Interchangeable Aircraft Power Modules for Flexible Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft systems lack the ability to interchange motive power sources without dismantling the aircraft, limiting flexibility in power technology selection and increasing certification complexity.
Innovation Solution
Aircraft power modules that are interchangeable and attachable to the fuselage externally, allowing selection of different power technologies and modular certification, with a ground handling system for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motive power sources are integrated into the aircraft structure, then structural strength and reliability are improved, but adaptability and ease of replacement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The power source system is segmented into modular power modules that can be independently attached and detached from the aircraft fuselage. Each power module contains complete power generation or storage systems (engines, generators, batteries) as self-contained units, allowing replacement without affecting the aircraft structure or other systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The power modules are extracted from traditional integrated aircraft installations and positioned externally on the fuselage surface. This extraction allows the power modules to be removed and replaced without dismantling the aircraft structure, while maintaining reliable power transmission through dedicated connection interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If power modules are made interchangeable and externally attachable, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power module interfaces are designed with universal mounting structures that can accommodate different power module types on the same aircraft fuselage. The standardized attachment points, electrical connections, and mechanical couplings allow various power technologies to be interchangeably installed using the same mounting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuselage surface serves as an intermediary platform between the aircraft structure and the power modules. Dedicated mounting structures on the fuselage provide standardized interfaces that simplify the connection process, mediating between the aircraft's power needs and the interchangeable power module designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional aircraft power systems are used, then certification processes are simplified, but flexibility in power technology selection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The certification process is segmented into separate levels: aircraft fuselage certification remains unchanged, while power modules can be independently certified as separate units. This segmentation allows different power module technologies to be certified once and then interchangeably installed on certified aircraft without requiring complete recertification of the aircraft system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system and interface standards are designed to be universal across different power module types, allowing a single certification of the aircraft fuselage and mounting structure to support multiple power module technologies. This universality reduces certification complexity by eliminating the need for separate aircraft certifications for each power technology.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft, such as a rotary-wing aircraft, may be selectably fitted with power modules that may be installed in or removed from corresponding openings in the aircraft fuselage. The power modules may be interchangeable with other power modules, The power modules may utilize different technologies or thermodynamic cycles to generate power, including electrical batteries, fuel cells, a turbine powered generator, a reciprocating engine-powered generator, a turbine engine, a reciprocating engine, or other electrical or mechanical sources of power. The power modules may transfer electrical or mechanical power to the aircraft to maintain the aircraft in flight or to provide propulsion to the aircraft. An aircraft control system may detect the installed power modules and adjust inceptors and displays to correspond to the installed power modules.