Electric flight control system

Abstract

The invention discloses an electric flight control system, which comprises an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, a personal rapid transportation system and a take-off and landing field, and is characterized in that the personal rapid transportation system comprises a transportation platform and a transportation track; the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft is parked on the transportation platform to get on and off passengers and operates and / or flies to a target position along the transportation track, and the take-off and landing field is used for enabling the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft to land when the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft is idle or take off when an instruction is received. The electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft runs in a personal rapid transportation system track network, the application scene of the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft can be expanded, the utilization rate can be increased, an ordered flight route can be established, congestion can be prevented, and management is convenient. In addition, travel requirements of users can be met more flexibly, traffic pressure is relieved, and meanwhile, a take-off and landing field is arranged beside the platform of the personal rapid transportation system, so that the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft can be parked conveniently, and the traffic requirements are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of traffic technology, in particular to an electric flight control system. Background Art

[0002] eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-off and Landing) is an electric aircraft that can take off and land vertically without a runway. Compared with traditional helicopters, manned eVTOL is purely electric, has low noise, high cost performance, and is more environmentally friendly. It is a product that is more in line with the future urban air traffic system.

[0003] eVTOL is mainly used in the low-altitude tourism market, short-distance transportation, and urban and inter-city passenger travel services. Since eVTOL is purely electric, its range is short and it is not suitable for long-term flight. In addition, eVTOL is too dispersed for centralized management. If the centralized storage volume is too large, it will waste resources. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides an electric flight control system, including: an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, a personal rapid transportation system and a take-off and landing field, wherein the personal rapid transportation system includes: a transportation platform and a transportation track; the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft docks at the transportation platform to pick up and drop off passengers, and runs and / or flies to a target location along the transportation track, and the take-off and landing field is used to enable the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft to land when it is idle or take off when receiving instructions.

[0005] Further, the electric flight control system also includes a data processor;

[0006] The personal rapid transportation system comprises a plurality of the transportation platforms and a plurality of the transportation tracks, wherein the plurality of transportation tracks form a track network;

[0007] After the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft picks up passengers, it receives an operation instruction issued by the data processor, and runs to the target location along the track network according to the optimal route planned in the operation instruction.

[0008] Further, when the data processor receives a flight request, the cruising range of the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft is obtained and the cruising range of the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft is compared with a flight distance, where the flight distance is a distance from the flight to the target location;

[0009] When the flight distance is less than or equal to the cruising range, the data processor plans a first set route and flies to the target location according to the first set route;

[0010] When the flight distance is greater than the cruising range, the data processor plans a second set route according to the current cruising range, flies to the transfer position according to the second set route, and runs along the transportation track to the target position, wherein the transfer position is located in the transportation track.

[0011] Furthermore, the transport platform includes a charging device for charging the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

[0012] Furthermore, when the flow rate of the transport track is greater than a preset value, an off-track operation instruction sent by the data processor is received, the transport track is separated and the aircraft flies along a preset path for avoidance.

[0013] Furthermore, when the number of passengers on the transport platform is greater than a preset value, the data processor traverses the operating status of the electric flight control system or the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft in the take-off and landing field, and sends a dispatch instruction to the nearest idle electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft to carry passengers.

[0014] Furthermore, a busbar track is provided in the transport track so that the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft can replenish electric energy when running on the transport track.

[0015] Furthermore, the take-off and landing field is connected to the transport track so that the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft can run to the transport platform and run along the track to the take-off and landing field for parking when in an idle state.

[0016] Furthermore, the data processor receives a vehicle use request sent by a user terminal, and dispatches the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to the vehicle use request.

[0017] Furthermore, the data processor predicts user demand of each of the transport platforms based on historical data, and dispatches the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to the prediction results.

