EVTOL with small air bag

Abstract

The novel eVTOL with the small air bag comprises a single lens-shaped bag body 1 and a passenger cabin 6, curtain cloth 3 in the single lens-shaped bag body 1 is connected to a carbon fiber embedded part 2 located at the bottom through a tie bar 4, a metal ring 5 is arranged on the exposed portion of the carbon fiber embedded part 2, and the passenger cabin 6 is installed on the metal ring 5. The eVTOL with the small air bag lifts off and flies by utilizing dynamic lift force and buoyancy force at the same time, is long in hang time, low in power consumption and convenient to disassemble, and has good flight performance, take-off and landing performance and economical efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL), and in particular to a new type of eVTOL with a small helium bag, which can also be called a manned electric airship with lifting and floating functions. Background Art

[0002] eVTOL uses an electric propulsion system as its power base and can take off and land vertically and fly horizontally. It consists of structural parts, energy power, navigation control and communication parts, including hardware parts such as electric motors, battery packs, thrusters, sensors, communication and navigation modules, measurement and control devices, airborne computers and other avionics equipment, as well as software parts such as flight management systems, flight control systems and specific functional modules.

[0003] eVTOLs offer significant advantages in urban air mobility, including safety, reliability, affordability, comfort, intelligence, and energy efficiency. They can take off and land in smaller spaces, eliminating the need for long runways like traditional aircraft, making them suitable for use in city centers or other areas with limited space. Furthermore, electric propulsion is environmentally friendly and produces relatively low noise levels.

[0004] Existing eVTOLs can be categorized into vectored thrust, composite wing, multi-rotor, and single-rotor configurations. Like airplanes, these eVTOLs can experience emergencies such as motor failure or bird strikes, causing the aircraft to plummet to the ground. These eVTOLs also suffer from poor power, short hovering times, and high power consumption.

[0005] Traditional airships generally have huge airbag volumes (often reaching thousands or even tens of thousands of cubic meters), occupy a large area, require professional mooring, have low mooring efficiency, are complex to operate, and require a large number of ground service personnel. Utility Model Content

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an eVTOL with a small airbag, also known as a manned electric airship with lifting and floating functions. It combines the airbag with an electric cabin to form a new type of vertical take-off and landing aircraft with the advantages of strong power, long hovering time, low power consumption, easy disassembly, high comfort and safety, and no rapid fall, thereby reducing the chance of accidents and crashes.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention provides an eVTOL with a small airbag, a new type of aircraft between traditional airships (traditional airships have huge airbags and the entire airship is lighter than air, so it is called an aerostat) and traditional eVTOLs. The eVTOL with a small airbag is heavier than air. The eVTOL of the present invention includes: a single lens-shaped airbag 1 and a cabin 6. The curtain 3 in the single lens-shaped airbag 1 is connected to a carbon fiber embedded part 2 at the bottom via a tie rod 4. The exposed portion of the carbon fiber embedded part 2 is provided with a metal ring 5, and the cabin 6 is mounted on the metal ring 5.

[0008] Preferably, the single lens-shaped capsule 1 is a plain capsule with a volume of only 200 cubic meters to 500 cubic meters. The single lens-shaped capsule 1 is filled with helium and can provide a buoyancy of about 200-500 kg.

[0009] Preferably, a tilt-ducted fan vector electric propulsion system 7 is provided on both sides outside the bottom of the cabin 6, and a propeller propeller 8 is provided at the rear of the cabin 6.

[0010] Preferably, the exterior of the cabin 6 is provided with a plurality of locking devices for falling into a designated platform and locking the cabin with corresponding locking devices in the platform.

[0011] Preferably, the locking device is a physical lock or an electromagnetic lock.

[0012] Preferably, a helium charging and discharging port for inflating and discharging the bladder 1 is provided inside the cabin 6 .

[0013] Preferably, a safety pressure relief control device is provided in the passenger cabin 6 , and the pressure relief control device is activated to slowly release the gas in the airbag 1 to prevent the airbag from escaping alone.

[0014] Preferably, a safety cable with a hook is provided in the cabin 6 .

[0015] Preferably, the single lens-shaped capsule (1) is detachable; the single lens-shaped capsule (1) is foldable, which is convenient for transportation.

