defined by forward wing 50 first splined portion 110 is in torque engagement with input
spar 100 , aft wing spar 54, inboard tip rib 90 and outboard gear 42 of spindle gearbox 44. In the illustrated embodi
tip rib 92 . ment, first splined portion 110 and second splined portion
The location of the spindle gearbox 44 provides an 112 are crowned to promote teeth engagement in the event
efficient structural support for enduring operational loads by of collinear misalignment between spindle gearbox 44 and
being mounted within the structural torque box . For 55 fixed gearbox 36 . Lubrication oil is circulated to the mating
example , when aircraft 10 is in helicopter mode, torque surfaces of first splined portion 110 through inboard lubri
about mast axis 78 is reacted by the torque box . It should be cation ports 114 , the seals associated with the first set of
noted that location of spindle gearbox 44 positions mast axis O -ring glands 118 forcing the lubrication fluid to flow to the
78 , while in helicopter mode, inboard of outboard tip rib 92 , first splined portion 110 instead of flowing toward the center
outboard of inboard tip rib 90 , forward of aft spar 54 and aft 60 of quill shaft 40 . Similarly , lubrication oil is circulated to the
of forward spar 100 , which allows the axis of the torque to mating surfaces of the second splined portion 112 through
be inside of the torque box structure , rather than cantilevered outboard lubrication ports 116 , the seals associated with the
outside of the torque box structure . In contrast, a spindle second set of o - ring glands 120 forcing the lubrication fluid
gearbox location outside ( such as outboard , forward or aft) to flow to second splined portion 112 instead of flowing
would cause a moment that would increase operational 65 toward the center of quill shaft 40 .
loading, thus requiring heavier and less efficient structural One unique aspect of the configuration of quill shaft 40 in
support. conjunction with spindle gearbox 44 and fixed gearbox 36 is
 US 9, 981, 750 B2
10
that quill shaft 40 can be removed without removing either removing bolts 160 and full pillow block housing 164 can be
of the spindle gearbox 44 or fixed gearbox 36 . An access separated from inboard tip rib 168 by removing bolts 170.
cover 122 can be removed thereby accessing the second Pylon assembly 24a together with full pillow block housings
splined portion 112 of quill shaft 40. An interior portion 124 154 , 164 may then be vertically lifted off tip ribs 158 , 168 .
includes a feature , such as threads , for which a removal tool 5 Full pillow block housing 154 together with bearing assem
126 can attach thereto . In one embodiment, interior portion bly 156 and full pillow block housing 164 together with
124 has female threads, while removal tool 126 has male bearing assembly 166 may then be laterally removed from
threads that mate thereto . Upon attachment of removal tool spindle gearbox 44 . This procedure may be reversed to
126 , quill shaft 40 can be removed by pulling in an outboard install pylon assembly 24a on the tiltrotor aircraft. Full
direction along the centerline axis of quill shaft 40 . Quill 10 pillow block housing 154 together with bearing assembly
shaft 40 is critical for the operation of aircraft 10 , as such , 156 and full pillow block housing 164 together with bearing
safety and efficiency of operation is improved by increasing assembly 166 are laterally mounted to spindle gearbox 44 .
the ease for which quill shaft 40 can be inspected . Thereafter, pylon assembly 24a together with full pillow
Referring next to FIGS. 15A - 15B of the drawings , therein block housings 154 , 164 are lowered onto tip ribs 158, 168
is depicted a mounting implementation for a pylon assembly 15 such that sheer boss 162 mates with the close fitting cavity
above a wing of a tiltrotor aircraft . For the present discuss in the lower surface of full pillow block housing 154 and
sion , only proprotor gearbox 46 and spindle gearbox 44 of sheer boss 172 mates with the close fitting cavity in the
pylon assembly 24a have been shown . Pylon assembly 24a lower surface of full pillow block housing 164. This arrange
is rotatably coupled between outboard pedestal 150 and ment aides in establishing proper alignment between spindle
inboard pedestal 152 . In the illustrated embodiment , out- 20 gearbox 44 and other critical components of the tiltrotor
board pedestal 150 includes a full pillow block housing 154 aircraft, such as fixed gearbox 36 . Full pillow block housing
that provides a full diameter case to receive a bearing 154 can now be coupled to outboard tip rib 158 with bolts
assembly 156 therein . Bearing assembly 156 may be a 160 and full pillow block housing 164 can now be coupled
journal bearing assembly , a spherical bearing assembly or to inboard tip rib 168 with bolts 170 .
