Abstract: An object is to provide a technology capable of easily mounting a battery into a battery-driven machine. A solution is a battery-equipped carriage (12) which is loaded into or unloaded from a storage (20) in a battery-driven machine (14). The battery-equipped carriage (12) includes: a chassis (24); and a front wheel caster (26) and a rear wheel caster (28) which respectively support a front part and a rear part of the chassis (24) with respect to a ground (G). Here, the front part of the chassis (24) is positioned to be higher than the rear part of the chassis (24) with respect to the ground (G) such that the chassis (24) is inclined.

Abstract: A clamping device may include clamping jaws that selectively clamp a steering column tube that is adjustable. A clamping pin may connect the clamping jaws. Rotation of the clamping pin in a closure direction causes the steering column tube to be clamped between the clamping jaws, and rotation of the clamping pin in an opening direction releases the clamping jaws for adjustment of the steering column tube. A damping member may be disposed on the clamping pin and connected to the clamping pin in a frictionally engaging or resilient manner. The damping member may comprise a stop tongue that protrudes radially from the clamping pin. When the clamping pin rotates in the opening direction, the stop tongue moves into abutment with the steering column tube and prevents rotation of the damping member so that the rotation of the clamping pin in the opening direction occurs counter to the friction force or resilient force and is damped.

Abstract: A steering column may include a sleeve unit in which a steering spindle rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis, which sleeve unit is accommodated in a supporting unit so as to be displaceable in a longitudinal direction. An energy absorption device may be fitted between the supporting unit and the sleeve unit. The energy absorption device may include first and second bending elements that each comprise an elongate input limb positioned parallel to the longitudinal direction and connected at a free end to the supporting unit or the sleeve unit, and merges at another end into a bend to which a fixed limb is connected. The fixed limb may be connected to the other of the supporting unit or the sleeve unit. The second bending element may be formed in a mirror-inverted manner relative to the first bending element and may be positioned mirror-symmetrically adjacent to the first bending element.

Abstract: [Problem] An object of the present invention is to provide a motor control unit that improves a discontinuous feeling of an assist by flexibly making an adjustment of a current command value of a normal system when a failure occurs in any system of multi-system motor control, and enables smooth handling, and to provide an electric power steering apparatus and a vehicle equipped with the same.

Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle which is equipped with a driving dynamics control system by which individual wheels of the motor vehicle can be braked in a targeted manner. In order to prevent the occurrence of undesirable noises during maneuvering of the motor vehicle, during a maneuvering operation, in which two front wheels are turned with a large wheel lock, wherein friction occurs at the front wheels because of ground contact, one of the wheels is influenced in a targeted manner in order to pull or to force the motor vehicle onto a smaller turning circle during the maneuvering.

Abstract: A vehicle is configured to travel, when a vehicle velocity is within a velocity range from not less than a first velocity of at least zero to not more than a second velocity larger than the first velocity, in a mode in which a vehicle body is leaned by a lean mechanism according to an input into an operation input unit, and a wheel angle of a turn wheel changes following a lean of the vehicle body. A natural frequency of roll oscillation of the vehicle body is either within a range of smaller than a reference frequency or within a range of larger than the reference frequency, the reference frequency being a frequency at which oscillation of the wheel angle of the turn wheel has phase delay of 90 degrees relative to the roll oscillation of the vehicle body in its width direction.

Abstract: A method for controlling articulation angle during reversing of a vehicle combination, comprising a tractor motor vehicle having at least one trailer, uses a first articulation angle controller, which determines an intended steering lock from at least one steerable wheel of the tractor vehicle and controls the same via a steering actuator of the tractor motor vehicle, in order to achieve a predefined intended articulation angle of the vehicle combination. The rate of change of the articulation angle is limited in such a way that the maximum available setting speed of the steering actuator is sufficient, such that the movement of the at least one trailer follows the intended articulation angle, in particular over a predefined range of speed of travel of the vehicle combination.

