Air Cushioned Landing System Cover Rollers for Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dual mode air cushioned landing system (ACLS) technologies are unreliable and inefficient due to the use of zippers for mode transitions, prone to failures and impractical in aerospace environments.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid air vehicle with inflatable air cushioned landing pads covered by separable cover rollers that can be exposed or retracted using roller straps, allowing for efficient transition between flight and landing modes without physical linkages like zippers, and enabling a vacuum seal upon touchdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional zipper-based systems are used for mode transitions, then the ACLS can be deployed and retracted, but the system becomes unreliable and prone to frequent failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the zipper mechanism entirely from the system. Instead of using a zipper to connect and disconnect the cover, the invention uses a continuous loop cover that can be rolled and unrolled without any engaging or disengaging components. This extraction of the problematic zipper element eliminates the reliability issues associated with teeth, sliders, and fabric wear while maintaining the deployment and retraction functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using a mechanism that engages and disengages (zipper), the patent inverts the approach by using a continuous loop that is always connected but can be freely opened and closed by rolling. The cover maintains its connection to the landing pad through a continuous loop configuration, eliminating the need for engagement mechanisms while preserving the ability to deploy and retract the cover.
2Ease of operation
If zipper-based systems are used for mode transitions, then the cover can be opened and closed, but the system becomes inefficient and impractical in aerospace environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical zipper system with a rolling mechanism. Instead of engaging and disengaging zipper teeth through a slider, the cover is rolled around a roller or drum to open and close. This substitution eliminates the complex mechanical interactions of zippers with potential failure modes, providing a simpler and more reliable system suitable for aerospace environments where failure is not an option.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed as a flexible continuous loop that can be rolled and unrolled. This flexible shell configuration allows the cover to be easily deployed and retracted by rolling motions, providing smooth and reliable operation without the mechanical complications of zippers. The flexibility of the continuous loop enables it to conform to the landing pad shape while maintaining connection.
3Loss of energy
If the cover is used during flight, then drag is reduced, but the transition mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex engagement and disengagement mechanisms from the cover system. By using a continuous loop cover that rolls open and closed without zippers or other connecting mechanisms, the design eliminates the complexity associated with mode transitions while maintaining the ability to cover the landing pad during flight for drag reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous loop cover acts as a flexible shell that can be rolled around the landing pad to provide aerodynamic coverage during flight. This flexible configuration allows the cover to be easily deployed and retracted without complex mechanisms, reducing drag during flight while maintaining simplicity in the transition process.
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 provides a reliable, efficient, and practical means for transitioning between flight and landing modes, reducing drag during flight and ensuring stable landing and takeoff capabilities, while avoiding the limitations of traditional zipper-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
Each pad is inflatable to provide an air cushion during touchdown and deflatable during flight of the air vehicle
Implementation Method 2
A first cover roller of the first cover portion and a matching second cover roller of the second cover portion abut to cover the corresponding pad
Implementation Method 3
A separation gap between the first cover roller and the second cover roller is increased or decreased by pulling or releasing roller straps
Implementation Method 4
Each pad is inflatable to provide an air cushion during touchdown
Implementation Method 5
ensuring stable landing and takeoff capabilities, while avoiding the limitations of traditional zipper-based systems
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
A hybrid air vehicle (100) is disclosed in which a cover is provided for a plurality of air cushioned landing pads (206) to reduce drag when airborne. The pad is inflatable to provide an air cushioned during touchdown and deflatable during flight of the air vehicle. The cover can include a first cover portion and a second cover portion. A first cover roller of the first cover portion and a matching second cover roller of the second cover portion abut to cover the corresponding pad. The first cover roller and the second cover roller, which are separate and free from a physical linkage there between, are separable in an eyelid fashion to expose the corresponding pad. A separation gap between the first cover roller and the second cover roller is increased or decreased by roller straps to cover or expose the corresponding pad.