other suitable bearing assembly type . Bearing assembly 156 25 In operation , outboard pedestal 150 and inboard pedestal
is coupled to full pillow block housing 154 using bolts or 152 must support fore /aft loads generated by the proprotor
other suitable fasteners and provides a low friction environ - assembly when the tiltrotor aircraft is cruising in airplane
ment for rotation of spindle gearbox 44 about conversion mode. In the illustrated embodiment, the shear forces
axis 50 . In the illustrated embodiment, outboard pedestal between outboard tip rib 158 and full pillow block housing
150 includes an upper portion of outboard tip rib 158 that 30 154 react on sheer boss 162 which not only acts to maintain
extends above wing 18 . Full pillow block housing 154 is collinear alignment between output gear 106 of fixed gear
coupled to outboard tip rib 158 using suitable fasteners box 36 and input gear 42 of spindle gearbox 44 but also
depicted as a plurality of bolts 160 . As best seen in FIG . 15B , prevents shear forces from acting on bolts 160. Likewise , the
outboard tip rib 158 preferably includes a sheer boss 162 that shear forces between inboard tip rib 168 and full pillow
mates with a close fitting cavity in the lower surface of full 35 block housing 164 react on sheer boss 172 which prevents
pillow block housing 154 . shear forces from acting on bolts 170 . Outboard pedestal 150
In the illustrated embodiment, inboard pedestal 152 and inboard pedestal 152 must also support vertical loads
includes a full pillow block housing 164 that provides a full during all flight operations including peak vertical loads that
diameter case to receive a bearing assembly 166 therein . are generated by the proprotor assembly when the tiltrotor
Bearing assembly 166 may be a journal bearing assembly , a 40 aircraft is in helicopter mode. In the illustrated embodiment,
spherical bearing assembly or other suitable bearing assem - bolts 160 react to support tension forces between outboard
bly type. Bearing assembly 166 is coupled to full pillow tip rib 158 and full pillow block housing 154 while bolts 170
block housing 164 using bolts or other suitable fasteners and react to support tension forces between inboard tip rib 168
provides a low friction environment for rotation of spindle and full pillow block housing 164 . In addition , bolts 160
gearbox 44 about conversion axis 50 . In the illustrated 45 must react to support certain bending moments between
embodiment, inboard pedestal 152 includes an upper portion outboard tip rib 158 and full pillow block housing 154 while
of inboard tip rib 168 that extends above wing 18 . Full bolts 170 must react to support certain bending moments
pillow block housing 164 is coupled to inboard tip rib 168 between inboard tip rib 168 and full pillow block housing
using suitable fasteners depicted as a plurality of bolts 170 . 164 . These bending moments may be generated due to
As best seen in FIG . 15B , inboard tip rib 168 preferably 50 lateral movements or vibrations caused by operating modes
includes a sheer boss 172 that mates with a close fitting of the proprotor assembly.
cavity in the lower surface of full pillow block housing 164. Use of full pillow block housings in pedestals 150, 152
Even though the lower sections of outboard pedestal 150 and enables vertical removal and installation of pylon assembly
inboard pedestal 152 have been described as being integral 24a . In addition , the full pillow block housings enable final
with outboard tip rib 158 and inboard tip rib 168, those 55 installation of the bearing assemblies within the full pillow
having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the lower block housings prior to the installation of pylon assembly
sections of outboard pedestal 150 and inboard pedestal 152 24a within the full pillow block housings . The maximum
could alternatively include one or more intermediate sup - stiffness of outboard pedestal 150 and inboard pedestal 152
ports, in which case , item 158 would represent an outboard is limited , however , due to the split lines in outboard
intermediate support such as outboard intermediate support 60 pedestal 150 and inboard pedestal 152 between the full
96 discussed above and item 168 would represent an inboard pillow block housings and the tip ribs . If greater stiffness in
intermediate support such as inboard intermediate support the coupling between pylon assembly 24a and the airframe
94 discussed above . is desired , one or both of the outboard and inboard pedestals
It is desirable to be able to remove pylon assembly 24a may be modified as discussed below .
