External Rotorcraft Energy Storage With Crashable Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of clean and sustainable energy storage devices like batteries and hydrogen tanks in rotorcrafts poses challenges in occupant safety, structural integrity, and fire protection due to their rigid nature and different behavior compared to conventional fuel storage systems.
Innovation Solution
The rotorcraft design features an energy source storage unit located outside the fuselage outer shell, with a crashable structure surrounding it to absorb impact and dissipate energy in case of an emergency landing, enhancing safety and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If rigid energy storage devices (batteries, hydrogen tanks) are installed inside the fuselage, then energy storage capacity is improved, but occupant safety deteriorates due to inability to dissipate crash energy and risk of fire/toxic gas release
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage devices are extracted from the interior of the fuselage and relocated to an external mounting position on the rotorcraft. This separation removes the hazardous rigid objects from the occupied space, eliminating the risk they pose to occupants during crash while maintaining the required energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
A crash energy management system is introduced as an intermediary between the external energy storage devices and the fuselage structure. This system includes deformable members positioned between the energy storage devices and the fuselage, designed to deform during crash to absorb impact energy and protect both the energy storage devices and the occupants.
2Use of energy by moving object
If rigid energy storage devices are used, then energy storage efficiency is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates due to prevention of controlled deformation and energy dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The structural system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the rigid energy storage devices mounted externally, the deformable crash energy management structure positioned between them and the fuselage, and the fuselage itself. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - energy storage, energy absorption, and structural support - without compromising the others.
Solution Approach 2:
Different structural properties are assigned to different locations: the energy storage devices maintain rigid construction for efficient energy storage, while the crash energy management system incorporates deformable members with controlled mechanical properties optimized for energy absorption during impact, and the fuselage retains its overall structural integrity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If energy storage devices are mounted externally, then occupant protection is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional mounting structures and crash energy management systems
Solution Approach 1:
The external mounting structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical attachment of the energy storage devices to the rotorcraft, manages crash energy through deformable members, and protects both the energy storage devices and occupants during impact. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
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 design improves occupant safety by containing potential hazards from energy storage units outside the cabin, enhances structural integrity by distributing loads effectively, and simplifies maintenance and exchange of energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
the fuselage and the fuselage outer shell form in vicinity of the at least one energy source storage unit a crashable structure configured to be crashable in an emergency landing at least for limiting effects of impact on the at least one energy source storage unit
Data Source
AI summary
A fuselage arranged within a fuselage outer shell; at least one main rotor located on top of the fuselage; at least one engine provided for driving the at least one main rotor; and at least one energy source storage unit comprising at least one energy source configured to provide energy for powering the at least one engine for driving the at least one main rotor; wherein the at least one energy source storage unit is arranged outside the fuselage outer shell; and wherein the fuselage and the fuselage outer shell form in vicinity of the at least one energy source storage unit a crashable structure configured to be crashable in an emergency landing at least for limiting effects of impact on the at least one energy source storage unit.