Autogyro Thrust Vectoring for Smooth Vertical Autorotation Landings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autogyros experience high vertical descent velocities during vertical autorotation landings, leading to uncomfortable jolts, which existing solutions attempt to mitigate through special shock-absorbing gear, resulting in weight penalties and aerodynamic drag.
Innovation Solution
An enhanced landing control system that utilizes the forward propulsion system of the autogyro to reduce vertical descent velocity by steering thrust vectors during landing operations, employing thrust steering control devices to generate a vertical thrust component, thereby allowing smooth vertical landings with minimal weight and complexity increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vertical autorotation landing is used, then landing simplicity is improved, but vertical descent velocity becomes excessively high causing hard landing
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system dynamically changes thrust vector orientation from horizontal during cruise to vertical during landing. The propulsion unit is mounted on a movable support that can rotate relative to the fuselage, allowing the thrust direction to adapt to different flight phases and resolve the contradiction between simple vertical landing and controlled descent velocity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the propulsion system by redirecting the thrust vector. During landing, the thrust vector is rotated to provide vertical component that counteracts gravity and controls descent velocity, transforming the parameter of thrust direction to solve the hard landing problem while maintaining operational simplicity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shock-absorbing landing gear is implemented, then landing comfort is improved, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system serves dual purposes: providing forward thrust during cruise and acting as a thrust vectoring device during landing. The same propulsion unit that drives the autogyro forward also provides vertical thrust component during landing to reduce descent velocity, eliminating the need for separate shock-absorbing gear and avoiding weight penalty
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shock-absorbing landing gear is added, then landing comfort is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system performs multiple functions across different flight phases. During cruise, it provides horizontal thrust for forward motion. During landing, the movable support rotates the propulsion unit to generate vertical thrust component for descent control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated shock-absorbing landing gear, avoiding the aerodynamic drag that would result from such additional components
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 system effectively reduces vertical descent velocity during landings, enabling smooth vertical landings with a minimal weight penalty of about 3% of the Maximum Take-Off Weight, avoiding the need for heavy shock-absorbing gear and associated drag.
Implementation Method 1
a forward propulsion system for generating a thrust vector having a horizontal thrust component for propelling the autogyro forward during flight
Implementation Method 2
an unpowered rotor for generating lift by autorotation
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2B
AI summary
A system and method for enhanced altitude control of an autogyro (100) of the type comprising an unpowered rotor (106) for generating lift and a forward propulsion system (118) for generating a horizontal thrust component (THH) for propelling the autogyro (100) forward during flight. The system for enhanced altitude control (104) comprises one or more thrust steering control devices (130) for steering the thrust generated by the forward propulsion system (118) such that the forward propulsion system (118) generates a vertical thrust component (THv), thereby solving the problem of excessive vertical descent velocity of the autogyros in landing operations.