Distributed Electric Ducted Fan Flight System for Personal Aviation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing individual flight systems using electric ducted fans are complex, expensive, and lack affordability, safety, and environmental friendliness.
Innovation Solution
A flight system comprising at least eight electric ducted fans strategically attached to a user's torso, ankles, and wrists, with a control system for coordinated thrust and stabilization, utilizing electronic speed control units and stabilizing means like accelerometers and computer boards to ensure safe and efficient flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing individual flight systems using fans are used, then flight capability is achieved, but the systems become complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The flight system is divided into multiple independent electric ducted fans distributed across the user's body (torso, ankles, wrists), with each fan operating independently under electronic speed control. This segmentation allows the complex flight function to be distributed across simpler, modular components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining flight capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control systems with electronic speed control units that use electronic signals to regulate fan rotation speeds. This substitution of mechanical control with electronic control simplifies the system architecture, improves precision, and reduces mechanical wear and complexity.
2Reliability
If existing individual flight systems using fans are used, then flight capability is achieved, but the systems become expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple electric ducted fans that are relatively simple, inexpensive components compared to traditional aviation propulsion systems. By using multiple simpler fans rather than one complex propulsion system, the overall manufacturing cost is reduced while maintaining flight capability through redundancy and distributed thrust.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric ducted fans serve multiple functions: they provide lift, enable forward motion, allow directional control, and contribute to stability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems for each function, reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing cost.
3Force
If multiple electric ducted fans are attached to the user's body, then flight capability and weight support are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into multiple independent mounting locations (torso, ankles, wrists), with each fan unit having its own attachment mechanism. This distribution of attachment points simplifies the overall attachment system by using multiple simple connections rather than one complex integrated mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic speed control units automatically coordinate the operation of multiple fans based on flight conditions, eliminating the need for complex manual control mechanisms. The system self-regulates thrust distribution across multiple fans, simplifying the control architecture.
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 effectively lifts users weighing up to 300 lbs into flight, provides directional control, and stabilizes flight automatically, offering a safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly mode of personal aviation.
Implementation Method 1
the first, second, third and fourth EDFs oriented to provide a downward thrust toward the ground with the user in an upright position vertical to the ground so as to apply an upward force to the user when the first, second, third and fourth EDFs are activated
Implementation Method 2
each of the at least eight (8) EDFs comprising a plurality of blades, a motor and an electronic speed control unit that controls a speed of rotation of the plurality of blades of the respective EDFs
Implementation Method 3
stabilizing means for detecting respective directions at which the respective first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth EDFs are generating thrust while the user is in the flight and, if the detected directions of thrust are such as to render the flight unstable according to a predetermined standard, for automatically adjusting respective speeds of rotation of the respective blades of the EDFs to stabilize the flight
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method, system, and apparatus of flight system for individual users using electric ducted fans. The flight system comprises a modular unit, which comprises a plurality of electric ducted fans, means for connecting electric ducted fans, and a pair of armpit supports. The flight system further comprises means for securing a modular unit around respective left and right shoulders of a user. In one embodiment, the flight system can be controlled to generate a horizontal acceleration of 20 MPH/second and a vertical acceleration of 10 MPH/second.