Abstract: A system controls steering of a motor vehicle in case of an imminent collision with an obstacle. The vehicle includes a system to locate the vehicle relative to its lane and to determine a lateral deviation from the lane center, a determination unit for determining the presence of obstacles, a gyrometer for measuring the rotation speed of the vehicle, and a steering device, the steering angle of which can be controlled based on the measurement of a steering angle sensor or the steering torque of which can be controlled. The control system includes a perception device for determining the maximum lateral distance available for movement of the vehicle relative to obstacles, a decision device for transmitting a correction request based on the trajectory of the vehicle and on the lateral maximum distance, and an intervention device for controlling the steering device to correct the trajectory of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for path management. Consistent with disclosed embodiments, path management system may be configured to perform a series of operations for real time path analysis. The embodiments may determine a user location based on received location data, and then determine a user path based on a sequence of user locations. The embodiments may calculate a path map based on user locations, and then determine one or more of a user density map and a user velocity map based on the path map. The embodiments may determine regions of the user density maps and user velocity maps, and provide instructions to one or more of an environment and a user device. The embodiments may provide guidance to a user of user of the path management system, and/or instructions to change a status of a service location; or modify a product layout or fixture arrangement.

Abstract: A vehicle front structure includes a pair of front side members, the front side members being respectively placed on the right side and on the left side in a vehicle width direction in a vehicle front space ahead of a vehicle cabin space in a vehicle, so as to extend in a vehicle front-rear direction. A fuel cell unit is placed in a region sectioned by the front side members in the vehicle front space. A high-voltage component is placed above the front side members, and an inner edge portion of the high-voltage component in the vehicle width direction is placed outwardly in the vehicle width direction from an inner edge portion of the front side member in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: The high voltage electric equipment unit is mounted in between left and right side frames of a vehicle body, and is disposed so that at least a portion of an outer side surface of the unit case in a vehicle width direction faces an inner side surfaces of the side frame in the vehicle width direction. A protective structure includes a plurality of contact surfaces formed on the outer side surface of the unit case in the vehicle width direction, a flat section formed in a region surrounded by the plurality of contact surfaces of the outer side surface so as to protrude outward in the vehicle width direction with respect to other area inside the region, and a plate-shaped guard member fixed to the plurality of contact surfaces and facing the flat section via a predetermined gap.

Abstract: A bogie for a lowboy trailer includes a rear suspension support assembly configured to carry a suspension system of the lowboy trailer thereunder and a front transition assembly coupled to a front end of the rear suspension support assembly and configured to couple the rear suspension support assembly to a lower deck of the lowboy trailer. At least a portion of the rear suspension support assembly has a closed cross section when viewed along a longitudinal axis of the rear suspension support assembly. At least a portion of the front transition assembly has a closed cross section when viewed along a longitudinal axis of the front transition assembly.

Abstract: A cross-car beam, includes a plastic beam body 22, defining a first end 24 and a second end 26 spaced from the first end 24 along a first direction D1, such that the plastic beam body 22 is elongate in the first direction D1. The plastic beam body 22 further defines a cross-sectional shape 28 along, a plane P1 that is normal to the first direction D1. The cross-car beam 20, may further include a metallic beam body 42 configured to be coupled to the plastic beam body 22.

Abstract: A half-round trailer includes a supportive brace member that is formed from a substantially rigid member. The supportive brace member is connected to the trailer body. The supportive brace member structurally supports the trailer body, which is typically fabricated, at least partially, from aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The supportive member may include one or more arcuate or curved edges. The supportive brace member, in some implementations, may be free of any linear outermost edges when installed on the half-round trailer.

Abstract: An adjustable tailgate apparatus includes a first attachment apparatus configured to attach to a tailgate of a vehicle and a second attachment apparatus configured to attach to a sidewall of the vehicle. The adjustable tailgate apparatus includes a variable span apparatus coupled to the first attachment apparatus and the second attachment apparatus and a locking mechanism configured to restrict movement of the variable span apparatus and constrain a distance between the first attachment apparatus and the second attachment apparatus.

Abstract: A drag reduction system for use with a vehicle movable between a first, operative position and a second, inoperative position. The system including at least one deflector or nozzle and an actuator attached to the deflector, said actuator acting on and moving the deflector between the first and second position.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for flexibly attaching a trailer skirt to a trailer. This can include attaching a trailer mounting bracket to a trailer and attaching a bi-modulus bending member to the trailer mounting bracket in a cantilevered configuration at a bracket end of the bi-modulus bending member. The bi-modulus bending member includes a bending element set configured to elastically buckle when a lateral force component exceeds a threshold force, and the bi-modulus bending member is configured to return to a straightened configuration after buckling and bending to a buckled configuration when the threshold force is removed.

