US 12,145,738 B2
Multi-drive unit propulsion system for an aircraft
Pierre Bertrand, St-Patrice-de-Sherrington (CA); and Jean Thomassin, Quebec (CA)
Assigned to PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP., Longueuil (CA)
Filed by Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp., Longueuil (CA)
Filed on Aug. 22, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/892,761.
Prior Publication US 2024/0059422 A1, Feb. 22, 2024
Int. Cl. B64D 35/025 (2024.01)
CPC B64D 35/025 (2024.01) 13 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for an aircraft, comprising:
a propulsion system including a first thermal engine, a second thermal engine, a first electric machine, a first propulsor rotor, and a clutch;
the propulsion system configured to operate the first thermal engine and the second thermal engine, without operating the first electric machine, during a first mode of operation to provide aircraft thrust;
the propulsion system configured to operate the first electric machine and the second thermal engine, without operating the first thermal engine, during a second mode of operation to provide the aircraft thrust,
the first propulsor rotor configured to be rotationally driven by the first thermal engine during the first mode of operation, and by the first electric machine during the second mode of operation; and
the clutch comprising a fuse link configured to:
couple and transmit power between the first thermal engine and the first propulsor rotor during the first mode of operation; and
break and disconnect the first thermal engine from the first propulsor rotor during the second mode of operation.