Hinged VTOL Biplane Cockpit for Quadcopter-to-Cruise Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vertical take-off and landing flight apparatuses face challenges in efficiently replacing traditional transportation methods in urban areas, requiring innovative solutions for vertical take-off, efficient energy use, low noise, and safe transportation of passengers.
Innovation Solution
A biplane flight apparatus with a cockpit hinged to a wing assembly, powered by electric motors with ducted propellers and Coanda ejectors, allowing vertical take-off and landing, transitioning to cruise mode by adjusting wing incidence, and utilizing battery accumulators for energy, ensuring efficient energy use and low noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vertical take-off and landing flight apparatus are designed to replace traditional transportation methods in urban areas, then urban air transport capability is improved, but energy efficiency and noise control become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic transition system where the flight apparatus switches between quadcopter mode (vertical take-off and landing) and biplane cruise mode (efficient horizontal flight). The cockpit is hinged to the wing assembly, allowing it to rotate and change orientation during mode transitions. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the aircraft to optimize its performance characteristics for different flight phases, achieving both vertical maneuverability and energy-efficient cruise flight.
Solution Approach 2:
The flight apparatus combines multiple flight modes within a single vehicle design, serving both as a vertical take-off and landing vehicle and as an efficient cruise aircraft. The dual configuration capability allows one vehicle to fulfill multiple transportation needs in urban environments, from vertical departure from small areas to efficient point-to-point travel, thereby improving overall adaptability while managing energy consumption across different operational regimes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vertical take-off and landing flight apparatus are designed for urban areas, then transportation accessibility is improved, but noise levels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic mode transition from vertical flight to horizontal cruise flight reduces noise exposure in urban environments. During vertical take-off and landing, the aircraft operates in quadcopter mode with limited noise propagation. Once airborne, it transitions to biplane cruise mode where the wings generate lift more efficiently, reducing the power required and consequently the noise emitted during the majority of the flight distance, thereby improving accessibility while mitigating noise impact on surrounding areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the Coanda effect through ejectors positioned on the wings to enhance lift during transition and cruise phases. This aerodynamic effect allows the wings to generate additional lift by curving the airflow, reducing the power required from the motors and thereby reducing noise emissions during the phases when the aircraft is traveling over or near urban areas, converting a complex aerodynamic phenomenon into a noise-reduction benefit.
3Use of energy by moving object
If flight apparatus uses battery accumulators for power, then energy efficiency is improved, but flight duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic transition to biplane cruise mode significantly reduces energy consumption per unit distance compared to sustained vertical flight or helicopter-like operation. The fixed-wing configuration provides aerodynamic efficiency at cruise speeds, allowing the battery-powered aircraft to extend its operational range and duration. By optimizing the flight profile to utilize efficient cruise phases rather than energy-intensive vertical phases for the majority of the journey, the system maximizes battery utility and extends effective flight duration.
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
The solution enables efficient vertical take-off and landing, safe transportation of passengers, low noise operation, and extended flight distances with high energy efficiency, addressing the need for urban air transport solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the duct of each propeller being provided on the inlet lip with an annular ejection slit, and the electrical energy required for the operation of the flight apparatus is provided by battery accumulators placed under the pilot's seat
Implementation Method 2
the flight apparatus is a biplane apparatus constituted by two distinct parts articulated there between, the first distinct part consisting of the cockpit, which is hinged to the second part of the latter, which is formed of the solid support of the wings
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided, allowing vertical take-off and landing. The apparatus, a biplane, has a cockpit 1attached to a wings assembly 6 by hinges 3 fixed in the supports 7 of the wings. The cockpit having a limited swing possibility within the wings' support structure. The apparatus has four propellers 9, driven by engines 20, disposed two per wing; forming a quadcopter. The apparatus being managed by a computer 17 disposed in the upper wing, and take off being made with the wings and the engines vertically oriented. The apparatus takes off as a quadcopter, and then transitions to cruise flight by reducing the angle of incidence of the wings. Meanwhile, the cockpit 1 remains in a vertical position, due to its lower center of gravity and due to joints 3, which allow it to rotate relative to the wings assembly 6 through a central open area of the lower wing. Landing is made similarly to a quadcopter.