Abstract: A method for making available a ballasting proposal for an agricultural tractor includes providing an implement for the tractor, calculating a target tractive power for the implement for each axle of the agricultural tractor, and deriving a target value for an axle load to be maintained on each axle based upon a function of the calculated target tractive power. The method further includes determining an actual axle load on each axle, comparing the target value to the actual axle load, calculating an axle ballasting value based on a result of the comparing step required to maintain the target valve, and outputting the ballasting value.

Abstract: A gooseneck extension device that increases the length of the available cargo space on a roll trailer, and enhances the ability to fully utilize the cargo space on a roll on roll off vessel. This results in the ability to carry more cargo per voyage.

Abstract: Provided are multi-tread vehicles and methods of operating such vehicles to access small interior spaces. A multi-tread vehicle may include two or more tread sections such that each pair of adjacent tread sections is interconnected by a connector section. Furthermore, each pair may have one or more degrees of articulations, such as being pivotable with respect to each other around one or more axis and/or being bendable with respect to each other around one or more axis. These articulation degrees may be provided by the connector section and/or by couplings between the connector section and each tread section. In some embodiments, each tread section may include two portions detachably coupled to each other. This detachable coupling may be used for disassembly of the multi-tread vehicle after or even during its use, for example, when only a portion of the vehicle needs to be retrieved from an interior space.

Abstract: The invention relates to trackless vehicles, and more particularly to point-to-point stepping propulsion members. A chassis for traveling over diverse supporting surfaces comprises stepping wheel propulsion members, each of which consists of three supports affixed to a common shaft symmetrically relative to the rotational axis of the shaft and at an incline to one another such as to form the side edges of an imaginary pyramid. The shaft is angled relative to the supporting surface in such a way that no more than two of the supports of each stepping wheel propulsion member are in contact with the supporting surface at any one time. The shaft is movably affixed with the ability to move transversely, and is kinematically connected to a vibration compensator, affixed to the chassis. The result is increased reliability and speed of movement and improved terrain crossing capacity as a result of increased clearance.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that automatically aligns a support foot of the apparatus with a load-bearing frame connected to the load transporting apparatus during a recovery phase of an incremental walking movement. In particular, the load transporting apparatus includes a linking device attached to a support foot of the apparatus and a biasing device connected to the linking device that is deflected during non-linear load transporting movements, where the biasing device acts to automatically return the support foot to an aligned position relative to the load-bearing frame after a non-linear movement has been completed and the support foot is raised above a ground surface. Other embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that automatically centers a support foot of the apparatus about a roller assembly during a recovery phase of an incremental walking movement.

Abstract: The present invention is a hardtop removal and storage system and method that comprises a front and rear support arm. The support arms may be mounted to a ceiling such that they are allowed to pivot together and apart. A vehicle may be positioned such that the rear support arm is in contact with a removable hardtop configured to be used with the vehicle. The vehicle hardtop may then be removed by raising the hardtop away from the vehicle and causing the front and rear support arms to pivot underneath of the hardtop. Once positioned in such a manner, the front and rear support arms may retain the hardtop, permitting the owner or driver of the vehicle to move the vehicle out from underneath the invention while the hardtop remains supported by the front and rear support arms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cycle frame insertion lock with electrical actuation suitable or configured for co-action with a cycle on-board computer configured to provide user access to the cycle. The cycle frame insertion lock includes a lock body, an insertion member receiving assembly comprising an insertion channel for receiving an insertion member, locking means for locking the insertion member in the insertion channel, actuating means for actuating the locking means, and a connector for connecting the actuating means to a cycle on-board computer. The actuating means can be actuated by means of an actuation, such as an actuating signal, initiated in the cycle on-board computer.

Abstract: A bicycle seat includes a support having a base and two rails. A ridge is formed along the periphery of the top of the base so as to define an installation recess between the ridge and the top of the base. The two rails are connected to the underside of the base and spaced apart from each other. A pad is engaged with the installation recess and has a groove defined along the periphery of the underside thereof. The ridge is engaged with the groove to directly connect the pad to the base. A recessed area is defined in the top of the pad to provide comfort to the users.

