Autogyro Thrust Vectoring for Smoother Vertical Landings

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 landing gear, resulting in weight penalties and aerodynamic drag.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a forward propulsion system with a thrust steering control device to generate a vertical thrust component during landing operations, reducing the autogyro's vertical descent velocity by steering the thrust vector, thereby allowing for smoother vertical landings without the need for additional shock-absorbing gear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If special shock-absorbing landing gear is implemented to reduce vertical descent velocity, then passenger comfort is improved, but weight and aerodynamic drag increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassenger comfortVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The forward propulsion system serves dual purposes: generating horizontal thrust during flight and providing vertical thrust component during landing to reduce descent velocity. The system uses itself (the propulsion system) to solve the landing problem without requiring separate shock-absorbing gear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The forward propulsion system is made multi-functional by enabling it to generate both horizontal thrust (during flight) and vertical thrust component (during landing). The thrust steering control device allows the same propulsion system to adapt its thrust direction according to flight phase, eliminating the need for dedicated landing gear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If special shock-absorbing landing gear is implemented to reduce vertical descent velocity, then passenger comfort is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassenger comfortVSAvoidaerodynamic drag

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The forward propulsion system serves dual purposes: generating horizontal thrust during flight and providing vertical thrust component during landing to reduce descent velocity. The system uses itself (the propulsion system) to solve the landing problem without requiring separate shock-absorbing gear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The forward propulsion system is made multi-functional by enabling it to generate both horizontal thrust (during flight) and vertical thrust component (during landing). The thrust steering control device allows the same propulsion system to adapt its thrust direction according to flight phase, eliminating the need for dedicated landing gear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If vertical autorotation landing is used, then simplicity and low maintenance cost are maintained, but vertical descent velocity becomes excessively high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidvertical descent velocity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The propulsion system dynamically adjusts its thrust direction using the thrust steering control device. During approach, the thrust vector is steered to provide a vertical component that counteracts descent velocity, while maintaining the overall simplicity of the autorotation system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of thrust direction (from purely horizontal to having a vertical component) during landing phase. This parameter change allows the same simple autorotation system to achieve controlled descent without complex additional mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach significantly reduces the forward and vertical velocities during landing, enabling smooth vertical landings with minimal weight increase and aerodynamic drag, thus enhancing passenger comfort and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a forward propulsion system for generating a horizontal thrust component for propelling the autogyro forward during flight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReaction (physics): Reaction (physics)

Data Source

PatentUS11372427B2System and method for enhanced altitude control of an autogyro

Publication Date: 2022.06.28 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A system for altitude control of an autogyro includes an unpowered rotor for generating lift and a forward propulsion system for generating a horizontal thrust component of a thrust vector for propelling the autogyro forward during flight. The system for altitude control also includes at least one thrust steering control devices configured to steer thrust generated by the forward propulsion system such that the forward propulsion system generates a vertical thrust component of the thrust vector.