Landing Gear Motor Alignment for Into-Wind Aircraft Takeoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary-wing aircraft struggle to efficiently orient themselves into the wind for takeoff, which is energy-intensive and requires delicate maneuvers using propulsion engines.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing landing gear motors to automatically orient the aircraft into the wind by acquiring wind direction and speed measurements, controlling the landing gear to align the aircraft's longitudinal axis with the wind direction, and using a computer system to execute these commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If propulsion engines are used to turn the aircraft into the wind, then the aircraft can be oriented into the wind for takeoff, but energy consumption increases and the maneuver becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The landing gear motors, which are already part of the aircraft system, are utilized to perform the orientation maneuver. The system serves itself by using existing components (landing gear motors) for an additional function (orientation) rather than requiring separate propulsion engine maneuvers, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The landing gear motors are made multi-functional by enabling them to perform both their traditional function (supporting the aircraft on the ground) and the additional function of rotating the aircraft into the wind. This eliminates the need to use propulsion engines for orientation, directly addressing the energy consumption problem
2Manufacturing precision
If propulsion engines are used to turn the aircraft into the wind, then the aircraft can be oriented into the wind, but the maneuver becomes delicate and energy-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The landing gear motors perform the orientation function using controlled, precise movements inherent to their design, eliminating the need for delicate propulsion engine maneuvers. This self-service approach using existing precise components reduces both energy consumption and operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the aerodynamic mechanical system (propulsion engines creating thrust for rotation) with a direct mechanical system (landing gear motors creating torque for rotation). This substitution provides more precise and energy-efficient control over the orientation maneuver
3Extent of automation
If manual control is used to orient the aircraft into the wind, then the process requires pilot skill and time, but automated systems can reduce this complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft system automatically performs the orientation function using its own landing gear motors and onboard sensors, eliminating the need for manual pilot intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously detecting wind direction and executing the orientation maneuver, thereby increasing automation while keeping control system complexity manageable through reuse of existing components
4Use of energy by moving object
If the aircraft uses landing gear motors for orientation, then energy consumption is reduced, but the landing gear system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The landing gear motors are made multi-functional by enabling them to perform both their traditional function (supporting the aircraft on the ground) and the additional function of rotating the aircraft into the wind. This eliminates the need for separate systems while reducing overall energy consumption, as the same motors handle both tasks
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 rapid and precise aircraft orientation into the wind with minimal energy consumption, avoiding the need for in-flight propulsion engines and ensuring stability during the process.
Implementation Method 1
command the landing gear motors to orient a longitudinal axis of the aircraft in a direction parallel to the direction of the wind axis
Implementation Method 2
acquire wind direction and speed measurements around the aircraft
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A method (100) for automatically orienting an aircraft on the ground to take off into the wind, the aircraft comprising a cockpit, a plurality of landing gear (2) each comprising an engine (4), at least one computer system comprising electronic circuitry for controlling the landing gear (2) and at least one manual control configured to transmit at least one instruction to the computer system.The process is implemented by the computer system and includes, when the activation command in the cockpit is activated, the following steps: - acquire (101) wind direction and speed measurements around the aircraft; - determine (102) a direction and sense of a wind axis; - command (104) the landing gear motors (4) to orient a longitudinal axis of the aircraft in a direction parallel to the direction of the wind axis and to orient the cockpit facing the direction of the wind axis; - take off (106) with the longitudinal axis of the aircraft in a direction parallel to the direction of the wind axis and with the cockpit facing the direction of the wind axis.