SSN Pru Elite Veteran Location: Massachusetts
| An idler pulley is generally used to ensure that the proper tension is applied to a belt by actively pressing against the belt using a torsion spring, as in the case of a serpentine belt, or to change the direction of a belt as is also the case in serpentine belt usage in vehicles.
A snubber pulley is generally used to increase the contact arc of belts around drive pulleys to enhance the power transmission capabilities of belts.
In the context of helicopter tail rotor drive systems, the pulley we are discussing is not an idler pulley as it really doesn't maintain tension on the belt or change it's direction. It does, however, slightly increase the contact arc of the pulley on the tail rotor drive pulley. In most instances, it only serves to aggrevate the tracking of the belt on the t/r drive pulley. I've removed mine because the rotational axis of the pulley was not perfectly perpendicular which cause the belt to ride to one side of the t/r drive pulley.
If you are going to include some sources, at least include reputable ones. |