[0016] This embodiment of the utility model provides an eVTOL with a small helium bladder, a novel aircraft that lies between traditional lighter-than-air airships and the currently popular heavier-than-air eVTOLs. Compared to rotary-wing eVTOLs or composite-wing eVTOLs, this eVTOL incorporates a small helium bladder that provides buoyancy. While the large size of the bladder affects flight speed, it improves overall safety and increases flight time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1It is a structural schematic diagram of an eVTOL with a small airbag according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0018] Figure numerals: 1-lens-shaped capsule; 2-carbon fiber embedded parts; 3-curtain fabric; 4-tensioning rod; 5-first automatic locking device; 6-cabin; 7-ducted fan vector electric propulsion system; 8-propeller thruster; 9-battery pack; 10-control device; 11-second automatic locking device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless there is a conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other in any manner. The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive.

[0020] An embodiment of the present invention provides an eVTOL with a small airbag, also known as a manned electric airship with lift and levitation. This new aircraft represents a transition between traditional lighter-than-air airships and the more popular heavier-than-air eVTOLs. Compared to rotary-wing eVTOLs or composite-wing eVTOLs, this eVTOL incorporates a helium airbag for buoyancy. While this airbag reduces flight speed, it improves overall safety, increases flight time, and reduces power consumption.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an eVTOL with a small airbag according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, an eVTOL with a small airbag includes a single lens-shaped capsule 1 and a cabin 6. The curtain 3 in the single lens-shaped capsule 1 is connected to the carbon fiber embedded part 2 at the bottom through a tie rod 4. The exposed part of the carbon fiber embedded part 2 is provided with a metal ring. The cabin 6 is installed on the metal ring by screws or clips, which makes it easy to install or remove the cabin 6.

[0022] In this embodiment, the carbon fiber pre-embedded component 2 consists of a grid of carbon fiber wires installed at the bottom of the inner bladder, which acts as a rebar. A layer of bladder cloth is then heat-sealed or bonded to the rebar to distribute the force. A ring of cord fabric is then heat-sealed to the bottom bladder, connecting it to a metal ring. The bottom of the bladder is a circle, and the area of ​​the carbon fiber pre-embedded component is larger than the circle of the metal ring outside the bladder.

[0023] Conventional airships are enormous, typically exceeding several thousand cubic meters. The capsule and pod are typically heat-sealed or assembled using a gondola. Both these approaches make it difficult to quickly separate the capsule and pod. The eVTOL cabin 6 of this embodiment is mounted to a metal ring using bolts or snaps, making it removable and quickly detachable for easy replacement, maintenance, and capsule storage. The airbag of this embodiment is also detachable and foldable for easy transportation.

[0024] The eVTOL in this embodiment of the utility model has only one lens-shaped airbag and no auxiliary airbags. It is a bare airbag design, meaning it lacks an air pump or air bladder. The airbag configuration of this embodiment differs from that of conventional airships, which typically have a primary airbag (filled with helium) and auxiliary airbags (filled with air). The auxiliary airbags can be used to adjust the airship's center of gravity, maintain aerodynamic balance, and enhance flight stability. However, the auxiliary airbag and its accompanying air pump / exhaust valve also increase the airship's weight, significantly reducing its payload.

[0025] The lift of the eVTOL with a helium balloon in this embodiment consists of dynamic lift and static buoyancy. The buoyancy of the eVTOL balloon determines its takeoff weight. The following formula is derived from Archimedes' buoyancy theorem:

[0026] (1)

[0027] in, is the total net buoyancy of the eVTOL airbag, is the air density, is the density of helium, V is the volume of the capsule, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. Under standard conditions (0°C at sea level and 1 atm), the density of air is 1.293 kg / m³, the density of helium is 0.1785 kg / m³, and g is 9.80665 m / s².

[0028] By calculation, it can be concluded that the net buoyancy generated by 1 cubic meter of helium is approximately 10.93 N. From formula (1), it can be seen that under standard conditions (temperature at sea level is 0°C and atmospheric pressure is 1 atm), if the volume of the main capsule is 200-500 cubic meters, it can provide a net buoyancy of approximately 2186~5465 N (approximately 222.9~557.25 kg weight). This small lens-shaped capsule can reduce the motor power (instantaneous load) and number required for eVTOL takeoff. At the same time, the buoyancy of a certain volume of floating air capsule in the air can also reduce the discharge of the eVTOL battery pack in the air to extend the flight time. The lens-shaped design and a certain area can also make it easier for eVTOL to capture rising air currents, and even glide or float for a longer time and distance when stopped or idling at a certain altitude.

