Aircraft Takeoff Platform With Pivotable Receiving Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power generation systems using aircraft, or 'flying wind turbines,' face challenges in designing a complex and costly structure for easy takeoff and landing, especially in areas with limited infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A platform for the takeoff and landing of an aircraft, featuring a stationary support and a receiving structure with a pivotably mounted turntable and flexible air-permeable device, allowing the aircraft to take off and land autonomously without propulsion, using wind force to generate lift and power generation through a cable system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex structure is designed to enable easy takeoff and landing, then the aircraft can be easily taken off and landed, but the infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving structure is made pivotable relative to the stationary support through an orientable turntable, allowing it to rotate and adjust its orientation. This dynamic capability enables the structure to adapt to different wind directions and aircraft approaches without requiring a complex multi-component infrastructure, thus achieving ease of operation with reduced structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is divided into distinct functional segments: a stationary support, a pivotable receiving structure, and a flexible air-permeable device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining ease of takeoff and landing operations
2Ease of operation
If a large infrastructure is built for aircraft takeoff and landing, then the aircraft can operate easily, but the space occupied and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable receiving structure allows the platform to utilize vertical space and rotational movement rather than requiring a large horizontal footprint. The structure can rotate to accommodate aircraft from different directions, providing operational flexibility within a compact area, thus reducing the overall platform footprint while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable receiving structure serves multiple functions: it provides a landing surface, acts as a wind indicator, and enables aircraft approach from various directions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate infrastructure components, thereby reducing the overall space required while maintaining operational ease
3Strength
If a rigid structure is used for aircraft support, then the structural strength is high, but the ability to cushion landing and adapt to wind direction decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving structure is designed to be pivotable relative to the stationary support, allowing it to rotate and adjust its orientation according to wind direction. This dynamic adaptability is achieved while maintaining structural strength through the pivot mechanism, which allows the structure to both withstand forces and reorient itself, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation parameter of the receiving structure can be changed through the pivotable connection, allowing it to adjust to different wind directions. This parameter change capability is maintained alongside structural strength, as the pivot mechanism is designed to handle operational loads while enabling reorientation, thus achieving both strength and adaptability
4Use of energy by moving object
If a flexible air-permeable device is used instead of a rigid enclosure, then the wind can pass through to generate lift, but the structural support and protection decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving structure incorporates a flexible air-permeable device that allows wind to pass through while maintaining structural support. This flexible element can be a mesh or permeable material that provides sufficient strength to support the aircraft during takeoff and landing while allowing adequate air flow to generate lift, thus resolving the contradiction between energy utilization and structural protection
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible air-permeable device is positioned strategically within the receiving structure to provide localized protection and support where needed, while maintaining overall air permeability. This local quality approach allows the structure to protect the aircraft during critical phases while still permitting sufficient wind flow for lift generation, balancing protection and energy utilization
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
The platform enables efficient and autonomous takeoff and landing of aircraft, reducing infrastructure requirements and maintaining ease of maintenance, while effectively generating electric power by harnessing wind energy.
Implementation Method 1
The aircraft is able to land as the generator becomes the motor and rewinds the cable to ensure the aircraft has sufficient descent speed to fly back to the platform
Implementation Method 2
The takeoff and landing platform of the invention allows the aircraft to be pitched in such a way as to generate sufficient lift to enable it to take off
Implementation Method 3
a generator designed to produce electric power from the forces applied by the wind to the aircraft via a cable
Implementation Method 4
The flexible device comprises at least two elastic elements which are arranged on either side of a vertical median plane of the landing structure so as to cushion the landing of the aircraft in the landing structure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a platform (28) for the take-off and landing of an aircraft (12) for generating electric power by means of a generator (24) and comprising:a stationary support (30);a receiving structure (32) that is intended to accommodate the aircraft (12) and is connected to the stationary support (30); The receiving structure (32) is mounted pivotably relative to the stationary support (30) by means of an orientable turntable (38) so as to allow the receiving structure (32) to be positioned according to the wind direction. The receiving structure (32) for accommodating the aircraft (12) comprises an air-permeable net (34) that is stretched between arms (36) belonging to the receiving structure (32).