vertically relative to wing 18 for inspection , maintenance or 65 For example , referring next to FIGS . 16A - 16B of the
other protocols . As best seen in FIG . 15B , full pillow block drawings , pylon assembly 24a is rotatably coupled between
housing 154 can be separated from outboard tip rib 158 by outboard pedestal 180 and inboard pedestal 182. In the
 US 9 ,981,750 B2
illustrated embodiment, outboard pedestal 180 is depicted as block cap 184 and pillow block base 186 is coincident with
a split pillow block housing including a pillow block cap 184 the centerline of spindle gearbox 44 . The load spectrum on
and a pillow block base 186 that together provide a split bolts 200 includes tension forces and bending moments but
diameter case to receive a bearing assembly 188 therein . minimal shear forces which react instead on sheer boss 202 .
Bearing assembly 188 may be a journal bearing assembly , a 5 Use of a split pillow block housing in outboard pedestal 180
spherical bearing assembly or other suitable bearing assem - and a full pillow block housings in inboard pedestal 182
bly type . Bearing assembly 188 is coupled to pillow block enables vertical removal and installation of pylon assembly
cap 184 and pillow block base 186 using bolts or other 24a . In addition , the split pillow block housing including a
suitable fasteners and provides a low friction environment tip rib as the pillow block base enables stiffness tailoring of
for rotation of spindle gearbox 44 about conversion axis 50 . 10 outboard pedestal 180 to achieve desired dynamic modes
In the illustrated embodiment, pillow block base 186 is and to maintain the output gear of fixed gearbox 36 in
integral with and forms an upper portion of an outboard tip substantial collinear alignment with the input gear of spindle
rib extending above wing 18 . Alternatively , pillow block gearbox 44 .
base 186 may be coupled to an outboard tip rib disposed Referring next to FIGS. 17A - 17B of the drawings , pylon
within or partially within wing 18 . Pillow block cap 184 and 15 assembly 24a is rotatably coupled between outboard ped
pillow block base 186 are coupled together using suitable estal 210 and inboard pedestal 212 . In the illustrated
fasteners depicted as a plurality of bolts 190. embodiment, outboard pedestal 210 is depicted as a split
In the illustrated embodiment, inboard pedestal 182 pillow block housing including a pillow block cap 214 and
includes a full pillow block housing 194 that provides a full a pillow block base 216 that together provide a split diameter
diameter case to receive a bearing assembly 196 therein . 20 case to receive a bearing assembly 218 therein . Bearing
Bearing assembly 196 may be a journal bearing assembly , a assembly 218 may be a journal bearing assembly, a spherical
spherical bearing assembly or other suitable bearing assem - bearing assembly or other suitable bearing assembly type.
bly type . Bearing assembly 196 is coupled to full pillow Bearing assembly 218 is coupled to pillow block cap 214
block housing 194 using bolts or other suitable fasteners and and pillow block base 216 using bolts or other suitable
provides a low friction environment for rotation of spindle 25 fasteners and provides a low friction environment for rota
gearbox 44 about conversion axis 50 . In the illustrated tion of spindle gearbox 44 about conversion axis 50 . In the
embodiment, inboard pedestal 182 includes an upper portion illustrated embodiment, pillow block base 216 is integral
of inboard tip rib 198 that extends above wing 18 . Full with and forms an upper portion of an outboard tip rib
pillow block housing 194 is coupled to inboard tip rib 198 extending above wing 18 . Pillow block cap 214 and pillow
using suitable fasteners depicted as a plurality of bolts 200 . 30 block base 216 are coupled together using suitable fasteners
As best seen in FIG . 16B , inboard tip rib 198 preferably depicted as a plurality of bolts 220 .
