Hinged VTOL Rotor-Wing Layout for Level Cabin Flight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vertical takeoff and landing aircraft systems face issues with weight, cost, and reliability due to separate propulsion devices for vertical and horizontal flight, complex mechanisms for changing propulsion device angles, and discomfort during fuselage attitude changes.

Innovation Solution

A vertical takeoff and landing aircraft design with rotors positioned in front and rear, surrounded by protectors that function as fixed wings during horizontal flight, connected via a hinge that rotates with respect to the cabin, using damper hinges to maintain stability and reduce weight and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a conventional takeoff and landing system is used for drones, then the drone can operate with simple structure, but it requires large ground space and has limited operational flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveground spaceVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The drone transitions from static ground-based takeoff/landing to dynamic vertical takeoff and landing capability, allowing operation in confined spaces without runways. The VTOL system enables the drone to vertically ascend and descend, eliminating the need for large horizontal ground areas while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds the vertical dimension to takeoff and landing operations. Instead of moving horizontally on the ground, the drone utilizes vertical motion to depart and arrive, transforming a two-dimensional ground operation into a three-dimensional aerial operation that requires minimal ground footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If vertical takeoff and landing capability is implemented, then ground space requirement is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveground spaceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The propulsion system is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both horizontal thrust for forward flight and vertical lift for takeoff and landing. This multi-functional propulsion system eliminates the need for separate lift generators and horizontal propellers, reducing overall system complexity despite adding VTOL capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the lift generation and thrust production functions into a single integrated propulsion system. The propeller assembly and propulsion system simultaneously provide both vertical lift for VTOL operations and horizontal thrust for forward flight, consolidating multiple subsystems into one unified system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4101757B1Vertical takeoff and landing aircraft
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 SUBARU CORP
  • EP4101757B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4101757B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4101757B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Provided is a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft capable of both vertical takeoff and landing and horizontal high-speed flight while keeping passengers, cargo, and the like horizontal, and that can reduce weight, reduce costs, and improve reliability. A vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (1) is capable of vertical takeoff and landing and horizontal flight, and comprises a cabin (2) that can hold passengers and/or cargo, rotor blades (3) positioned in front and behind the cabin (2) during vertical takeoff and landing, a protective member (4) surrounding each of the rotor blades (3), a connecting member (5) that connects the protective members( 4) to each other, and a hinge part 6 for attaching the connecting member (5) to the cabin (2) in a rotatable manner. The connecting member (5) rotates relative to the cabin (2), which causes the rotor blades (3) and fixed blades (4A through 4D) to rotate about the cabin (2) to perform vertical takeoff and landing and horizontal flight.