Magnetic Clutch Brake Generator for Regenerative Flap Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric aircraft face energy conservation challenges during flight, particularly in operating slats and flaps, which encounter resistance and are energetically costly.
Innovation Solution
A system that harnesses mechanical energy generated by the deceleration of control surfaces like slats and flaps to induce voltage, which is used to operate the other control surface and recharge batteries through a gearbox, rotor shaft, and boost transformer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control surfaces (slats and flaps) are operated during takeoff and landing, then the aircraft can achieve required lift and drag characteristics, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of airflow resistance (drag) that normally opposes control surface motion into a beneficial force that assists motion. During flap deployment, the drag on the slat is harnessed to drive the slat into its deployed position, and during retraction, the drag on the flap assists in returning it to its stowed position. This transforms energy that would otherwise be wasted as resistance into useful mechanical work, significantly reducing the energy required to operate control surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical linkage system that couples the slat and flap control mechanisms. This intermediary system allows the drag forces acting on one control surface to be transmitted and utilized to assist the motion of the other control surface. The linkage acts as a mediator that transfers and redirects forces, enabling energy recovery and reuse within the control surface system.
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery power is conserved during flight, then flight duration can be extended, but control surfaces require sufficient power for safe operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously wasted energy from airflow resistance into recoverable mechanical energy that can be stored and reused. By harnessing the drag forces during control surface operation, the system generates energy that can be stored in energy storage devices (such as capacitors or batteries), thereby extending flight duration without compromising the power available for control surface operations when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an energy recovery system that captures energy during control surface operation that would otherwise be discarded as heat and waste. The drag forces acting on control surfaces during deployment and retraction are captured through the mechanical linkage system and converted into stored energy, which can then be recovered and reused to extend flight duration or power other aircraft systems.
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
Reduces energy costs by regenerating battery power and efficiently operating control surfaces using harvested mechanical energy, thereby extending flight duration.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage is induced from mechanical energy generated during a deceleration of the first control surface that occurs while operating the first control surface
Implementation Method 2
activating a clutch at the rotor shaft to mechanically couple the rotor shaft to the second control surface
Data Source
AI summary
An electric aircraft includes system for operating the aircraft. The electric aircraft includes a wing having a first control surface, a second control surface, a battery and a gearbox mechanically coupled to the first control surface. The first control surface is operated, and a voltage is induced from mechanical energy generated during a deceleration of the first control surface that occurs while operating the first control surface, wherein an airflow across the first control surface causes the deceleration. The induced voltage can be stored at the battery or used to operate the second control surface using the induced voltage.