includes a sheer boss 202 that mates with a close fitting in the illustrated embodiment, inboard pedestal 212 is
cavity in the lower surface of full pillow block housing 194 . depicted as a split pillow block housing including a pillow
It is desirable to be able to remove pylon assembly 24a block cap 224 and a pillow block base 226 that together
vertically relative to wing 18 for inspection , maintenance or 35 provide a split diameter case to receive a bearing assembly
other protocols . As best seen in FIG . 16B , pillow block cap 228 therein . Bearing assembly 228 may be a journalbearing
184 can be separated from pillow block base 186 by remov - assembly , a spherical bearing assembly or other suitable
ing bolts 190 and by removing the bolts that couple bearing bearing assembly type. Bearing assembly 228 is coupled to
assembly 188 to pillow block base 186 . Full pillow block pillow block cap 224 and pillow block base 226 using bolts
housing 194 can be separated from inboard tip rib 198 by 40 or other suitable fasteners and provides a low friction
removing bolts 200 . Pylon assembly 24a together with environment for rotation of spindle gearbox 44 about con
pillow block cap 184 , bearing assembly 188 and full pillow version axis 50 . In the illustrated embodiment, pillow block
block housings 194 may then be vertically lifted off tip ribs base 226 is integral with and forms an upper portion of an
186 , 198 . Pillow block cap 184 together with bearing inboard tip rib extending above wing 18 . Pillow block cap
assembly 188 and full pillow block housing 194 together 45 224 and pillow block base 226 are coupled together using
with bearing assembly 196 may then be laterally removed suitable fasteners depicted as a plurality of bolts 230 .
from spindle gearbox 44 . This procedure may be reversed to It is desirable to be able to remove pylon assembly 24a
install pylon assembly 24a on the tiltrotor aircraft. Pillow vertically relative to wing 18 for inspection ,maintenance or
block cap 184 together with bearing assembly 188 and full other protocols . As best seen in FIG . 17B , pillow block cap
pillow block housing 194 together with bearing assembly 50 214 can be separated from pillow block base 216 by remov
196 are laterally mounted to spindle gearbox 44 . Thereafter , ing bolts 220 and by removing the bolts that couple bearing
pylon assembly 24a together with pillow block cap 184, assembly 218 pillow block base 216 . Likewise , pillow block
bearing assembly 188 and full pillow block housings 194 are cap 224 can be separated from pillow block base 226 by
lowered onto tip ribs 186 , 198 such that sheer boss 202 removing bolts 230 and by removing the bolts that couple
mates with the close fitting cavity in the lower surface of full 55 bearing assembly 228 pillow block base 226 . Pylon assem
pillow block housing 194 . Pillow block cap 184 can now be bly 24a together with pillow block cap 214 , bearing assem
coupled to pillow block base 186 with bolts 190 and bearing bly 218 , pillow block cap 224 and bearing assembly 228
assembly 188 can also be coupled to pillow block base 186 . may then be vertically lifted off tip ribs 216 , 226 . Pillow
In addition , full pillow block housing 194 can now be block cap 214 together with bearing assembly 218 and
coupled to inboard tip rib 198 with bolts 200 . 60 pillow block cap 224 together with bearing assembly 228
In operation , outboard pedestal 180 and inboard pedestal may then be laterally removed from spindle gearbox 44 .
182 must support fore / aft loads and vertical loads generated This procedure may be reversed to install pylon assembly
by the proprotor assembly when the tiltrotor aircraft is 24a on the tiltrotor aircraft . Pillow block cap 214 together
cruising in airplane mode and/or operating in helicopter with bearing assembly 218 and pillow block cap 224
mode. In the illustrated embodiment, the load spectrum on 65 together with bearing assembly 228 are laterally mounted to
bolts 190 includes sheer forces and tension forces but spindle gearbox 44 . Thereafter, pylon assembly 24a together
minimal bending moments as the split line between pillow with pillow block cap 214 , bearing assembly 218 , pillow
 US 9 ,981,750 B2
13 14
block cap 224 and bearing assembly 228 are lowered onto bearing cartridges 244 , 254 may then be vertically lifted out
tip ribs 216 , 226 . Pillow block cap 214 can now be coupled of tip ribs 246 , 256 . Bearing cartridge 244 along with
to pillow block base 216 with bolts 220 and bearing assem bearing assembly 248 and bearing cartridge 254 along with
bly 218 can also be coupled to pillow block base 216 . In bearing assembly 258 may then be laterally removed from
addition , pillow block cap 224 can now be coupled to pillow 5 spindle gearbox 44 . This procedure may be reversed to
block base 226 with bolts 230 and bearing assembly 228 can install pylon assembly 24a on the tiltrotor aircraft. Bearing
also be coupled to pillow block base 226 . cartridge 244 along with bearing assembly 248 and bearing
In operation , outboard pedestal 210 and inboard pedestal cartridge 254 along with bearing assembly 258 are laterally
212 must support fore /aft loads and vertical loads generated
mounted to spindle gearbox 44. Thereafter , pylon assembly
by the proprotor assembly when the tiltrotor aircraft is 1024a together with bearing cartridges 244 , 254 are lowered
cruising in airplane mode and/ or operating in helicopter into slots 252, 262 of tip ribs 246 , 256 . Bearing cartridge 244
mode. In the illustrated embodiment, the load spectrum on can now be coupled to tip rib 246 with bolts 250 and bearing
bolts 220, 230 includes sheer forces and tension forces but cartridge 254 can now be coupled to tip rib 256 with bolts
minimal bending moments as the split lines between the 260 .
