Deployable Resistance Structure Latch for Lightweight VTOL Aircraft

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing moving objects require a large propulsion system for vertical takeoff and landing, which increases weight and power consumption due to complex structures or structures requiring power consumption for holding resistance structures in a retracted state.

Innovation Solution

A moving object with a pivotable resistance structure and a lightweight holding mechanism that uses a rotating body engaged with an engagement recess to switch between retracted and deployed states, reducing weight and power consumption by allowing the structure to be held stably without additional power when retracted and deployed as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a complicated structure or a structure requiring power consumption is employed as the holding structure for holding the resistance structure in the retracted state, then the propulsion system can be reduced in size, but the weight of the holding structure may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropulsion system sizeVSAvoidholding structure weight

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The holding structure utilizes the resistance structure's own weight and the elastic force of the elastic member to maintain the retracted state, without requiring additional power consumption or complex active control mechanisms. The system serves itself by using inherent physical properties rather than external power sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical holding mechanisms or power-consuming active control systems with a simple elastic member-based mechanism. The elastic member provides passive elastic force to maintain the retracted state, substituting complicated mechanical structures with a simpler elastic-based solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Weight of moving object

If a lightweight holding structure is desired, then the weight of the moving object can be reduced, but the propulsion system size may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding structure weightVSAvoidpropulsion system size

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The holding structure uses the resistance structure's own weight and the elastic force of the elastic member to maintain the retracted state, without requiring additional power consumption or complex active control mechanisms. The system serves itself by using inherent physical properties rather than external power sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical holding mechanisms or power-consuming active control systems with a simple elastic member-based mechanism. The elastic member provides passive elastic force to maintain the retracted state, substituting complicated mechanical structures with a simpler elastic-based solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Weight of moving object

If the resistance structure is held in the retracted state using a simple configuration, then the weight of the holding structure can be reduced, but the stability of holding may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding structure weightVSAvoidholding stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical holding mechanisms or power-consuming active control systems with a simple elastic member-based mechanism. The elastic member provides passive elastic force to maintain the retracted state, substituting complicated mechanical structures with a simpler elastic-based solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the essential holding function from complex mechanical systems, using a minimalistic approach with the elastic member and engagement recess. This extraction of the core function achieves stable holding with minimal structure and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution reduces the weight and power consumption of the moving object by enabling efficient deployment and retraction of resistance structures, contributing to energy efficiency and stable operation.

Implementation Method 1

the holding structure includes: a holding main body portion supported by the moving object main body; and a rotating body rotatably supported by the holding main body portion and configured to be engaged with the engagement recess in the retracted state of the resistance structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

it is conceivable to provide a resistance structure that switches from a retracted state to a deployed state when landing and functions to increase air resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir resistance: Drag

Data Source

PatentUS12589861B2Moving object

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A moving object includes a moving object main body, a resistance structure which can be switched at least from a retracted state to a deployed state, and a holding structure which holds the resistance structure in the retracted state. The resistance structure includes an engagement recess. The holding structure includes a holding main body portion supported by the moving object main body, and a rotating body configured to be engaged with the engagement recess in the retracted state of the resistance structure. When a force equal to or larger than a predetermined force is applied to the resistance structure, engagement of the rotating body with the engagement recess is released, and the resistance structure is switched from the retracted state to the deployed state.