Modular Flight Vehicle with Tilt Propellers for VTOL
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vertical lift vehicles lack improved lift characteristics, increased reliability, and cost-effectiveness, particularly in rugged terrain and high-altitude operations.
Innovation Solution
A modular flight vehicle with a main airframe and multiple propellers that can tilt and adjust angles for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, allowing for adaptable flight, driving, and floating operations, with interchangeable components and advanced control systems for stability and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If helicopters are used for vertical takeoff and landing in rugged terrain, then maneuverability and VTOL capability are improved, but reliability decreases due to engine or rotor failures and complexity increases due to swash plates and complicated mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into multiple independent engine-propeller assemblies (typically four) distributed around the airframe. Each assembly can operate independently, so if one fails, the others can still provide sufficient thrust for safe operation and landing. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure present in helicopter designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine-propeller assemblies serve multiple functions: they provide vertical lift during VTOL operations, forward thrust during horizontal flight, and can be individually controlled for maneuvering. This multi-functionality replaces the separate systems (main rotor, tail rotor, collective pitch mechanism) required in helicopters.
2Ease of operation
If helicopters are used for vertical takeoff and landing, then VTOL capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to rotors, swash plates, and complicated mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The engine-propeller assemblies are mounted on movable supports that allow them to tilt and rotate. During VTOL, the assemblies are positioned vertically; during horizontal flight, they tilt forward to provide thrust. This dynamic repositioning replaces the complex swash plate and variable pitch mechanisms of helicopters with simpler motorized adjustment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical swash plate system and complex linkage mechanisms of helicopters are replaced with independent electric or hydraulic motor assemblies that directly control the tilt and rotation of each engine-propeller unit. This substitution simplifies the mechanical structure while maintaining VTOL capability.
3Weight of moving object
If airplanes are used for transport, then lifting capacity and altitude capability are improved, but ease of operation worsens due to lack of VTOL or STOL capabilities and requirement for large open space
Solution Approach 1:
The engine-propeller assemblies can dynamically adjust their orientation from vertical (for lift) to horizontal (for thrust). During takeoff and landing, they position vertically to provide maximum lift like a helicopter, eliminating the need for runways. During cruise, they tilt forward to provide efficient forward thrust, achieving airplane-like speed and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The same engine-propeller assemblies provide both vertical lift (helicopter function) and horizontal thrust (airplane function), as well as maneuvering control. This multi-functionality allows the vehicle to operate from small unprepared areas like helicopters while maintaining the lifting capacity and speed of airplanes.
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 modular vehicle provides enhanced lift capabilities, increased reliability, and cost-effectiveness, enabling efficient transportation of payloads in diverse environments, including rugged terrain and high altitudes, with the ability to quickly deploy and adapt to various missions.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of propellers extending on supports from the main airframe... with at least one propeller of the first propeller subset of the plurality of the propellers having a forward tilt angle from the airframe plane... and with a second propeller subset including at least one propeller having a forward tilt angle from the airframe plane of between 60 and 95 degrees
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a modular vehicle having an air vehicle that can be coupled to cargo containers, land vehicles, sea vehicles, medical transport modules, etc. In one embodiment the air vehicle has a plurality of propellers positioned around a main airframe, which can provide vertical thrust and/or horizontal thrust depending on the configuration. One or more of the propellers may be configured to tilt forward, backward, and/or side-to-side with respect to the airframe.