pillow block caps and the pillow block bases are coincident 15 In operation , outboard pedestal 240 and inboard pedestal
with the centerline of spindle gearbox 44 . Use of split pillow 242 must support fore/aft loads and vertical loads generated
block housings in pedestals 210 , 212 enables vertical by the proprotor assembly when the tiltrotor aircraft is
removal and installation of pylon assembly 24a . In addition , cruising in airplane mode and/or operating in helicopter
the split pillow block housings including tip ribs as the mode . The primary loads on bolts 250 , 260 are sheer forces
pillow block bases enable stiffness tailoring of outboard 20 in the vertical direction . Use of bearing cartridges received
pedestal 210 and inboard pedestal 212 to achieve desired in tip rib slots to form outboard pedestal 240 and inboard
dynamic modes and to maintain the output gear of fixed pedestal 242 enables vertical removal and installation of
gearbox 36 in substantial collinear alignment with the input pylon assembly 24a . In addition , the bearing cartridges
gear of spindle gearbox 44 . provides a single concentric diameter for mounting the
Referring next to FIGS. 18A -18B of the drawings, pylon 25 bearing assemblies therein which also enables final instal
assembly 24a is rotatably coupled between outboard ped - lation of the bearing assemblies prior to the installation of
estal 240 and inboard pedestal 242 . In the illustrated pylon assembly 24a therewith . In addition , the close fitting
embodiment, outboard pedestal 240 including a bearing relationship between the bearing cartridges and the tip ribs
cartridge 244 and a tip rib 246 . Bearing cartridge 244 provides a stiff coupling therebetween . Further , the use of
provides a full diameter case to receive a bearing assembly 30 the tip ribs to receive the bearing cartridges enables stiffness
248 therein . Bearing assembly 248 may be a journalbearing tailoring of outboard pedestal 240 and inboard pedestal 242
assembly, a spherical bearing assembly or other suitable to achieve desired dynamic modes and to maintain the
bearing assembly type . Bearing assembly 248 is coupled to output gear of fixed gearbox 36 in substantial collinear
bearing cartridge 244 using bolts or other suitable fasteners alignment with the input gear of spindle gearbox 44 .
and provides a low friction environment for rotation of 35 Referring next to FIG . 19 of the drawings, therein is
spindle gearbox 44 about conversion axis 50 . Bearing car - depicted a mounting implementation for a pylon assembly
tridge 244 and tip rib 246 are coupled together using suitable above a wing of a tiltrotor aircraft. For the present discus
fasteners depicted as a plurality of bolts 250 . As best seen in sion , only spindle gearbox 44 of pylon assembly 24a has
FIG . 18B , tip rib 246 defines a slot 252 that is designed to been shown . Pylon assembly 24a is rotatably coupled
closely receive bearing cartridge 244 therein . In one 40 between outboard pedestal 270 and inboard pedestal 272 .