[0029] The newly certified eVTOL (Economy) has a maximum takeoff weight of 650 kg and a battery capacity of just over 30 kWh. It consumes approximately 10 kWh for takeoff and another 10 kWh for landing, allowing it to remain airborne for only 20 minutes. However, the eVTOL of this embodiment can remain airborne for two hours with the same wattage. If it encounters updrafts, the lens-shaped wing can maintain aloft for longer periods. A dedicated platform assists with takeoff and landing, consuming less than 5 kWh of power. This significantly reduces battery consumption compared to existing technologies.

[0030] The eVTOL's airbag in this embodiment can have a volume between 200 and 500 cubic meters. The airbag alone can generate lift equivalent to approximately 200 to 500 kilograms. This makes it lighter, more energy-efficient, and allows for longer flight times (up to two hours, several times longer than existing eVTOLs). The lens-shaped airbag also allows for idling, and its flattened wings can leverage updrafts to achieve altitude. These advantages are all offered by the lens-shaped airbag. In a preferred embodiment, the eVTOL's airbag has a volume between 200 and 500 cubic meters.

[0031] In this embodiment, the lens-shaped airbag and the spherical cabin below form an inverted triangle, which effectively lowers the center of gravity of the airship. The center of gravity and the center of lift of the airship overlap or are very close to each other, and the center of buoyancy is always below the center of gravity. When stationary, the center of buoyancy and the center of gravity remain on the same plumb line. Its design conforms to the statically stable configuration and ensures the comfort and safety of passengers. The lens-shaped capsule design reduces turbulence through the front-pointed and rear-expanded streamlined shape, significantly reducing aerodynamic drag, thereby optimizing aerodynamic performance and improving flight performance. The stability of the eVTOL is significantly improved during flight. Even when the battery is exhausted, the eVTOL of this embodiment will not fall rapidly, and can glide in the air, greatly improving the safety and reliability of flight.

[0032] Existing eVTOLs have short hovering times and, if they stall or their engines stop mid-air, they will free fall. While the eVTOL of this embodiment, with its helium-enclosed airbag, is heavier than air overall, its weight in the air is significantly lighter than that of an eVTOL without a helium-enclosed airbag. Furthermore, the airbag's umbrella-shaped, disc-shaped wing surface allows for better hovering time and prevents a rapid free fall. This extends reaction time at low altitudes, making a smooth and safe landing easier. Another benefit of the lens-shaped airbag is its larger, disc-shaped bottom wing area, which facilitates climbing with the help of updrafts (similar to the principle that glider wings use updrafts to increase range and hovering time), thereby increasing hovering time and reducing power consumption.

[0033] The lens-shaped airbag in this embodiment, which is similar to the disc-shaped airbag, has a larger force-bearing surface. During takeoff, it can be assisted by the blower of the accompanying dedicated transceiver platform. During landing, the blower of the accompanying dedicated transceiver platform can provide reverse suction force to firmly adsorb the lens-shaped capsule. In this way, the eVTOL of this embodiment saves more power during takeoff and landing, which is conducive to extending the hovering time.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the lens-shaped airbag is a small airbag of 200-500 cubic meters, which can generate a lift of 200-500 kilograms (the lift generated by 1 cubic meter of helium is approximately equal to 1 kilogram).

[0035] The metal ring for installing the cabin in this embodiment can also be a locker, such as the first automatic locker 5 in the figure. When the eVTOL falls into the designated storage and deployment platform, it is locked with the corresponding lock in the designated storage and deployment platform.

[0036] In one embodiment, a second automatic lock 11 is also provided on the outside of the bottom of the cabin 2. Optionally, this second automatic lock 11 can be an electromagnetic lock or a physical lock. When the eVTOL lands on a designated stowage platform, it engages the corresponding lock on the designated stowage platform. In this embodiment, a dual locking device is designed under the pod for anchoring the eVTOL: one is an electromagnetic locking device, and the other is a physical lock.

[0037] Of course, multiple locks can be provided on the cabin 2 and are not limited to the above embodiment.

[0038] Optionally, a helium recovery port (not shown) for inflating and deflating the airbag 1 may be provided within the cabin 2 of this embodiment. This port is cleverly designed within the cabin 2 to prevent the airbag from escaping by automatically releasing the helium if the airbag separates from the cabin.

[0039] In one embodiment, a pressure relief control device may be further provided inside the passenger cabin 2 , and the gas in the bladder 1 may be slowly released by activating the pressure relief control device.