[0018] The embodiment of the present invention combines eVTOL with PRT, so that eVTOL can use PRT to run in the PRT track network, which can expand the application scenarios of eVTOL and improve the utilization rate of eVTOL. The eVTOL can establish an orderly flight route when running or flying along the PRT track, prevent congestion, and facilitate management. In addition, by combining eVTOL with PRT, eVTOL is dispatched by PRT, which can more flexibly meet the travel needs of users and alleviate traffic pressure. At the same time, a take-off and landing field is set up next to the PRT platform. On the one hand, it can facilitate the parking and take-off and landing of eVTOL; on the other hand, the PRT platform can be used to meet traffic needs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the locations of the PRT tracks and take-off and landing fields in a PRT platform provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a PRT station provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the eVTOL provided by an embodiment of the present invention running on a PRT track is provided in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solutions of the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] An embodiment of the present invention provides an electric flight control system, including: eVTOL, a personal rapid transit system (PRT) and a take-off and landing field, wherein the PRT includes: a PRT platform and a PRT track; the eVTOL stops at the PRT platform to pick up and drop off passengers, and runs and / or flies to a target location along the transportation track, and the take-off and landing field is used to allow the eVTOL to land when it is idle or take off when receiving instructions. Figure 1 Shown is a schematic diagram of the location of the PRT track and take-off and landing field in the PRT station.

[0026] Among them, PRT is a new type of transportation system made of universal components and controlled by computers. It consists of a carriage that can accommodate 3 passengers, an elevated electrified track with a central groove, and a direction indication and feedback system controlled by a computer to ensure safe and smooth operation. In the prior art, PRT has been maturely applied to transportation in certain cities or inter-city transportation. PRT stations are set up in multiple locations in the city as needed, such as Figure 2The figure shows a schematic diagram of the 3D structure of the PRT platform. Multiple PRT tracks are laid between each PRT platform to form a PRT track network, and the PRT cars run in the track network to achieve.

[0027] eVTOL is a small aircraft that can land vertically, usually powered by pure electric power. In the prior art, eVTOL is generally used in short-distance transportation such as scenic spots and airports. In the embodiment of the present invention, the eVTOL is also provided with a sliding device at the bottom that can slide on the transportation track. Figure 3 , which is a schematic diagram of the operation of the eVTOL on the PRT track provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the PRT dispatches the eVTOL to stop at the PRT platform to pick up and drop off passengers, and the eVTOL can run along the PRT track to the target location, wherein the target location can be a location set by the user or a location preset by the PRT, which is specifically set by the PRT according to different scenarios. In one embodiment, the time period is distinguished. When it is in the peak time period, the PRT sets the PRT platform on the PRT track as the target location. When it is in the non-peak time period, the user can set the PRT platform as the target location or the non-PRT platform as the target location. When the non-PRT platform is set as the target location, it can fly to the target location after running to the PRT platform closest to the target location through the PRT track. In another embodiment, it can be distinguished according to the priority of the user. For example, for VIP users, the target location can be the target location set by the user. When the target location is a non-PRT platform, the user can pick up passengers via the PRT platform and fly directly to the target location. When the target location is a PRT platform, the user can pick up passengers via the PRT platform and run directly to the target location without stopping on the PRT track. The above two embodiments are only exemplary embodiments, and can be set according to needs in actual applications.

[0029] In order to facilitate the parking of eVTOL and its full application, a take-off and landing field is set up near the PRT platform. The take-off and landing field can be connected to the PRT platform through the track. In this way, the eVTOL can be docked in the take-off and landing field through the track after completion. In this way, on the one hand, when PRT dispatches eVTOL, it can respond promptly and quickly. On the other hand, setting up take-off and landing fields at multiple PRT platforms can provide enough space to park eVTOL, which is convenient for management and maintenance.

[0030] In one embodiment, after receiving the instruction sent by the PRT, the eVTOL can take off directly from the take-off and landing field to pick up passengers, or fly to a set location to pick up passengers, and then run along the PRT track or fly to the target location.

[0031] In one embodiment, the PRT station also includes a charging device for charging the eVTOL. When fully charged, the eVTOL will stop at the take-off and landing field along the track or continue to pick up passengers.

