Flying Frame With Rotating Wings For VTOL Pod Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft designs, such as fixed-wing, tiltrotor, and tiltwing, face limitations in vertical takeoff and landing efficiency and control complexity, particularly in congested areas, due to runway requirements and downwash inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A transportation system utilizing a flying frame with distributed propulsion and a pod assembly, capable of transitioning between vertical takeoff and landing mode and forward flight mode, featuring a unique wing configuration and autonomous or remote flight control, allowing efficient and versatile transportation services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If fixed-wing aircraft are used, then forward airspeed and range are improved, but runway length requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft employs dynamic wing orientation where the wings can rotate between horizontal and vertical positions. In horizontal orientation, the wings generate lift for forward flight mode providing high forward airspeed. In vertical orientation, the wings provide thrust for vertical takeoff and landing mode eliminating runway requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same structure to satisfy both contradictory requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tiltrotor aircraft are used, then vertical lift capability and forward speed are improved, but downwash inefficiency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the lifting function from the wings during vertical takeoff and landing operations. By rotating the wings to a vertical orientation, they generate thrust instead of lift, eliminating the downwash inefficiency problem caused by fixed wings interfering with the propeller slipstream. The lifting function is temporarily transferred to the propellers alone during vertical operations, then restored to the wings during forward flight.
3Power
If tiltwing aircraft are used, then vertical thrust efficiency is improved, but control complexity during hover increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft employs dynamic configuration changes where the wings rotate to vertical orientation for takeoff and landing, providing efficient vertical thrust. During hover and forward flight, the wings return to horizontal orientation, naturally providing aerodynamic stability and reducing control complexity. The system transitions between configurations based on operational mode, optimizing both thrust efficiency and control simplicity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If VTOL capability is implemented, then runway requirement is reduced, but aircraft design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft employs multi-functional wings that can operate in both horizontal and vertical orientations to provide both lift and thrust functions. The same wing structure serves multiple purposes: generating lift during forward flight, generating thrust during vertical takeoff and landing, and providing aerodynamic stability in both modes. This universal design achieves VTOL capability without requiring separate specialized components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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 transportation of pod assemblies between locations without runways, improving safety and control through distributed propulsion and advanced flight control systems, enhancing operational flexibility and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a distributed propulsion system having a plurality of propulsion assemblies coupled to the airframe
Implementation Method 2
an airframe having first and second wings with at least two pylons extending therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a pod assembly transportation system includes a transportation services provider computing system and a plurality of flying frame flight control systems, wherein the system is configured to receive, at the transportation services provider computing system, a request for transportation of a pod assembly; upload a flight plan to a flight control system of a flying frame including an airframe and a distributed propulsion system coupled to airframe; dispatch the flying frame by air to the current location of the pod assembly; couple the pod assembly to the flying frame; transport the pod assembly by air from the current location of the pod assembly to the destination of the pod assembly including transitioning the flying frame between a vertical takeoff and landing mode and a forward flight mode; and decouple the pod assembly from the flying frame at the destination of the pod assembly.