Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Eric S Parsons

David H Hunter

Eric Lucien Nussenblatt

Ryan Thomas Casey

Justin J Thomas

A pitch bearing for connecting first and second articles is provided. The first article includes a first curved outer surface and the second article includes a second curved outer surface opposite the first curved outer surface. The pitch bearing includes an axisymmetric structure interposed between the first and second curved outer surfaces. The axisymmetric structure includes compliant layers and stabilizing layers interleaved between the compliant layers. The compliant layers and the stabilizing layers proximate to the first article haves a curvature matching that of the first curved outer surface. The compliant layers and the stabilizing layers proximate to the second article have a curvature matching that of the second curved outer surface. A shear stiffness of each of the stabilizing layers is greater than a shear stiffness of each of the compliant layers.

Pitch bearing

A method of forming an in-wing device-retention assembly includes inserting a first plate into a wing, the wing having a wide end and a narrow end. The method includes inserting a second plate into the wing, inserting a wedge plate into the wing and positioning the wedge plate between the first plate and the second plate, and applying a force to the wedge plate in a direction toward the narrow end to fix the first plate, the second plate and the wedge plate within the wing.

In-wing device retention

A spar for a rotor blade assembly is provided including a generally hollow tubular body. A spacer protrudes from at least one surface of the body along a length of the body. A hole extends through the body and the spacer. The hole is configured to align with a through hole in an adjacent flexbeam assembly. The spacer is configured to contact a surface of the adjacent flexbeam assembly to create a match fit between the body and the flexbeam assembly.

Flexbeam to rotor blade interface

A rotor blade assembly includes a flex-beam member and a torque tube surrounding the flex-beam member and extending partially along a rotor blade assembly length. A rotor blade surrounds the flex beam member and extends from the torque tube to a blade tip. A connecting assembly secures the rotor blade and the torque tube at the flex-beam member. The connecting assembly includes a first connecting member extending at least partially into the rotor blade assembly through the rotor blade from a first rotor blade side and a second connecting member located at a second rotor blade side. A clamping load between the first connecting member and the second connecting member secures the rotor blade and torque tube to the flex-beam member.

Flexbeam rotor attachment to rotor blade

A rotor blade assembly includes a flex-beam member and a torque tube surrounding the flex-beam member and extending partially along a rotor blade assembly length. A rotor blade surrounds the flex beam member and extends from the torque tube to a blade tip. A connecting pin assembly secures the rotor blade and the torque tube at the flex-beam member. The connecting pin assembly includes a first pin member having a first shaft extending at least partially into the rotor blade assembly through the rotor blade from a first rotor blade side and a second pin member located at a second rotor blade side. A clamping load between the first pin member and the second pin member secures the rotor blade and torque tube to the flex-beam member.

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New Haven, CT, United States of America

Eric S Parsons