[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, eVTOL is combined with PRT so that eVTOL can run in the PRT track network using PRT, which can expand the application scenarios of eVTOL and improve the utilization rate of eVTOL. The operation or flight of eVTOL along the PRT track can establish an orderly flight route, prevent congestion, and facilitate management. In addition, by combining eVTOL with PRT, eVTOL is dispatched by PRT, which can more flexibly meet the travel needs of users and alleviate traffic pressure. At the same time, a take-off and landing field is set up next to the PRT platform, which can facilitate the parking and take-off and landing of eVTOL on the one hand; on the other hand, the PRT platform can be used to meet traffic needs.

[0033] In the embodiment of the present invention, the PRT further includes: a data processor;

[0034] The data processor may be a computer system in the PRT or another separately arranged computer system, which is not limited here.

[0035] PRT includes multiple PRT platforms and multiple PRT tracks, and the PRT tracks form a track network. After the eVTOL picks up passengers, it receives the operating instructions issued by the data processor and runs to the target location along the track network according to the optimal route planned in the operating instructions.

[0036] The operation instruction is an instruction for the eVTOL to run along the PRT track to the target location, which is usually set by the PRT or triggered by the user at the terminal. The data processor calculates and plans the optimal route in the track network according to the location set by the PRT or the location sent by the user at the terminal, such as the shortest route, the shortest route, etc. After the user confirms, it runs in the track network according to the confirmed optimal route.

[0037] In the embodiment of the present invention, since the eVTOL is a pure electric small aircraft with a short cruising range, there may be a situation where the distance between the target location and the inspiration location where the PRT station is located exceeds the cruising range. In order to provide users with a better experience, the data processor makes a judgment based on the cruising range information sent by the eVTOL to plan a more suitable route.

[0038] When the data processor receives the flight request, it obtains the eVTOL's range and compares the eVTOL's range with the flight distance; the flight distance is the distance the eVTOL flies to the target location.

[0039] When the flight distance is less than or equal to the cruising range, the data processor plans a first set route and flies to the target location according to the first set route;

[0040] When the flight distance is greater than the cruising range, the data processor plans a second set route according to the current cruising range, flies to the transfer position according to the second set route, and runs along the PRT track to the target position, and the transfer position is located in the PRT track.

[0041] In the embodiment of the present invention, the data processor obtains the location information and cruising range information of each eVTOL in real time. When receiving the flight demand sent by the user terminal, the nearest eVTOL is dispatched according to the target location and the riding position indicated by the flight demand, and the flight distance and cruising range of the eVTOL flight target location are calculated. When the cruising range is greater than the flight distance, the first set route is planned, wherein the first set route is the flight route. When the cruising range is greater than the flight distance, the second set route is planned, and the second set route can be to first fly to the transfer location and then run from the transfer location along the PRT track to the target location, or to first run from the PRT track to the transfer location and then fly from the transfer location to the target location, which is not limited here.

[0042] It should be noted that the transfer position is located in the PRT track to facilitate the connection between the two routes. The transfer position can be determined by the data processor based on the range of the eVTOL, that is, the position of the PRT track where the eVTOL is located when the range is exhausted during flight.

[0043] In one embodiment, a busbar track is provided in the PRT track so that the eVTOL can replenish power while running on the PRT track. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the second set route can be selected to first run along the PRT track to the transfer position, and then fly from the transfer position to the target position, so that power can be replenished while running on the PRT track, and the cruising range can be increased, thereby shortening the time spent on the second set route and improving the user experience.

[0044] In one embodiment, it is used to reserve a car. When the data processor receives a car request sent by a user terminal, the data processor locks or dispatches the eVTOL to the car location in advance according to the car request for the user to use, thereby improving the user experience.