[0040] The tilting ducted fan vector electric propulsion system consists of a ducted fan, a drive motor, and a controller. This system is an electric drive power unit consisting of a ducted fan, a drive motor, and its controller. By inputting appropriate voltage and electrical power to drive the blades at high speed, it can generate continuously controllable thrust (or pull) force.

[0041] The eVTOL with a small airbag in this embodiment can be equipped with multiple ducted fan vector electric propulsion systems. This embodiment uses ducted fan vector power combined with helium buoyancy, and uses electric lift propellers and thrust propellers to drive the eVTOL, achieving flexible vertical takeoff and landing and flight control.

[0042] The eVTOL's ducted fan vectored electric propulsion system provides powerful, moderate thrust and stability, while achieving low-noise, high-efficiency flight performance. In this embodiment, a battery pack 9 and control equipment 10 are also located within the cabin. The electric motor and rechargeable battery pack provide the eVTOL with power.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, two ducted fan vector electric propulsion systems (i.e., tilting ducted lift propellers) are distributed on the left and right sides of the cabin 6, and a propeller propeller 8 is provided at the rear of the cabin 6.

[0044] The eVTOL of this embodiment integrates advanced technologies such as high-precision navigation, obstacle avoidance, and autonomous flight control to ensure flight safety and achieve fully autonomous flight and intelligent control.

[0045] To ensure flight and passenger safety, the eVTOL with small airbags in this embodiment of the present invention may also include visual, laser, and radar collision warning systems, a pressure relief control device, and a pod safety lock (not shown). In an emergency, the pressure relief control device can be activated to slowly release helium, enabling a slow and safe landing. When flying close to the ground, in an emergency, a safety cable with a hook can be dropped from the pod to secure a stable ground attachment, preventing the eVTOL from escaping due to wind disturbances and achieving temporary anchoring.

[0046] This embodiment provides an eVTOL with a small airbag. While its flight speed is reduced, its safety and airborne duration are increased. This is due to the large volume of the helium airbag, which is made of a polymer material that is particularly tough and resistant to rubbing. Furthermore, the airship's airbag is low-pressure, with the internal pressure typically between 1 and 2 inches of water column (approximately 250-500 Pa). The airbag's internal pressure is typically slightly higher than ambient pressure to maintain the airship's aerodynamic shape. Even if a hole develops in the airbag, the helium will not leak rapidly, resulting in a high safety factor.

[0047] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention. Of course, the present invention may have many other embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art may make various corresponding changes and modifications based on the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the scope of protection of the claims attached to the present invention.

Claims

1. An eVTOL with a small airbag, characterized by: The invention comprises a single lens-shaped capsule (1) and a cabin (6), wherein a curtain (3) in the single lens-shaped capsule (1) is connected to a carbon fiber embedded part (2) located at the bottom via a tie rod (4), an exposed portion of the carbon fiber embedded part (2) is provided with a metal ring (5), and the cabin (6) is mounted on the metal ring (5) via bolts or buckles.

2. The eVTOL with a small airbag according to claim 1, characterized in that: The volume of the single lens-shaped capsule (1) is 200 cubic meters to 500 cubic meters.

3. The eVTOL with a small airbag according to claim 1, characterized in that: A tilting ducted fan vector electric propulsion system (7) is respectively provided on both sides outside the bottom of the cabin (6), and a propeller propeller (8) is provided at the tail of the cabin (6).

4. The eVTOL with a small airbag according to claim 1, characterized in that: The passenger cabin (6) is provided with a plurality of locking devices on the outside thereof, which are used to fall into a designated platform and lock the passenger cabin with corresponding locking devices on the platform.

5. The eVTOL with a small airbag according to claim 4, characterized in that: The locking device is a physical lock or an electromagnetic lock.

6. The eVTOL with a small airbag according to claim 1, characterized in that: A helium charging and discharging port for inflating and discharging the single lens-shaped capsule (1) is provided inside the cabin (6).

7. The eVTOL with a small airbag according to claim 1, characterized in that: A safety pressure relief control device is provided in the passenger cabin (6), and the pressure relief control device is activated to release the gas in the bladder (1).

8. The eVTOL with a small airbag according to claim 1, characterized in that: A safety cable with a hook is provided in the cabin (6).

9. The eVTOL with a small airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The single lens-shaped capsule (1) is detachable; The single lens-shaped capsule (1) is foldable.

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