Aspects of the technology relate to a propeller blade assembly that is used in lateral propulsion systems for lighter-than-air high altitude platforms designed to operate, e.g., in the stratosphere. During operation, the propeller of the assembly is pointed along a specified heading and rotates at a selected velocity (e.g., hundreds or thousands of revolutions per minute). Power is supplied to the propeller as needed during lateral propulsion to move the platform along a particular trajectory or to remain on station over a given geographic location. In certain circumstances, the propeller may become damaged. This can include one or more blades breaking or shattering, which can result in failure of the propeller and potentially the entire LTA platform. The technology provides blades that are sufficiently flexible to avoid breakage or shattering due to debris impact or envelope entanglement, or otherwise shed a load. This can avoid catastrophic failure during stratospheric operation.


    Access

    Download


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    PROPELLER BLADE ASSEMBLY


    Contributors:
    CROMIE JOHN (author) / HIJMANS CAREY (author)

    Publication date :

    2022-03-17


    Type of media :

    Patent


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English


    Classification :

    IPC:    B64B LIGHTER-THAN-AIR AIRCRAFT , Luftfahrzeuge leichter als Luft / B64D Ausrüstung für Flugzeuge , EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT / F01D Strömungsmaschinen [Kraft- und Arbeitsmaschinen oder Kraftmaschinen], z.B. Dampfturbinen , NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, e.g. STEAM TURBINES



    Propeller blade assembly

    CROMIE JOHN / HIJMANS CAREY | European Patent Office | 2023

    Free access

    Propeller blade assembly

    PENTONY KEVIN MICHAEL JOHN | European Patent Office | 2016

    Free access

    PROPELLER BLADE ASSEMBLY

    KEVIN MICHAEL JOHN PENTONY | European Patent Office | 2015

    Free access

    PROPELLER BLADE ASSEMBLY

    PENTONY KEVIN MICHAEL JOHN | European Patent Office | 2015

    Free access

    PROPELLER ASSEMBLY AND PROPELLER BLADE RETENTION ASSEMBLY

    BURFORD DARYL JOHN | European Patent Office | 2018

    Free access