Abstract: A motion detection and lighting system to improve the visibility and safety of a person operating equipment while moving through space is disclosed herein. The motion detection and lighting system includes at least: a motion detection module, controller, and lighting system that are configured to be communicatively coupled to one another and attached to a person. The motion of the person is detected and the one or more lights in the lighting system are configured to be activated for illumination based at least in part on the motion of the person operating the equipment while traveling through space.

Abstract: An embedded handle and handle structure of the embedded handle for a bicycle are provided. The handle structure includes the embedded handle and a stein. The embedded handle includes two holding portions and a joining portion. The middle of the joining portion has a depression. The depression has a connecting portion, and the stein has an engaging portion. The handlebar further includes a third mounting hole. And the engaging portion of the stein further includes a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole. When the engaging portion engages with the depression, the first mounting hole, the second mounting hole and the third mounting hole are aligned. The first fastener is inserted into the aligned holes, and the second fastener is inserted into the aligned holes along a direction opposite to the first fastener and joined to the first fastener.

Abstract: A quick release assembly for attaching handlebars to a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly is a cam assembly that in a first positon engages the handlebars of a vehicle in an operational position and when said cam assembly is in a second position disengages the handlebars to permit easy storage of the vehicle in a minimum of space. The quick release assembly permits a tool free assembly of a vehicle with a handlebar, such as, for example, a bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle disc brake caliper assembly is basically provided with a main caliper body, at least one brake pad and a mounting adapter. The main caliper body includes a first coupling portion that is configured not to be directly attached to a bicycle frame. The at least one brake pad is movably attached to the main caliper body. The mounting adapter includes a second coupling portion that is configured to be detachably coupled to the first coupling portion, and a mounting portion that is configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame.

Abstract: A direct-drive double wing scooter includes a frame, an actuation assembly, a drive assembly, a transmission assembly and a rear wheel disposed at rear end of the frame. The drive assembly includes a first turning shaft and a second turning shaft, and the first turning shaft is disposed at a front end of the frame, the second turning shaft is disposed at the rear end of the frame. A distance between the second turning shaft and the wheel axle of the rear wheel is less than a diameter of the rear wheel, preferably, a ration of the above distance to a radius of the rear wheel is in the range of 0.18-1.38. The direct-drive double wing scooter is suitable for riding on the flat road without slope or with a little slope, and further suitable for riding on the climbing section with a large slope.

Abstract: A bicycle control device includes an electronic controller that receives data indicative of a detected gas pressure of a gas chamber of a bicycle component provided to a bicycle. The electronic controller controls an electric component provided to the bicycle in accordance with the detected gas pressure of the gas chamber of the bicycle component. The gas chamber of the bicycle component is configured to maintain a gas in a compressed state.

Abstract: The transmission comprises a chainring (12) rotatable around an axis of rotation (x), at least one sprocket (13) and a chain (14) for transmitting to said at least one sprocket (13) the rotary motion of the chainring (12) around the axis of rotation (x). The chainring (12) comprises a disc (16) and a plurality of meshing devices (22; 122) which are mounted in radially movable manner on the disc (16) and are arranged to enable engagement of the disc (16) with the chain (14) for transmitting motion from the chainring (12) to the at least one sprocket (13) by means of the chain (14). The transmission further comprises shifting means (18, 60) for varying the radial position of the meshing devices (22; 122) in order to change the transmission ratio with which the chainring (12) transmits motion to the at least one sprocket (13).

Abstract: A multiple bicycle sprocket assembly is basically provided that is capable of creating a gear ratio in a wide range. The multiple bicycle sprocket assembly includes a first sprocket and a second sprocket. The first sprocket includes a first tooth number that is less than or equal to ten. The second sprocket includes a second tooth number that is more than or equal to forty-four.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket is provided that is configured to limit a chain separation. The bicycle sprocket includes a sprocket body and a plurality of teeth. The sprocket body has a rotational center axis. The plurality of teeth includes a first tooth having a first width extending in a rotational center axis direction, and a second tooth having a second width extending in the rotational center axis direction. The second width is smaller than the first width. The plurality of teeth includes a base body and a nickel plating layer. The nickel plating layer covers at least a portion of the base body. The nickel plating layer includes at least one of phosphorus and boron.

