Concentric Vertical Duct Propulsion With Flap-Based Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional aerial vehicles using multiple rotating propellers suffer from reduced efficiency, limited payload volume, and safety concerns due to exposed propellers, which impact flight time and safety around humans and animals.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a first and second vertically aligned duct with propellers or propulsion systems within each duct, allowing independent airflow management and maneuverability through flaps or wheels, and includes stators for airflow control and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple rotating propellers are used to generate lift and control flight path, then maneuverability is improved, but efficiency is reduced and flight time is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple propeller functions into a single vertical duct system. The duct contains multiple propellers arranged vertically, combining what would traditionally be separate horizontal and vertical thrust generators into one integrated structure. This reduces the total number of exposed propellers while maintaining maneuverability through coordinated operation of the vertical duct propellers and horizontal propellers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing multiple propellers inside the vertical duct structure. The first and second propellers are nested within the duct housing, with their rotation axes aligned vertically. This nested arrangement allows multiple thrust-generating elements to occupy a compact space while being protected by the duct, resolving the contradiction between maneuverability (multiple propellers) and efficiency (reduced drag and interference).
2Ease of operation
If multiple exposed propellers are used for lift generation, then flight control is improved, but payload volume is limited due to small center body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple propeller functions into the vertical duct structure, allowing the center body to be enlarged for payload accommodation. By integrating the first and second propellers within the duct, the design eliminates the need for a small center body configuration, thereby increasing payload volume while maintaining flight control capabilities through the vertical duct's thrust vectoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal propeller arrangement to a vertical duct configuration, utilizing the vertical dimension for thrust generation. This dimensional change allows the propellers to be stacked vertically within the duct, freeing up horizontal space in the center body for payload integration and thereby resolving the contradiction between flight control and payload volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple exposed propellers are used for aerial surveillance tasks, then flight versatility is improved, but safety is reduced around humans and animals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dangerous exposed propeller elements and relocates them inside the protected vertical duct structure. The first and second propellers are positioned within the duct housing, which shields them from direct contact with humans and animals during operation. This extraction from the exposed environment maintains flight versatility while eliminating the safety hazard of exposed rotating blades.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical duct structure serves as an intermediary barrier between the rotating propellers and the external environment. The duct housing acts as a protective mediator that allows the propellers to operate effectively for aerial surveillance tasks while preventing direct interaction with humans and animals, thereby resolving the contradiction between flight versatility and safety.
4Ease of operation
If traditional AV configuration with four or more exposed propellers is used, then flight control is improved, but overall efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple propeller functions into the vertical duct system, reducing the total number of exposed propellers from four or more to a fewer number with the first and second propellers integrated within the duct. This consolidation reduces aerodynamic interference and energy losses associated with multiple separate propeller systems, thereby improving overall efficiency while maintaining flight control through coordinated thrust vectoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of multiple exposed propellers (aerodynamic interference, energy loss) into a benefit by integrating them within the vertical duct. The duct structure channels and optimizes the airflow from the first and second propellers, reducing turbulent interference and energy waste that would occur with multiple exposed propellers, thereby transforming the original problem into an efficiency improvement.
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 configuration enhances efficiency, increases payload capacity, and improves safety by optimizing airflow and reducing noise, while enabling versatile flight and ground navigation.
Implementation Method 1
A propeller generates a low pressure region above it and a high pressure region below it
Implementation Method 2
The stator can be used to redirect a flow
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices include an aerial vehicle (AV) with a plurality of coaxially aligned vertical ducts. The lower vertical duct has a larger diameter than the upper vertical duct. Furthermore, the upper vertical duct at least partially contains a first propulsion component and the lower vertical duct at least partially contains a second propulsion component. The lower vertical duct can be coupled to the upper vertical duct by duct couplers which forms an air intake gap between the upper vertical duct and the lower vertical duct. The AV also includes one or more steering flaps disposed on the lower vertical duct, configured to manipulate an air flow out the bottom of the lower duct, thus controlling navigation and stability of the AV.