[0045] In actual applications, PRT usually encounters congestion during peak operation hours. In order to alleviate traffic congestion, the present invention provides an embodiment. When the PRT track flow is greater than a preset value, an off-track operation instruction sent by a data processor is received, and the PRT track is detached and flies along a preset path for avoidance.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, during peak operating hours or other situations, due to the simultaneous operation of PRT cars or eVTOLs in the PRT track, there may be excessive traffic. The data processor obtains the position information, speed information, operation screen and other information of each eVTOL in real time, and judges the vehicle operation status in the PRT track in real time to determine the traffic of the PRT track. When it is greater than the preset value, it is determined that congestion has occurred. At this time, the data processor sends an off-track operation instruction to the eVTOL in the congested position. After receiving the off-track operation instruction, the eVTOL starts the flight mode, flies over the congested section, and continues to fly to the target position or flies to the track of the non-congested section and continues to run along the track. In this embodiment, the data processor can be determined according to the cruising range of the eVTOL at that time. The specific method is detailed in the aforementioned embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0047] In actual applications, there may be a situation where the passenger flow at a certain PRT platform is too large during peak hours. In order to alleviate the transportation pressure, in an embodiment of the present invention, when the passenger volume on the PRT platform is greater than a preset value, the data processor traverses the operating status of the eVTOL in the electric flight control system or the take-off and landing field, and sends a dispatch instruction to the nearest idle eVTOL to carry passengers.

[0048] In the embodiment of the present invention, the data processor selects an idle eVTOL in other PRT platforms or take-off and landing fields, and sends a dispatch instruction, so that the eVTOL receiving the dispatch instruction runs to the position indicated by the dispatch instruction to wait for passengers.

[0049] Usually, a certain PRT station will have a large flow of people. In order to deal with this situation in advance and relieve transportation pressure, the data processor predicts the user demand of each PRT station based on historical data and schedules eVTOL according to the prediction results. In this embodiment, the data processor can process the historical data, that is, summarize the eVTOL usage of each PRT station according to the time period, so as to predict the eVTOL demand information of each PRT station, and schedule the eVTOL in advance according to the prediction results.

[0050] The above descriptions are only some embodiments of the present invention. It should be pointed out that, for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present invention. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electric flight control system, characterized in that: include: An electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, a personal rapid transportation system and a take-off and landing field, wherein the personal rapid transportation system includes: a transportation platform and a transportation track; the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft docks at the transportation platform to pick up and drop off passengers, and runs and / or flies along the transportation track to a target location, and the take-off and landing field is used to enable the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft to land when it is idle or take off when receiving instructions.

2. The electric flight control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electric flight control system also includes a data processor; The personal rapid transportation system comprises a plurality of the transportation platforms and a plurality of the transportation tracks, wherein the plurality of transportation tracks form a track network; After the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft picks up passengers, it receives an operation instruction issued by the data processor, and runs to the target location along the track network according to the optimal route planned in the operation instruction.

3. The electric flight control system according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the data processor receives a flight request, it obtains the cruising range of the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft and compares the cruising range of the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft with a flight distance, where the flight distance is a distance from the flight to the target location; When the flight distance is less than or equal to the cruising range, the data processor plans a first set route and flies to the target location according to the first set route; When the flight distance is greater than the cruising range, the data processor plans a second set route according to the current cruising range, flies to the transfer position according to the second set route, and runs along the transportation track to the target position, wherein the transfer position is located in the transportation track.

4. The electric flight control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transport platform also includes a charging device for charging the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

5. The electric flight control system according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the flow rate of the transport track is greater than a preset value, an off-track operation instruction sent by the data processor is received, the vehicle leaves the transport track and flies along a preset path for avoidance.

6. The electric flight control system according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the number of passengers on the transport platform is greater than a preset value, the data processor traverses the operating status of the electric flight control system or the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft in the take-off and landing field, and sends a dispatch instruction to the nearest idle electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft to carry passengers.

7. The electric flight control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A busbar track is arranged in the transport track so that the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft can supplement electric energy when running on the transport track.

8. The electric flight control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The landing field is connected to the transport track so that the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft can run to the transport platform and run along the track to the landing field for parking when in an idle state.

9. The electric flight control system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The data processor receives a vehicle use request sent by a user terminal, and dispatches the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to the vehicle use request.

10. The electric flight control system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The data processor predicts user demand of each of the transport platforms based on historical data, and dispatches the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to the prediction results.

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