Abstract: A bicycle drive train comprises a sprocket assembly and a floating sprocket. The sprocket assembly comprises a first rotational center axis, a first sprocket, and a second sprocket. The first sprocket includes at least one first sprocket tooth and at least one first axially displaceable tooth with respect to the first rotational center axis. The second sprocket includes at least one second sprocket tooth. The at least one first axially displaceable tooth is displaceable relative to the at least one first sprocket tooth toward the at least one second sprocket tooth. The floating sprocket comprises a second rotational center axis and an axially sliding surface. The axially sliding surface is to support the floating sprocket movably relative to the sprocket assembly in an axial direction with respect to the second rotational center axis.

Abstract: A bicycle manual control device for issuing at least one electric-electronic command to at least one piece of bicycle equipment, comprising a support body, configured to be fixed to the bicycle, at least one manual actuation member supported in a movable manner by the support body, and on-board electronics having a standby mode and an operating mode, further comprising a detector of movement of the bicycle configured to emit a wake signal to bring said on-board electronics from standby mode to operating mode. A bicycle electronic system including the bicycle manual control device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are structural waterproof films comprising a composite of at least one wool sheet, the wool sheet being at least partially impregnated with a hardening resin that, when hardened, is rigid or semi-rigid and is substantially water impermeable. The films described introduce organic materials into, among many applications, water craft design plus the films described offer a useful alternative to traditional non-organic fibreglass construction.

Abstract: A tow body arrangement for a towable device in a sonar system includes a bridle having a front for connecting to a first tow cable and back for connecting to a second tow cable. The tow body arrangement also includes a tow body rotatably connected to the bridle between the front and back of the bridle. The tow body is shaped to generate hydrodynamic forces tending to rotate the tow body perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bridle.

Abstract: The vehicle includes a support body, able to move along the subsea structure in a body of water, a lower proximity sensor, deployable from the support body towards the subsea structure, the lower proximity sensor comprising a lower cathodic protection probe, the lower proximity sensor being deployable between a retracted position and a deployed position. It also comprises an upper remote sensor deployable from the support body, comprising an upper cathodic protection probe. The lower proximity sensor is located below the support body in the retracted position and in the deployed position.

Abstract: An underwater watercraft including a passenger compartment and an ingress/egress port in which the watercraft has buoyancy and center of gravity adjusted to maintain a generally level or other desired attitude when submerged, and an optionally angled attitude at a water surface for ingress/egress. The attitude is also adjustable via the placement of ballast and optionally including a movable ballast that adjusts the location of the center of gravity as desired. The ingress-egress port optionally includes an entry elevated from a main passenger compartment and including a riser and optionally removable or concealable handrails. The ingress-egress port has an angled orientation in a submerged mode, and an optional orientation generally parallel to the water surface or angled but above the surface in a surface mode.

Abstract: To provide a motion control device for a ship, which does not require adjustment of weights of an performance function, and is less liable to fail in control calculation by building optimization calculation only into a part of classical feedback control, the motion control device, which is configured to cause a ship, on which a plurality of outboard engines are installed, to cruise along a desired trajectory, includes: a trajectory generator configured to output a trajectory command; a controller configured to output a control force command based on the trajectory command and a sensor information group output from a sensor group provided for the ship; and a control force distributor configured to carry out, based on the control force command, optimization calculation for operation amounts required for the plurality of outboard engines in accordance with a constraint condition set in advance so as to output the operation amounts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrogen recycling flight system and flight method, the hydrogen recycling flight system including: a flight fuselage which has at least one pair of wings at each of both sides of a body; a hydrogen gas balloon which is air-tightly connected to the flight fuselage; a hydrogen fuel cell which is connected with the hydrogen gas balloon and is installed outside or inside the flight fuselage; and a secondary battery which is charged with electricity generated from the hydrogen fuel cell, electricity generated from a solar cell provided at an outer peripheral portion of the flight fuselage, or electricity of an external power network, in which by using a switch, the hydrogen fuel cell is switched to a water electrolysis device or the water electrolysis device is switched to the hydrogen fuel cell, the hydrogen recycling flight system includes: a water tank which stores water generated from the hydrogen fuel cell; the water electrolysis device which electrolyzes the stored water;

