Electrodynamic Aerodynamic Braking Stubs for Aircraft Deceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft braking systems, including parachute-based solutions, are inadequate for safely landing damaged or malfunctioning high-speed jet airliners, as they either fail to provide sufficient deceleration or pose risks to passengers due to high deceleration forces.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing electrodynamic and aerodynamic braking forces generated by dielectric and metal foil stubs, where each stub forms a capacitor charged by a generator, creating drag and deceleration forces through interaction with atmospheric ions and air, allowing for gradual speed reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If parachute-based braking systems are used for aircraft, then deceleration force is provided, but the deceleration is too high causing harm to passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is divided into multiple independent ion interaction modules distributed across the aircraft body. Each module contains ionization elements and charged surfaces that independently generate electrodynamic drag, allowing the total deceleration force to be distributed over time and space rather than applied suddenly as with parachutes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system begins deceleration immediately upon activation by generating ion interactions and electrodynamic forces, eliminating the need for parachute deployment delays. The gradual braking process starts right away and continues progressively, allowing passengers to adapt to the deceleration rather than experiencing sudden force application.
2Speed
If electrodynamic braking with ion interaction is used, then gradual deceleration is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the naturally occurring ionized particles in the atmosphere as the braking medium, eliminating the need for complex propellant systems or active ion generation equipment. The aircraft's own motion through the ion-containing atmosphere generates the necessary interactions, and the electrodynamic forces arise from the interaction between charged surfaces and ambient ions.
Solution Approach 2:
The charged surfaces and ion interaction modules serve multiple functions: they generate electrodynamic drag for deceleration, can be controlled to adjust braking intensity, and work effectively across various atmospheric conditions and altitudes. The same system components that provide braking also contribute to aerodynamic stability.
3Ease of operation
If multiple braking mechanisms are combined, then deceleration control is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls deceleration by varying electrical parameters such as charge voltage, current distribution, and activation patterns of different modules rather than adding mechanical complexity. By changing electrical parameters, the braking force can be precisely controlled from minimal to maximum levels, providing smooth deceleration profiles without requiring multiple discrete mechanical systems.
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
Enables safe and controlled deceleration of high-speed aircraft, reducing the risk of injury and damage by distributing deceleration forces effectively, suitable for both atmospheric and re-entry scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
applying electrodynamic and aerodynamic braking forces
Implementation Method 2
form a capacitor. Each stub, before the braking force is activated, is stored in a barrel
Implementation Method 3
aerodynamic braking forces... created by the interaction of the spiral stub with air
Data Source
AI summary
A system for slowing down the speed of flying objects by applying electrodynamic and aerodynamic braking forces. The system is comprised of plurality of stubs, where each stub is made of dielectric material surrounded by metal foil and another metal foil is inserted in the middle of the stub, where the outer metal foil and the inner metal foil are isolated from each other, so that they form a capacitor. Each stub is stored in a barrel before being used. When activated, the stubs are stretched from the barrel as a tail behind the flying object. The area of the stub generates aerodynamic drag. The stub capacitor is charged by a generator so that free electrons are present in the outer metal layer of the stub. The electric field produced by these charges interacts with ions in the atmosphere.