Displaceable Control Surface for Aircraft Rotor Pod
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft control surfaces designed for pitch and roll in forward flight are ineffective in controlling attitude during hovering due to their aerodynamic configuration.
Innovation Solution
The aircraft features a rotor pod with a propeller and a control surface that is displaceable between two configurations, with the control surface being closer to the propeller in the first configuration and further in the second, allowing it to rotate relative to the body to control attitude in both hover and forward flight modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control surface is positioned closer to the propeller for forward flight control, then pitch and roll control in forward flight is improved, but control effectiveness during hovering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control surface is made dynamically repositionable between a first position (closer to propeller) for forward flight and a second position (further from propeller) for hovering, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on flight mode requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The position parameter of the control surface is changed between two discrete states depending on flight conditions, optimizing control authority for each specific operating regime by adjusting the surface's distance from the propeller
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control surface is positioned further from the propeller for hovering control, then attitude control during hovering is improved, but pitch and roll control in forward flight deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control surface position is dynamically adjusted based on flight mode, transitioning to a second position (further from propeller) during hovering to optimize control authority while returning to the first position for forward flight operations
Solution Approach 2:
The positional parameter of the control surface is modified according to operational requirements, placing the surface further from the propeller during hovering to enhance attitude control effectiveness
3Device complexity
If a fixed control surface configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but control adaptability between hover and forward flight modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using multiple fixed configurations, the system employs a single dynamic mechanism that allows the control surface to transition between positions, achieving adaptability with minimal additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control surface serves multiple functions by being repositionable for different flight modes, acting as both a forward flight control surface and a hovering attitude control device through its ability to change position
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 the control surface's authority and effectiveness in changing the aircraft's attitude by optimizing its position relative to the airflow, improving control during transitions between hovering and forward flight.
Implementation Method 1
control surfaces aerodynamically configured to control attitude when airborne
Implementation Method 2
a propeller mounted to the body of the rotor pod at the forward end
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft includes a wing and a rotor pod mounted to the wing. The rotor pod includes a body having a forward end and an aft end. A propeller is mounted to the body of the rotor pod at the forward end. A control surface is mounted to the body of the rotor pod between the forward and aft ends and extends outwardly from the body. The control surface is displaceable relative to the body between a first control configuration and a second control configuration to control an attitude of the aircraft. The control surface in the first control configuration is closer to the propeller than the control surface in the second control configuration.