Abstract: A self-aligning structural attachment and a corresponding method are disclosed. The self-aligning structural attachment includes a main body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the main body is attached to (i) a CIP of a support system and (ii) a clevis on an airframe of an aircraft. Further, the self-aligning structural attachment includes a first attachment fitting disposed on the proximal end, wherein the first attachment fitting is a slide-and-swivel attachment fitting. Still further, the self-aligning structural attachment includes a second attachment fitting disposed on the distal end, wherein the second attachment fitting is a slide attachment fitting. Yet still further, the self-aligning structural attachment includes a pivoting hinge disposed between the first attachment fitting and the second attachment fitting.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for insulation and moisture drainage. One exemplary embodiment is an apparatus comprising a bay blanket configured to insulate an aircraft. The bay blanket includes insulation, and a first waterproof lip that protrudes from the insulation in an outboard direction towards a frame of the aircraft and extends along a length of a leftward side of the bay blanket. The bay blanket also includes a second waterproof lip that protrudes from the insulation in an outboard direction towards the frame of the aircraft along a length of a rightward side of the bay blanket.

Abstract: Aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a window panel having a bubble form. The window panel is a push-out window that permits emergency egress from an aircraft, such as a rotorcraft. The bubble form is designed and selected such that the window panel will remain secured in a window frame of the aircraft at a level cruising speed of 120 knots true air speed. In embodiments, the window panel remains secured in the window frame at 120 ktas and a sideslip of at least 6 degrees.

Abstract: A cargo hold component system for a cargo hold of an aircraft, the cargo hold component system including floor elements and fixing elements. The floor elements can at least partially be fixed releasably by the fixing elements to fixing sites provided on or in the hold floor, such that in a state fixed to the fixing sites, the floor elements support a loading of the hold with cargo containers, and that in a state in which a first group of the floor elements has been removed from the fixing sites by release of the fixing elements and a second group of the floor elements has been partially removed from the fixing sites by release of the fixing elements, the hold is sealed gas-tightly.

Abstract: A control system of a flight vehicle automatically varies the relationship between the center of gravity and the center of pressure of the flight vehicle. The control system automatically adjusts a center of pressure of the flight vehicle depending on a varying payload or payload type that is removably couplable to the flight vehicle. The control system automatically limits translational movement of the one or more wings of the flight vehicle in response to coupling of a payload to a fuselage of the flight vehicle.

Abstract: The present application relates to a stopping device, a moving mechanism and an aircraft. The moving mechanism is connected to a stationary structure of the aircraft so as to allow the moving mechanism to move relative to the stationary structure. The stopping device includes a first stopper provided at the moving mechanism and a second stopper provided at the stationary structure, and is configured such that when a drive connection structure of the moving mechanism fails, the first stopper is adapted to abut against the second stopper to limit the moving range of the moving mechanism. At least one of the first stopper and the second stopper includes a buffer region made by modifying its meso-structure and thus has a reduced density to thereby be adapted to reduce a dynamic load generated when the first stopper collides with the second stopper.

Abstract: A chine spoiler system enhances aircraft wing stall recovery characteristics while optimizing a maximum lift coefficient (CLMAX) of an aft-swept wing on an aircraft having an engine nacelle mounted below the wing. The system includes a chine located on a surface of the nacelle; the chine is configured to generate a vortex at high angles of attack. The vortex passes over an upper surface of the wing, favorably influencing inboard wing aerodynamics to delay airflow separation from the wing, in advance of a stall. The vortex increases CLMAX, but also creates a nose-up pitching moment on an aft-swept wing, which degrades stall recovery. A chine spoiler system module is configured to render the chine ineffective at predetermined wing flap configurations and angles of attack (typically post CLMAX) to balance the objectives of achieving high pre-stall CLMAX, while providing a nose-down pitching moment increment for improved stall recovery.

Abstract: A support structure for a propulsor blade includes at least one sleeve configured to support a root portion of the propulsor blade, the at least one sleeve fixedly attached to a surface of the root portion. The support structure also includes a preloading component configured to apply a residual compressive force to the at least one sleeve and the root portion of the propulsor blade, the residual compressive force configured to maintain an attachment of the at least one sleeve to the root portion. The propulsor blade and root portion may incorporate composite structural materials. The support structure and/or the preloading component increases the high cycle fatigue strength and bending capacity of blade retention assemblies (including, e.g., composite-to-metal joints) when subjected to high cycle bending loads under reduced centrifugal load conditions, thereby making further reductions in the size and weight of blade retention assemblies feasible.