Aircraft Propulsion Redundancy via Segmented Counterrotating Propellers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current VTOL aircraft face limitations such as weight imbalance due to single propellers, lack of lift from fixed wings, and vulnerability to power rotor malfunctions, which affect stability and safety during take-off, landing, and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a fuselage with fixed wings, multiple power generator systems with counterrotating propellers, and an amphibious landing gear system, distributing weight centrally for stability and providing redundancy, along with a modular structure for expandability and stealth capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single large propeller is mounted on top of the aircraft (traditional helicopter configuration), then the aircraft can achieve vertical take-off and landing capability, but the aircraft lacks stability and is vulnerable to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The single large propeller is divided into multiple smaller propellers (at least three, preferably four) distributed around the fuselage. Each propeller is mounted on a separate boom or arm extending from the fuselage. This segmentation provides redundancy - if one propeller fails, the others can maintain flight stability and control.
2Force
If fixed wings are added to provide lift benefit, then the aircraft gains improved aerodynamic performance, but the aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed wings are made lightweight through optimized structural design and materials selection. The wing configuration is designed to provide sufficient lift during horizontal flight phases while minimizing weight addition. The wings can be folded or repositioned to reduce drag during vertical flight phases, optimizing the lift-to-weight ratio across different flight modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If powered rotors are mounted at the ends of fixed wings (tiltrotor configuration), then the aircraft achieves VTOL capability, but the aircraft becomes vulnerable to crash from power imbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The propellers are positioned asymmetrically on booms extending from the fuselage rather than at the wing tips, creating a more stable center of gravity distribution. The boom structure provides structural support and positioning that maintains balance. The configuration allows independent control of each propeller's pitch and speed, enabling precise balance control even if one propeller experiences power variations or failure.
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 configuration enables stable vertical take-off and landing on land or water, increased payload capacity, and enhanced maneuverability, making the aircraft suitable for military, rescue, and firefighter missions while reducing noise and radar detectability.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of propellers distributed around a fuselage of the aircraft... each of the at least three propellers independently pitch and speed controllable... capable of vertical take-off and landing
Implementation Method 2
at least three of the propellers counterrotating
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft includes a fuselage having a top surface opposite a bottom surface, a front section, a center section, and a rear section. A first mounting rod and a second mounting rod are coupled to the top surface. The first mounting rod and the second mounting rod are single rods. A first and a second wing are coupled to the center section. A plurality of power generator systems are coupled to the first mounting rod or the second mounting rod. Each power generator system includes a power source, a first propeller and a second propeller. The power source is configured to drive the first propeller and the second propeller. The first propeller and the second propeller have an axis of rotation, and are pivotable between a first position and a second position. A shroud encloses the power generator system.