Hybrid Fixed-Angle Rotor UAV for Stable VTOL Transitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing UAVs face challenges in achieving stable transitions between vertical take-off and level cruising flight modes, with issues of instability, structural complexity, high weight, and reduced energy efficiency due to multiple rotor systems and complex drivetrains.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid fixed and rotating wings UAV design with a pair of elongated arcuate drivetrain members, a fuselage, and a rear horizontal inverted airfoil, featuring rotors mounted at fixed deflection angles to stabilize the UAV, and an autopilot system for seamless mode transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple rotor systems and complex drivetrains are used to achieve VTOL capabilities, then vertical takeoff and landing ability is improved, but weight increases and energy efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVTOL capabilityVSAvoidaircraft weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the VTOL capability from complex multi-rotor systems and implements it through a simpler configuration: a single main rotor that can tilt between vertical and horizontal positions, combined with a pusher propeller for forward thrust. This eliminates the need for multiple rotor systems while maintaining VTOL functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The main rotor serves multiple functions: it provides vertical lift during takeoff and landing when positioned vertically, and provides forward thrust during cruising flight when tilted horizontally. The pusher propeller similarly transitions from providing primary forward thrust to assisting with vertical lift during hover, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If rotors are rotated or tilted to provide variable flight modes, then adaptability is improved, but structural complexity and drivetrain weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable flight modesVSAvoiddrivetrain complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic rotor tilt mechanism that allows the main rotor to transition between vertical and horizontal positions. This dynamic adjustment enables the same rotor to provide both vertical lift and forward thrust, achieving variable flight modes without requiring separate rotor systems for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of multiple rotors into a single main rotor system that can operate in different orientations. By combining the lift-generating and thrust-generating functions into one rotor that can tilt, the drivetrain complexity is reduced while maintaining the ability to provide variable flight modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If complex rotor systems are used for hover mode, then hovering ability is improved, but weight increases and cruising efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehovering abilityVSAvoidcruising energy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The main rotor dynamically transitions between vertical orientation for hovering and horizontal orientation for cruising. During hover, the rotor provides vertical lift; during cruising, it tilts horizontally to provide forward thrust while the pusher propeller assists. This dynamic reconfiguration optimizes energy efficiency across different flight modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pusher propeller serves dual functions: providing primary forward thrust during cruising flight and assisting with vertical lift during hover mode. This multi-functionality allows the aircraft to achieve reliable hovering capability without requiring a separate, weightly rotor system dedicated solely to hover, thereby maintaining cruising energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design provides improved controllability and stability during hover and cruising flight, reducing weight and increasing energy efficiency while enabling seamless transitions between flight modes.

Implementation Method 1

a rotor operable to impart force to surrounding air to provide lift and thrust

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic lift: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentUS12397935B2Hybrid fixed angle rotor unmanned aerial vehicle with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities

Publication Date: 2025.08.26 SIA FIXAR-AERO

AI summary

The disclosure relates to hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities. Specifically, the disclosure relates to a stable hybrid fixed angle rotor arrays UAV having VTOL capabilities with hovering capabilities using rotors and cruising using fixed wing.