Modular Thruster Mobility Layout for Sustained Personal Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current personal transportation systems face challenges with scalability and adaptability due to limitations in battery technology, leading to large battery banks and larger footprints, which hinder sustained flight and modular adaptability for various terrains and environments.
Innovation Solution
A modular mobility system with vertically and horizontally configured thrusters, powered by modular electrical components, allowing for thrust vectoring and adaptability in terrain and mission requirements, incorporating a power bank that can be worn by an individual and supporting various payloads, with optional fixed wing elements for sustained horizontal flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional fuel systems are used in personal transportation devices, then power and thrust are improved, but safety concerns increase and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fuel combustion systems with an electric power system comprising batteries, power distribution units, and electric motors. This substitution eliminates fuel storage safety hazards while providing sufficient thrust through electric propulsion, directly resolving the contradiction between power output and safety.
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery size is increased to achieve sustained flight, then flight duration is improved, but device footprint and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery system into multiple modular battery packs that can be distributed throughout the aircraft structure. This segmentation allows the total energy capacity to be increased for sustained flight while distributing the volume throughout the aircraft, preventing excessive concentration in one location and managing the footprint more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates battery packs within the aircraft structure, nesting them within available spaces and compartments. This nesting approach allows battery capacity to be increased for longer flight duration while utilizing otherwise wasted space, thereby minimizing the impact on overall footprint.
3Duration of action of moving object
If fixed wing elements are added for sustained horizontal flight, then flight duration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the aircraft with multi-functional components that serve both vertical lift and horizontal flight functions. The propulsion system and control surfaces are configured to enable both VTOL operations and sustained horizontal flight, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems and thereby limiting the increase in complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular electrical components are used for adaptability, then versatility across terrains is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a modular electrical architecture where power distribution can be dynamically reconfigured to match different operational requirements and terrain conditions. This dynamic modularity allows the system to adapt to various terrains and missions while using standardized interfaces that prevent exponential complexity growth.
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 system achieves efficient and adaptable personal transportation with improved energy density, enabling sustained flight and versatility across different terrains and environments, while reducing noise and increasing stealth capabilities through modular design and energy-efficient propulsion.
Implementation Method 1
a number of different thrusters to generate vertical thrust as well as thrust vectoring to control the system while in flight
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing a mobility system with modular adaptability. Many embodiments incorporate a number of different electric thrusters that can provide the vertical and horizontal thrust necessary to achieve flight mobility for a given payload. Additionally, many embodiments allow for modular elements to be connected and disconnected for different flight missions such as longer sustained horizontal flight with fixed wing elements. Some embodiments may be adaptable to carry a human payload and controller.