Modular Ducted Fan VTOL Propulsion with Rotating Movable Ducts
Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft face safety concerns due to exposed propeller blades and complex assembly and maintenance issues, particularly with ducted fan designs experiencing stall characteristics and structural failures during forward flight, and lack modifiable performance characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A modular aircraft design incorporating multi-motor assemblies with ducted fans embedded at a fixed angle of 30-50 degrees within an aerodynamic body, allowing for easy assembly, maintenance, and modification of performance characteristics by replacing motor units and adjusting fan configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If ducted fans are embedded into the body of the aircraft to solve safety concerns, then safety is improved, but stall characteristics and structural failures occur during forward flight
Solution Approach 1:
The ducted fan assembly incorporates a movable duct that can rotate between a first position during vertical flight and a second position during forward flight. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to different flight regimes, preventing stall characteristics and structural failures that occur with fixed-angle embeddings during forward flight while maintaining safety benefits during vertical operation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed angle ducted fans are embedded into the aerodynamic body, then safety is improved, but assembly and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft propulsion system is divided into separate modular components: the ducted fan assembly can be independently installed, removed, and maintained without disassembling the entire aircraft structure. The movable duct is a distinct component that can be adjusted between positions, facilitating easier assembly and maintenance while maintaining the safety benefits of embedded ducted fans
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ducted fans are embedded at fixed angles, then safety is improved, but performance characteristics cannot be modified for changing payloads or missions
Solution Approach 1:
The ducted fan assembly incorporates a movable duct that can rotate between a first position during vertical flight and a second position during forward flight. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to different flight regimes, preventing stall characteristics and structural failures that occur with fixed-angle embeddings during forward flight while maintaining safety benefits during vertical operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of operational parameters by changing the duct angle position. During vertical flight, the duct is positioned at a first angle optimized for lift generation, while during forward flight, it rotates to a second angle that prevents stall characteristics. This parameter change enables the same embedded ducted fan system to perform safely and effectively across different mission profiles and payload conditions
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 enhances flight stability and safety by eliminating unwanted torques and oscillations, enabling low drag and stable forward flight, and facilitates easy modification of performance characteristics to suit changing payloads or missions.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of fans are configured to generate airflow along the respective central axis of each duct from the top end of the duct to the bottom end of each duct to provide lift and thrust to the aircraft
Implementation Method 2
the front section of the housing has an aerodynamic nose which is fixed or attached to the front duct front wall
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an aircraft design which incorporates a modular design including the use of one or more multi-motor assemblies where the motors are in series within the multi-motor assembly. Still further, the multi-motor assemblies may be configured to include modular motor assemblies or modular sections. Ultimately, the present invention provides an aircraft with the ability to easily assemble or expand the multi-motor assemblies and, in doing so, modify the characteristics of the aircraft. The modularity also enhances the ability to maintain the aircraft by enabling motors or the units housing each motor to easily be replaced.