example , tip rib 246 and bearing cartridge 244 are precision Outboard pedestal 270 and inboard pedestal 272 may be any
machined aluminum components having tight tolerances type of above -wing structure to which the pylon assembly is
such that the close fitting relationship between slot 252 and mounted including , for example , pedestals having full pil
bearing cartridge 244 is achieved . low block housings , split pillow block housings and /or
In the illustrated embodiment, inboard pedestal 242 45 bearing cartridges , as discussed herein . In the illustrated
including a bearing cartridge 254 and a tip rib 256 . Bearing embodiment, outboard pedestal 270 includes a bearing
cartridge 254 provides a full diameter case to receive a assembly depicted as a journal bearing assembly 274 and
bearing assembly 258 therein . Bearing assembly 258 may be inboard pedestal 272 includes a bearing assembly depicted
a journalbearing assembly, a spherical bearing assembly or as a journal bearing assembly 276 . Journal bearing assembly
other suitable bearing assembly type . Bearing assembly 258 50 274 is coupled to outboard pedestal 270 and preferably has
is coupled to bearing cartridge 254 using bolts or other low friction contact surface 278 . Likewise , journal bearing
suitable fasteners and provides a low friction environment assembly 276 is coupled to inboard pedestal 272 and pref
for rotation of spindle gearbox 44 about conversion axis 50 . erably has low friction contact surface 280. Journal bearing
Bearing cartridge 254 and tip rib 256 are coupled together assemblies 274 , 276 providing a stiff coupling between
using suitable fasteners depicted as a plurality of bolts 260 . 55 pylon assembly 24a and pedestals 270 , 272 to control
As best seen in FIG . 18B , tip rib 256 defines a slot 262 that dynamic modes between pylon assembly 24a and the air
is designed to closely receive bearing cartridge 254 therein . frame and to maintain the output gear of fixed gearbox 36 in
In one example , tip rib 256 and bearing cartridge 254 are substantial collinear alignmentwith the input gear of spindle
precision machined aluminum components having tight tol gearbox 44 .
erances such that the close fitting relationship between slot 60 Journal bearing assembly 274 is a fixed bearing that
262 and bearing cartridge 254 is achieved . substantially prevents lateral movement of pylon assembly
It is desirable to be able to remove pylon assembly 24a 24a relative to outboard pedestal 270 . In the illustrated
vertically relative to wing 18 for inspection ,maintenance or embodiment, this is achieved using a spacer 282 , a lock
other protocols . As best seen in FIG . 18B , bearing cartridge washer 284 and a spanner nut 286 that threadably couples
244 can be separated from tip rib 246 by removing bolts 250 65 with a sleeve 288 of spindle gearbox 44 to the inboard side
and bearing cartridge 254 can be separated from tip rib 256 of outboard pedestal 270 . To the outboard side, a thrust
by removing bolts 260. Pylon assembly 24a together with washer /clamp ring 290 is coupled to spindle gearbox 44 by
 US 9 ,981,750 B2
15 16
bolting or other suitable connection . Preferably , spacer 282 monoball 314 rotate with spindle gearbox 44 relative to
and sleeve 288 have low friction contact surfaces with spherical races 308 , 312 and thus pedestals 300 , 302.
journal bearing assembly 274 . In addition , thrust washer/ The foregoing description of embodiments of the disclo
clamp ring 290 preferably has a low friction contact surface sure has been presented for purposes of illustration and
with outboard pedestal 270 . Journal bearing assembly 276 is 5 description . It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
a floating bearing that allows lateral movement of pylon disclosure to the precise form disclosed , and modifications
assembly 24a relative to inboard pedestal 272 . Preferably, and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or
pylon assembly 24a includes sleeve 292 that has a low may be acquired from practice of the disclosure. The
friction contact surface with journal bearing assembly 276 . embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain
In operation , when spindle gearbox 44 is rotated to operate 10 the principals of the disclosure and its practical application
tiltrotor aircraft 10 between helicopter and airplane modes, to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure in
spacer 282, lock washer 284 , spanner nut 286 and thrust various embodiments and with various modifications as are
washer /clamp ring 290 as well as sleeve 288 and sleeve 292 suited to the particular use contemplated . Other substitu
rotate with spindle gearbox 44 relative to journal bearing tions, modifications, changes and omissionsmay be made in
assemblies 274 , 276 and thus pedestals 270 , 272 . 15 the design , operating conditions and arrangement of the
Referring next to FIG . 20 of the drawings, therein is embodiments without departing from the scope of the pres
depicted a mounting implementation for a pylon assembly ent disclosure . Such modifications and combinations of the
above a wing of a tiltrotor aircraft. Pylon assembly 24a is illustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments will
rotatably coupled between outboard pedestal 300 and be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the
inboard pedestal 302 , which may be any type of above -wing 20 description . It is , therefore , intended that the appended
structure to which the pylon assembly is mounted including claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments .
