eVTOL Electric Engine Layout With Shared Oil Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional aircraft driven by electric propulsion systems face challenges in frequent use, noise reduction, vibration management, and safety, particularly in densely populated areas, with a need for components that withstand frequent flights, generate low noise, and have redundancy to avoid single points of failure.

Innovation Solution

The development of a distributed electric propulsion system with tiltable electric engines, optimized energy density, and safety features like fire protective barriers, along with a tilt propeller subsystem for vertical and horizontal flight modes, and a variable pitch mechanism for efficient thrust redirection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional aircraft propulsion system is used, then the aircraft can perform traditional takeoff and landing, but it cannot perform vertical takeoff and landing operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetakeoff and landing capabilityVSAvoidpropulsion system configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electric engines are mounted on tiltable nacelles that can dynamically change orientation between horizontal and vertical positions. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same propulsion system to perform both conventional and vertical takeoff and landing operations, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the aircraft operates frequently in densely populated areas, then passenger transportation efficiency improves, but noise and vibration levels increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight frequencyVSAvoidnoise and vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical propulsion systems with electric motors that drive propellers. Electric motors inherently produce less vibration and noise compared to traditional combustion engines, allowing frequent operations in densely populated areas without excessive noise and vibration pollution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a single propulsion system is used, then the aircraft structure is simplified, but the risk of single point of failure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidpropulsion system configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aircraft employs multiple independent electric propulsion systems distributed across different locations. Each engine-propeller combination operates independently, so that if one system fails, the others can maintain flight capability. This segmentation increases reliability by eliminating single points of failure while managing overall system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Power

If high power engines are used for vertical flight, then thrust capability improves, but heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethrustVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces cooling systems as intermediary mechanisms between the high-power electric motors and the surrounding environment. These cooling systems manage heat dissipation, allowing the motors to operate at high power levels for vertical flight without excessive heat accumulation that would compromise system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables efficient, safe, and quiet operation of electric propulsion systems in densely populated areas, with reduced noise and vibration, and enhanced safety through redundancy and efficient energy use, allowing for both vertical and conventional takeoff and landing capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

an electric motor assembly including a stator and a rotor mechanically coupled to a propeller assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a planetary gear assembly including a sun gear, a plurality of planetary gears, a planetary carrier, and a ring gear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlanetary gear mechanism: Epicyclic Gearing

Data Source

PatentUS11787551B1Vertical takeoff and landing aircraft electric engine configuration

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 ARCHER AVIATION INC

AI summary

An electric propulsion system for a vertical takeoff-and-landing aircraft having an inverter assembly, a gearbox assembly, an electric motor assembly. The inverter assembly, the gearbox assembly, and the electric motor assembly may be substantially aligned along an axis. The inverter assembly, a gearbox assembly, and electric motor assembly may each abut at least one of the others. The electric engine may use a liquid, such as oil, for cooling and lubricating components of the inverter assembly, gearbox assembly, and electric motor assembly. Further, the electric engine may use volumes of oil for cooling and lubricating components below a threshold volume so that the electric engines do not require a fire protective barrier.