Patent ID: 8038539
Filing Date: 2011-10-18
Classification: B64C,F16D,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A constant-velocity drive system for an aircraft rotor, the rotor being configured for rotation with a rotor mast, the constant-velocity drive system comprising: a gimbal mechanism having a first gimbal and second gimbal, the first and second gimbals adapted to be driven in rotation by a rotor mast about a mast axis, the first and second gimbals providing for gimballing relative to the mast about gimbal axes generally perpendicular to the mast axis; and a differential torque-combining mechanism connected to the gimbal mechanism and configured to be driven in rotation about the mast axis by the gimbal mechanism, the differential torque-combining mechanism being capable of gimballing relative to the mast about the gimbal axes and having an middle ring adapted to be attached to a yoke of the rotor for driving the yoke in rotation with the differential torque-combining mechanism; a trunnion carrier affixed to the rotor mast, the trunnion carrier having a plurality of trunnions extending radially, each trunnion aligning with one of the gimbal axes, the plurality of trunnions configured to engage the first and second gimbals.