Modular VTOL Aircraft Coupling Layout for Safer Passenger Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular aircraft designs pose safety risks due to unwanted contact between passengers or cargo and propulsion units, limited seating comfort, noise nuisance, and restricted access areas, while also compromising aerodynamics and stability.
Innovation Solution
A modular aircraft design with a flight module featuring electric motors and propellers arranged in a hexagonal structure, a transport module with a safety distance from the flight module, and a coupling device allowing for detachable and adjustable connections, along with air guidance devices for improved stability and aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the passenger transport unit is connected directly to the central module without any gap, then the structural integrity is improved, but the safety risk of unwanted contact between passengers/cargo and propulsion units increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft is divided into separate modular components: a flight module containing propulsion units and a transport module containing the passenger/cargo area. These modules are connected via a coupling device rather than being directly integrated, allowing the structural connection to be maintained while creating physical separation between passengers and dangerous propulsion elements.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling device acts as an intermediary element between the flight module and transport module. This coupling device includes a safety distance that prevents direct contact between the transport module and propulsion units, thereby mediating the connection to eliminate safety risks while preserving structural integrity.
2Device complexity
If propulsion units are arranged close to the transport unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the access area for passengers is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device extends in the longitudinal dimension, creating a safety distance that separates the transport module from the flight module. This dimensional extension allows the propulsion units to remain positioned for efficient aerodynamics while ensuring sufficient access area for passengers in the transport module.
3Length of moving object
If the transport unit is positioned close to the flight module, then the overall aircraft size is reduced, but noise nuisance for passengers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device serves as a noise-isolating intermediary between the noisy propulsion units in the flight module and the passenger area in the transport module. By positioning the transport module at a safety distance through this coupling device, noise transmission to passengers is reduced while maintaining a compact overall aircraft configuration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling device allows detachable connection, then the adaptability is improved, but the structural stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates a swivel joint that allows dynamic adjustment and detachment of the transport module from the flight module. This dynamic connection mechanism enables the structure to adapt to different operational configurations while maintaining stability during connected flight operations through proper mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable coupling device enables segmentation of the aircraft into independent flight and transport modules that can be connected or separated as needed. This segmentation provides versatility for different missions while the coupling mechanism itself is designed to ensure structural stability when the modules are connected for flight.
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
Enhances passenger safety and comfort by preventing contact with propulsion units, reduces noise pollution, and improves aerodynamics and stability, enabling efficient and safe vertical take-off and landing operations.
Implementation Method 1
each drive unit has an electric motor and at least one propeller operatively connected to the electric motor
Implementation Method 2
The propeller blades and their roots can be made of a fiber-reinforced composite material, such as carbon fiber-reinforced plastic
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a modular vertical take-off and landing aircraft (1) for transporting persons and/or loads, having: — a flight module (2) with multiple drive units (4) arranged on a wing assembly (3), each drive unit (4) having an electric motor (5) and a propeller (6) that is operatively connected to the electric motor (5), — a transport module (7) having a conveying pod (8) and a connection device (9) for connecting the conveying pod (8) to the flight module (2), the connection device (9) having an elongate shaft (10), one end of which is attached to the conveying pod (8), and — a coupling device (11) for connecting the flight module (2) to another end of the elongate shaft (10) of the transport module (7).