Collapsible Dual-Engine VTOL Fixed-Wing Aircraft for Runway-Free Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fixed-wing aircraft require runways for takeoff and landing, limiting their deployment to specific locations, and autonomous drones face transportation constraints that restrict their size and range.

Innovation Solution

A dual-engine vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) collapsible fixed-wing aircraft design that allows for vertical takeoff and landing, transition to horizontal flight, and disassembly into a compact form for transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed-wing aircraft use conventional horizontal takeoff and landing, then the aircraft can achieve efficient flight, but the aircraft requires runways which restricts deployment locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment location flexibilityVSAvoidtakeoff and landing requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The aircraft is divided into separable components including detachable wings and modular fuselage sections that can be assembled and disassembled. This segmentation enables the aircraft to be transported to remote locations without requiring infrastructure, while still functioning as a complete fixed-wing aircraft when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The aircraft incorporates transformable structures including movable wings that can transition between extended and retracted positions, and adjustable empennage configurations. These dynamic features allow the aircraft to adapt its form factor for different operational modes and facilitate compact storage during transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Length of moving object

If autonomous drones are transported on larger vessels to reach distant locations, then the drones can be deployed far from source locations, but the size of the aircraft is restricted by transportation constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaircraft sizeVSAvoidtransportation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The aircraft components are designed to nest within each other during transport configuration, with wings folding into the fuselage and smaller components storing within larger structures. This nesting arrangement minimizes the transport footprint while maintaining full aircraft functionality when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the aircraft is designed as a collapsible structure for easy transport, then the aircraft can be transported in a disassembled state, but the structural integrity and strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport capabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The aircraft components are pre-assembled into modular units with precision-engineered connection interfaces that ensure proper alignment and structural integrity when assembled. Fastening mechanisms are pre-configured to maintain consistent connection quality across multiple assembly cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The aircraft employs materials and structural designs that can dynamically adjust their mechanical properties. Components use materials with high strength-to-weight ratios and structures that can transition between compact and expanded states while maintaining structural integrity through controlled parameter changes in material density and geometric configuration.

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

Enables runway-independent operation, expands deployment locations, and allows for larger aircraft designs by facilitating transport in a disassembled state, while maintaining efficient range and endurance.

Implementation Method 1

The aircraft comprises a fuselage, a pair of wings coupled to the fuselage, a pair of empennages coupled to the fuselage, and a pair of propellers mounted on the wings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic lift and thrust: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentUS12296968B2Dual engine vertical take off and landing collapsible fixed wing aircraft

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 ANDURIL IND INC

AI summary

The present application discloses an aircraft. The aircraft comprises a first wing and a second wing, a fuselage to which the first wing and the second wing are mounted, a first engine operatively mounted to the first wing, and a second engine operatively mounted to the second wing. The aircraft is configured to vertically take-off and land. The first engine and the second engine are used for both (i) vertical take-off and landing, and (ii) horizontal flight.