for example , pedestals having full pillow block housings, What is claimed is:
split pillow block housings and /or bearing cartridges as 1. A propulsion system for a tiltrotor aircraft having a
discussed herein . In the illustrated embodiment, outboard helicopter mode and an airplane mode, the tiltrotor aircraft
pedestal 300 includes a bearing assembly depicted as a 25 having an airframe including a fuselage and a wing , the
spherical bearing assembly 304 and inboard pedestal 302 propulsion system comprising :
includes a bearing assembly depicted as a spherical bearing an inboard pedestal supported by the airframe and posi
assembly 306 . Spherical bearing assembly 304 includes a tioned above the wing, the inboard pedestal including
spherical race 308 that is coupled to outboard pedestal 300 an inboard spherical bearing;
and a monoball 310 that is rotatable relative to spherical race 30 an outboard pedestal supported by the airframe and posi
308. Spherical race 308 and monoball 310 preferably have tioned above the wing, the outboard pedestal including
low friction contact surfaces to provide a low friction an outboard spherical bearing; and
environment for relative rotation . Likewise , spherical bear a pylon assembly coupled to the inboard and outboard
ing assembly 306 includes a spherical race 312 that is spherical bearings such that the pylon assembly is
coupled to inboard pedestal 302 and a monoball 314 that is 35 rotatably positioned between the inboard and outboard
rotatable relative to spherical race 312 . Spherical race 312 pedestals , the pylon assembly including a spindle gear
and monoball 314 preferably have low friction contact box rotatable about a conversion axis to selectively
surfaces to provide a low friction environment for relative operate the tiltrotor aircraft between the helicopter
rotation . Spherical bearing assemblies 304 , 306 provide a mode and the airplane mode;
self-aligning coupling between pylon assembly 24a and 40 wherein , the spherical bearings provide a self-aligning
pedestals 300 , 302 that reduces the alignment sensitivity of coupling between the pylon assembly and the inboard
pedestals 300, 302 and improves the installation repeatabil and outboard pedestals , thereby reducing alignment
ity of pylon assembly 24a in pedestals 300 , 302 . Spherical sensitivity between the inboard and outboard pedestals .
bearing assemblies 304 , 306 are able to establish an axis of 2 . The propulsion system as recited in claim 1 wherein the
rotation in an environment including certain misalignment 45 coupling between the pylon assembly and the outboard
of pedestals 300, 302 and between pylon assembly 24a and pedestal further comprises a fixed bearing coupling to sub
pedestals 300 , 302 . In addition , as spherical bearing assem stantially prevent lateral movement of the pylon assembly
blies 304 , 306 do not react to moments within the joint, relative to the outboard pedestal.
spherical bearing assemblies 304 , 306 have improved wear. 3 . The propulsion system as recited in claim 1 wherein the
Spherical bearing assembly 304 is a fixed bearing that 50 coupling between the pylon assembly and the inboard ped
substantially prevents lateral movement of pylon assembly estal further comprises a floating bearing coupling to allow
24a relative to outboard pedestal 300. In the illustrated lateral movement of the pylon assembly relative to the
embodiment, this is achieved using a lock washer 316 and inboard pedestal.
a spanner nut 318 that threadably couples with a sleeve 320 4 . The propulsion system as recited in claim 1 wherein the
of spindle gearbox 44 to the inboard side of outboard 55 sphericalbearings enable the spindle gearbox to rotate about
pedestal 300 and a thrust washer/ clamp ring 324 to the the conversion axis in an environment including misalign
outboard side of outboard pedestal 300 . An optional spacer ment of the inboard and outboard pedestals .
