Ground-Based Vectored Thrust System for VTOL Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
VTOL aircraft thrust-producing elements face wear and damage during take-off and landing due to high thrust requirements, leading to increased weight, reduced lift, and limited flight parameters.
Innovation Solution
A ground-based vectored thrust system that includes thrust-producing devices and a control unit to provide upward force to VTOL aircraft, supplementing or replacing the aircraft's thrust system during take-off and landing, with sensors and actuators to adjust and control airflow for precise positioning and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If thrust-producing elements are designed to operate at elevated thrust levels during take-off and landing, then thrust requirements are met, but aircraft weight increases which reduces lift and limits flight parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust production function is segmented between the VTOL aircraft's own thrust-producing elements and external ground-based thrust-producing devices. During take-off and landing, the ground-based devices provide a portion of the required thrust, allowing the aircraft's thrust-producing elements to operate at reduced power levels, thereby reducing wear and avoiding the need to design for maximum continuous thrust at elevated weight
Solution Approach 2:
Ground-based thrust-producing devices act as an intermediary system that temporarily assists the VTOL aircraft during high-thrust operations. These external devices provide supplemental thrust through ground effect, eliminating the need for the aircraft to carry additional weight designed for sustained high-thrust operation
2Force
If thrust-producing elements operate at higher levels during take-off and landing, then thrust requirements are met, but wear and damage likelihood increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust production function is segmented between the VTOL aircraft's own thrust-producing elements and external ground-based thrust-producing devices. During take-off and landing, the ground-based devices provide a portion of the required thrust, allowing the aircraft's thrust-producing elements to operate at reduced power levels, thereby reducing wear and damage likelihood
Solution Approach 2:
The ground-based thrust-producing devices provide protective cushioning for the aircraft's thrust-producing elements during high-stress operations. By sharing the thrust burden beforehand during take-off and landing, the system prevents excessive wear and damage that would otherwise occur during these critical phases
3Force
If aircraft weight increases to meet thrust requirements, then thrust capability is improved, but lift and flight parameters are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust production function is segmented between the VTOL aircraft's own thrust-producing elements and external ground-based thrust-producing devices. During take-off and landing, the ground-based devices provide a portion of the required thrust, allowing the aircraft's thrust-producing elements to operate at reduced power levels, thereby reducing wear and avoiding the need to design for maximum continuous thrust at elevated weight
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing the aircraft for full thrust capability at all times, the system uses partial thrust from ground-based devices during specific phases (take-off and landing). This partial action approach allows the aircraft to maintain optimal weight for flight performance while receiving supplemental thrust when needed
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
Reduces wear on VTOL aircraft thrust-producing elements, enhances lift capabilities, and extends flight parameters by distributing thrust loads, allowing for safer and more efficient landings and take-offs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more ground-based thrust producing devices that emit air upward towards the VTOL aircraft
Implementation Method 2
A thrust directing system includes one or more actuators and support arms that are operatively connected to the one or more ground-based thrust producing devices. The thrust directing system configured to selectively position the one or more ground-based thrust producing devices to emit air towards the VTOL aircraft
Implementation Method 3
A control unit includes a processing circuit that controls the one or more ground-based thrust producing devices and the thrust directing system to apply an upward force on the VTOL aircraft to elevate the VTOL aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
A ground-based vectored thrust system for landings and take-off of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The vectored thrust system provides an upward thrust on the VTOL aircraft when in proximity to the pad. The upward thrust can supplement the thrust system of the VTOL aircraft, or can be used exclusively to elevate the VTOL aircraft. A control unit can control one or more of the components of the vectored thrust system. The control unit can also be configured to take-over the flight of the VTOL aircraft when it is within a predetermined flight envelope of the pad.