Asymmetric Nacelle Configuration for Hover CG Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In traditional 'turbo-prop' nacelle configurations, the center of gravity (CG) control capability is compromised during hover operations due to the placement of engines and propeller-rotors below the wing, exceeding hover CG limits.
Innovation Solution
An asymmetric nacelle configuration is employed, where one engine is supported above the wing and the other below, with propeller-rotor engines positioned asymmetrically on the wing surfaces to define a transversely oriented lift axis, enhancing CG control during hover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If engines and propeller-rotors are positioned below the wing in a traditional turbo-prop nacelle configuration, then the structure is simplified and ease of manufacture is improved, but center of gravity control capability deteriorates and hover CG limits are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the first engine above the wing and the second engine below the wing, creating an asymmetric nacelle configuration. This asymmetric arrangement allows the center of gravity to be controlled within acceptable limits during hover operations, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and CG control capability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If engines are positioned symmetrically below the wing, then structural symmetry is maintained and manufacturing is simplified, but hover CG limits are exceeded and stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately breaks structural symmetry by positioning engines asymmetrically (one above, one below the wing). This asymmetric configuration enables proper CG control during hover operations while maintaining overall vehicle stability, resolving the contradiction between structural symmetry and hover CG control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tail sitter configuration with multi-attitude capability is implemented, then versatility and adaptability are improved, but CG control about three axes becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric nacelle configuration simplifies CG control for multi-attitude operations by positioning engines to naturally balance the vehicle in hover and flight attitudes. The asymmetric arrangement (first engine above, second engine below the wing) provides inherent CG control about three axes, reducing the complexity associated with tail sitter multi-attitude capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is provided and includes a wing having opposite surfaces and opposite sides and first and second engines disposed to drive wing movement and being respectively supported asymmetrically on the opposite surfaces and at the opposite sides of the wing.