326 may be positioned between spherical bearing assembly 5 . The propulsion system as recited in claim 1 wherein
304 and lock washer 316 . Spherical bearing assembly 306 is each of the spherical bearings further comprises a monoball
a floating bearing that allows lateral movement of pylon 60 bearing and a spherical race .
assembly 24a relative to inboard pedestal 302 . Preferably , 6 . The propulsion system as recited in claim 1 wherein the
pylon assembly 24a includes sleeve 328 that is positioned pylon assembly further comprises an inboard sleeve posi
within spherical bearing assembly 306 . In operation , when tioned within the inboard spherical bearing and an outboard
spindle gearbox 44 is rotated to operate tiltrotor aircraft 10 sleeve positioned within the outboard spherical bearing.
between helicopter and airplane modes, spacer 326 , lock 65 7 . The propulsion system as recited in claim 1 wherein
washer 316 , spanner nut 318 and thrust washer /clamp ring each of the inboard and outboard pedestals further comprises
324 as well as sleeve 320 , monoball 310 , sleeve 328 and a full pillow block housing .
 US 9 , 981,750 B2
17 18
8 . The propulsion system as recited in claim 1 wherein wherein , the spherical bearings provide a self -aligning
each ofthe inboard and outboard pedestals further comprises coupling between the pylon assembly and the inboard
a split pillow block housing . and outboard pedestals, thereby reducing alignment
9 . The propulsion system as recited in claim 1 wherein the
inboard pedestal further comprises a full pillow block hous- 5 14 .sensitivity between the inboard and outboard pedestals .
ing and wherein the outboard pedestal further comprises a coupling between aircraft
The tiltrotor
the
as recited in claim 13 wherein the
pylon assembly and the outboard
split pillow block housing . pedestal further comprises a fixed bearing coupling to sub
10 . The propulsion system as recited in claim 1 wherein
each of the inboard and outboard pedestals further comprises stantially prevent lateral movement of the pylon assembly
a tip rib extending above the wing and defining a slot and a 10 relative to the outboard pedestal.
0 15 . The tiltrotor aircraft as recited in claim 13 wherein the
bearing cartridge including one of the spherical bearings
received within the slot. coupling between the pylon assembly and the inboard ped
11 . The propulsion system as recited in claim 1 wherein estal further comprises a floating bearing coupling to allow
the inboard and outboard pedestals support fore/aft loads lateral movement of the pylon assembly relative to the
when the tiltrotor aircraft is in the airplane mode . inboard pedestal.
12 . The propulsion system as recited in claim 1 wherein 16 . The tiltrotor aircraft as recited in claim 13 wherein the
the inboard and outboard pedestals support vertical loads spherical bearings enable the spindle gearbox to rotate about
when the tiltrotor aircraft is in the helicopter mode. the conversion axis in an environment including misalign
ment of the inboard and outboard pedestals .
13 . A tiltrotor aircraft having a helicopter mode and an 17 . The tiltrotor aircraft as recited in claim 13 wherein
airplane mode, the tiltrotor aircraft comprising: 20 each of the spherical bearings further comprises a monoball
an airframe including a fuselage and a wing; bearing and a spherical race .
an inboard pedestal supported by the airframe and posi
tioned above the wing, the inboard pedestal including each18 .ofThe tiltrotor aircraft as recited in claim 13 wherein
the inboard and outboard pedestals further comprises
an inboard spherical bearing;
an outboard pedestal supported by the airframe and posi- , a full pillow block housing .
tioned above the wing, the outboard pedestal including each ofThe
19 .
the
tiltrotor aircraft as recited in claim 13 wherein
inboard and outboard pedestals further comprises
an outboard spherical bearing ; and a split pillow block housing.
a pylon assembly coupled to the inboard and outboard
spherical bearings such that the pylon assembly is 20 . The tiltrotor aircraft as recited in claim 13 wherein
rotatably positioned between the inboard and outboard 3030 each of the inboard and outboard pedestals further comprises
pedestals , the pylon assembly including a spindle gear a tip rib extending above the wing and defining a slot and a
bearing cartridge including a bearing assembly received
box rotatable about a conversion axis to selectively within the slot.
operate the tiltrotor aircraft between the helicopter
mode and the airplane mode; * * * * *