Elongated Power Beam Alignment for Low-Drag Aircraft Receivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft are limited in flight range and duration by fuel capacity and weight constraints, and existing beam-powered systems face challenges with large, heavy, and costly circular beam receivers that impose penalties in weight, drag, and cost, with limited line-of-sight distances due to the curvature of the Earth.
Innovation Solution
A beam-powered aircraft system featuring a transmitter with an energy source that outputs an energy beam with an elongated cross-section, a mount to vary azimuth and elevation, and a controller to rotate the beam about its central axis, aligning it with an elongated receiver on the aircraft, allowing for efficient energy transfer and extended flight capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If circular beam receivers are used to receive beamed power, then power transfer is achieved, but weight, drag, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the receiver shape from circular to elongated. The elongated receiver has a length-to-width ratio greater than 2:1, which allows it to intercept the energy beam more efficiently while reducing the overall receiver size and weight. This asymmetric geometry optimizes the surface area for energy capture relative to the receiver's mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the receiver by transitioning from a circular cross-section to an elongated cross-section with specific dimensional ratios. This parameter change enables the receiver to achieve the same or better energy capture performance with reduced material quantity, thereby reducing weight and cost.
2Use of energy by moving object
If circular beam receivers are used to receive beamed power, then power transfer is achieved, but aerodynamic efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated receiver geometry creates a more aerodynamic profile compared to a circular receiver. The streamlined shape reduces cross-sectional area and improves airflow characteristics, thereby reducing drag. The asymmetric elongated form factor is optimized for both energy capture and aerodynamic performance.
3Reliability
If multiple transmitters are distributed along the aircraft's route to overcome Earth's curvature, then line-of-sight coverage is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional ground-based transmitter distribution problem to a three-dimensional solution by deploying transmitters on elevated platforms or satellites. This dimensional change extends the line-of-sight horizon, allowing fewer transmitters to cover the same route while maintaining reliable power transfer.
4Duration of action of moving object
If batteries are included in the aircraft to extend range, then flight duration is improved, but aircraft weight increases and cargo capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical energy storage system (batteries) with a wireless energy transmission system. By using beam-powered energy transfer, the aircraft receives continuous power without carrying heavy energy storage devices, thereby extending flight duration while maintaining low weight and preserving cargo capacity.
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 solution enables beam-powered aircraft to achieve indefinite endurance with reduced weight and cost, improved aerodynamic efficiency, and increased operational range by using a more compact and efficient elongated energy beam that can be aligned with the aircraft's receiver, overcoming the limitations of traditional circular beam systems.
Implementation Method 1
an energy source outputting an energy beam having an elongated cross-section
Implementation Method 2
a mount operable to vary an azimuth and an elevation of the energy beam
Implementation Method 3
operable to rotate the energy beam about a central axis of the energy beam
Implementation Method 4
an elongated receiver operable to receive an energy beam to power the beam-powered aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
A transmitter for providing energy to a beam-powered aircraft includes an energy source that outputs an energy beam having an elongated cross-section, and a mount. The mount is operable to vary an azimuth and an elevation of the energy beam, and operable to rotate the energy beam about a central axis of the energy beam.