Adjustable Thrust-Angle Propellers for VTOL Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current VTOL aircraft, including drones, face inefficiencies in energy use and range due to the reliance on propellers for both lift and thrust, leading to rapid energy drain and limited endurance, as well as increased weight and mechanical complexity from control surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An aerodynamic apparatus with adjustable thrust-angle positions for propellers, controlled by electronic motors, allows for reduced reliance on traditional control surfaces, enabling greater endurance and range by transitioning between hover and translational flight modes while minimizing weight and drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If more batteries are included to extend range, then range is improved, but weight increases requiring more lift and causing faster energy drain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic thrust-angle adjustment mechanisms that allow the aircraft to transition between vertical take-off/hover mode and forward flight mode. By dynamically changing the propeller thrust angle, the system optimizes energy consumption at different flight phases, effectively extending range without proportionally increasing battery weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the propulsion system by adjusting the thrust angle of propellers. This parameter change enables the aircraft to operate in different flight modes (vertical vs. horizontal), improving overall energy efficiency and range without directly addressing battery weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If propellers provide both upward thrust and forward thrust, then versatility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the thrust angle of propellers based on flight phase requirements. During vertical take-off and hover, propellers provide upward thrust; during forward flight, the thrust angle is adjusted to provide forward propulsion. This dynamic adaptation maintains versatility while optimizing energy consumption for each specific flight mode.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the thrust angle parameter of the propellers, the system achieves different flight modes without requiring separate propulsion systems. This parameter adjustment enables the same propellers to efficiently provide both vertical lift and forward thrust, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of operation
If traditional control surfaces are used for trajectory control, then control capability is improved, but weight and mechanical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the propeller thrust-angle mechanism serve multiple functions: it provides both propulsion control and trajectory control. By adjusting the thrust angle of individual propellers, the system achieves both forward motion and directional control without requiring separate control surfaces, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining full control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of propulsion and control into a single system. The thrust-angle adjustment mechanism simultaneously controls both the magnitude and direction of thrust, combining what would traditionally require separate propulsion and control surface systems. This integration reduces overall mechanical complexity while preserving full control capability.
4Force
If propellers rotate in a plane parallel to the arm plane for vertical thrust, then vertical lift is improved, but forward maneuvering efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the rotation plane of propellers based on flight phase. During vertical take-off and hover, propellers rotate in a plane parallel to the arm plane to maximize vertical lift. During forward flight, the propeller rotation plane is tilted forward to efficiently generate forward thrust, thereby optimizing both vertical lift and forward maneuvering efficiency at different flight stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the orientation parameter of propeller rotation planes. By adjusting this parameter, the system transitions from a configuration optimized for vertical lift to one optimized for forward propulsion, enabling efficient operation in both vertical and horizontal flight modes without compromising either performance metric.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances flight efficiency by reducing energy consumption, increasing range, and simplifying mechanical complexity, allowing for longer airborne duration and increased range through optimized thrust-angle control and wing-based lift during translational flight.
Implementation Method 1
The propellers are arranged to provide an upward thrust to drone 10 by pushing air downward in a direction that gravity nominally acts
Implementation Method 2
first, second, third, and fourth thrust-angle motors having an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the transverse axis of the fuselage with the first, second, third, and fourth thrust-angle motors coupled proximate a tip of the first, second, third, and fourth wings
Data Source
AI summary
An aeronautical apparatus is disclosed that has two pairs of wings. Each wing has a thrust-angle motor. A propeller and propeller motor are coupled to each thrust-angle motor. Propeller pitch is controlled by a propeller-pitch motor. The thrust-angle motor allows the propeller axis of rotation to be parallel to the fuselage's longitudinal axis; vertical (perpendicular to longitudinal axis, as in well-known fixed-position, four-propeller drones); and any position between as well as a given range exceeding these bounds which is used for control. An electronic control unit is electronically coupled to the thrust-angle motors, propeller motors, and propeller-pitch motors, which can be independently controlled, to provide the desired thrust and trajectory. Such an apparatus can provide efficient operation in vertical take-off/landing (hovering) and forward (translational) flight modes. Control surfaces, such as ailerons, which are provided on airplanes, are unnecessary due to the many degrees of freedom in control.