Contra-Rotating Ring VSTOL Aircraft with Articulating Airfoils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vertical short takeoff and landing (VSTOL) aircraft designs face limitations in flexibility, especially in urban environments, lacking the ability to generate lift in multiple orientations and maintain altitude with minimal energy consumption, and are prone to losing lift capability due to environmental conditions or inversions.
Innovation Solution
The use of contra-rotating rings with articulating airfoils that can rotate and change pitch to generate lift, allowing the aircraft to utilize ambient air currents for sustained flight with minimal energy expenditure, and featuring a disc-shaped fuselage for reduced drag and radar cross-section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional VSTOL aircraft designs (helicopters, turbine-based craft) are used, then lift capability is maintained, but energy consumption is high and continuous power expenditure is required to remain aloft
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft employs dynamic wings that can actively change their configuration and orientation. The wings transition from a horizontal configuration during powered flight to a vertical configuration for gliding, allowing the aircraft to adapt its aerodynamic properties dynamically. This dynamic adaptation enables the aircraft to exploit ambient air currents effectively, reducing energy consumption while maintaining lift capability through controlled gliding maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the typically wasted kinetic energy from engine exhaust into useful lift. The exhaust gases are directed through nozzles positioned to generate additional thrust and lift, transforming what would be a harmful waste product into a beneficial force that extends range and duration without additional energy expenditure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional VSTOL aircraft are used, then flight capability is achieved, but flexibility in confined areas and ability to navigate urban environments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft features dynamically adjustable wings that can change their angle and orientation. During confined area navigation, the wings can be positioned at various angles to optimize maneuverability and exploit air currents. The ability to transition between horizontal and vertical configurations allows the aircraft to navigate urban environments with buildings and obstacles, providing flexibility comparable to helicopters but with reduced complexity in the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft design integrates multiple functions into a single platform. The same dynamic wing system that enables VSTOL capability also provides gliding functionality and maneuverability in confined areas. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems for different flight regimes, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If aircraft with preferred orientation are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but ability to generate lift in multiple orientations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft employs dynamically configurable wings that can change their orientation relative to the fuselage. The wings are mounted on articulation points that allow them to pivot between horizontal and vertical positions. This dynamic configuration enables the aircraft to generate lift in multiple orientations without requiring complex structural modifications to the fuselage or basic airframe, as the adaptability is achieved through the movable wing 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
This design enhances the aircraft's flexibility and operational capacity in confined areas, enabling efficient navigation and long-range deployment while reducing energy consumption and maintaining lift capability in various orientations and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The contra-rotating rings with attached airfoils rotate about the center axis of the apparatus and generate lift
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for vertical or short takeoff and landing. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises two or more counter driven rings with one or more airfoils attached. In one variant, there is an upper ring and a lower ring, each with multiple airfoils attached. In one variant, lift is generated largely via ambient air currents, allowing for long term on-station operation of the device.