Controllable Kite Single Tether Aerodynamic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tethered flight systems, such as kites, require multiple tethers for positioning adjustments, which increase aerodynamic drag and handling challenges, necessitating a system with a highly efficient lifting surface and aerodynamic control using only a single tether.
Innovation Solution
A controllable kite system incorporating a single tether with a heavier-than-air lifting surface, such as a wing, and an aerodynamic control system that adjusts attitude using aerodynamic surfaces and a variable bridle, allowing for altitude changes and instrument positioning without additional tethers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple tethers are added to adjust kite positioning, then kite positioning control is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases and handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning control function from multiple tethers and concentrates it into a single tether system. The traditional approach uses multiple tethers for different control functions, but this invention consolidates all positioning and control functions into one tether, eliminating the drag and complexity associated with additional lines while maintaining full control capability through strategic attachment point selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The single tether serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides lifting force, enables positioning control, and allows attitude adjustment. By making the single tether universal for all control functions that traditionally required multiple specialized tethers, the system achieves full functionality without the penalties of multiple lines.
2Ease of operation
If multiple tethers are added to adjust kite positioning, then kite positioning control is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complexity of managing multiple tethers by extracting the essential control function and implementing it through a single tether with strategically positioned attachment points. This eliminates the need for handlers to manage multiple lines simultaneously, reducing operational complexity while preserving positioning control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single tether is designed to perform all control functions—positioning, altitude adjustment, and attitude control—through its various attachment points on the kite. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple specialized tethers into one universal control line, significantly reducing system complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a single tether is used, then aerodynamic drag is reduced and handling is simplified, but kite positioning control capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single tether into multiple functional attachment points along its length. Each attachment point serves a specific control function, allowing the single tether to provide differentiated control capabilities equivalent to multiple tethers. This segmentation enables precise positioning control while maintaining the aerodynamic advantages of a single-line system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of spatial distribution by placing attachment points at different locations along the tether and on the kite structure. This transforms the control mechanism from multiple separate tethers to a single tether with distributed attachment points in three-dimensional space, maintaining control capability while reducing drag.
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 efficient and controlled flight with aerodynamic control surfaces while using only a single tether, reducing drag and handling complexity, and supporting various sensors along the tether for data collection at different altitudes.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting surface, wherein the lifting surface is heavier-than-air
Implementation Method 2
an aerodynamic surface control system configured to adjust an attitude of the lifting surface while the kite is aloft
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments may provide a kite system that incorporates a highly efficient lifting surface combined with aerodynamic control surfaces while using only a single tether. Such a kite having a lifting surface combined with aerodynamic control surfaces while using only a single tether may be referred to as a “controllable kite”. Embodiments may include a controllable kite configured to operate aloft connected to only a single tether, the kite including a lifting surface that is heavier-than-air, an aerodynamic surface control system configured to adjust an attitude of the lifting surface while the kite is aloft, and an attachment point connecting the single tether to the kite.