Improved design of clutch control system of unmanned helicopter

Abstract

In light of starting clutch control requirement in unmanned modified process of a helicopter, the control system with high-reliability circuit, excellent engagement quality and engine speed stability are researched. By analysing the disadvantantages of the original clutch control system, the improved design requirements are proposed. To achieve the requirements, half bridge chips are used in the control circuit to ensure safety, a two-section engagement is designed to control the speed of engagement by pulse width modulation(PWM), and the stability of engine speed during the clutch engagement is realized with the speed stabilization control law. The automatic engagement expriment is conducted in an unmanned helicopter. The results show that the process of clutch engagement is stable and reliable, the shock and sliding friction work decrease significantly indicating good engagement quality and the engine speed maintains at approximately 1500 r/min within the range of idle speed during the engagement. It is obvious that the improved design meets the needs of clutch control system of unmanned helicopter and greatly promotes its performance.