Cycloidal Rotor Non-Circular Blade Orbit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cycloidal rotors with circular orbits are limited in their ability to adjust lift-to-thrust ratios and efficiency, particularly in varying flight conditions, and are susceptible to wind gusts and turbulence.
Innovation Solution
A cycloidal rotor system that allows blades to follow a non-circular orbit, such as elliptical or elongated paths, enabling dynamic adjustment of blade trajectory and spatial orientation, which enhances lift and thrust generation efficiency by optimizing orbit shape based on operational regimes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If blades rotate in a circular orbit, then the rotor structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the lift-to-thrust ratio cannot be dynamically adjusted and aerodynamic efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic blade orbit system where blades can transition between circular and non-circular (elliptical, figure-eight, etc.) orbits. This is achieved through a mechanism that allows radial movement of blades relative to the rotation axis, enabling the rotor to adapt its geometry dynamically based on flight conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the orbital parameters of blade rotation from fixed circular paths to variable non-circular paths. By modifying the orbit shape parameter (circularity ratio), the system can optimize lift-to-thrust ratios for different flight regimes while maintaining a relatively simple base structure, addressing both manufacturing ease and operational versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If blades follow a non-circular orbit, then lift-to-thrust ratio can be optimized for different flight conditions, but the rotor structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor system is segmented into independent blade units, each capable of individual radial positioning. This segmentation allows complex non-circular orbit control to be achieved through simple, repeatable positioning mechanisms on each blade, rather than requiring a complex centralized control system, thus managing device complexity while maintaining flight condition adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade positioning mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls radial position for orbit shape, adjusts angle of attack, and enables transition between different flight regimes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving comprehensive flight condition adaptability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If circular orbit is used, then the rotor is stable and easy to control, but efficiency in varying flight conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains stability through a controlled transition mechanism that smoothly changes blade orbits from circular to non-circular and back. The dynamic adjustment is performed in a controlled manner that preserves rotor stability while optimizing aerodynamic efficiency for varying flight conditions, resolving the contradiction between stability and productivity.
4Use of energy by moving object
If conventional circular cycloidal rotor is used, then power requirements are reduced, but lift and thrust generation efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the orbital parameters of blade rotation to maximize the ratio of useful work (lift and thrust) to energy input. By adjusting orbit shape, size, and blade positioning dynamically, the system extracts maximum aerodynamic efficiency from each unit of power consumed, resolving the contradiction between power consumption and power generation efficiency.
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
The system significantly improves lift and thrust capabilities, increases efficiency by allowing greater control over vortex formation and shedding, and enhances maneuverability and resistance to environmental changes.
Implementation Method 1
the blade can produce the desired aerodynamic effect... the kinds of aerodynamic effects that can be produced... lift or thrust generation... aerodynamic efficiency
Implementation Method 2
When the rotor of the present invention works in a regime where vorticity based effects are utilised, the ability to select and dynamically adjust the blade's trajectory and spatial orientation allows control of the formation, spanwise movement, retention and shedding of the leading and trailing edge vortexes
Data Source
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AI summary
A cycloidal rotor system having airfoil blades travelling along a generally non-circular, elongated and, in most embodiments, dynamically variable orbit. Such non-circular orbit provides a greater period in each revolution and an optimized relative wind along the trajectory for each blade to efficiently maximise lift when orbits are elongated horizontally, or thrust/propulsion when orbits are vertically elongated. Most embodiments, in addition to having the computer system controlled actuators to dynamically vary the blade trajectory and the angle of attack, can also have the computer system controlled actuators for dynamically varying the spatial orientation of the blades; enabling their slanting motion upward/downward and/or backsweep/forwardsweep positioning to produce and precisely control a variety of aerodynamic effects suited for providing optimum performance for various operating regimes, counter wind gusts and enable the craft to move sideways. Thus a rotor is provided, which when used in a VTOL rotorcraft, will require lower engine power to match or exceed the operating performance of VTOL rotorcrafts equipped with prior art rotors, this rotor also offers increased efficiency and decreased required power when used for generating the propulsive force for various vehicles or used as a fan.