Multi-Rotor VTOL Aircraft Transitioning Flight Modes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional manned and unmanned aircraft require significant infrastructure for storage and operation, limiting accessibility and increasing costs due to the need for hangars and airstrips, and often require specialized training for pilots.

Innovation Solution

A High Speed Multi-Rotor vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft design with multiple variable speed and pitch rotors, a propulsion system with engines or motors equidistant from the longitudinal axis on both main and vertical wings, and a control management system enabling semi-autonomous and autonomous flight modes, allowing for vertical takeoff and landing without airstrips and transitioning between vertical and horizontal flight configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional fixed wing aircraft are used, then flight speed and efficiency are improved, but the need for hangars and airstrips increases operational costs and reduces accessibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight speedVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The aircraft employs dynamic rotors that can change their orientation and operational mode. The rotors can rotate between horizontal and vertical positions, enabling the aircraft to transition between forward flight mode (for speed and efficiency) and vertical takeoff/landing mode (for accessibility and reduced infrastructure needs). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the aircraft to adapt to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If tilt-rotor aircraft are used, then vertical lifting capabilities combined with forward flight speed are achieved, but system complexity increases limiting use to professional pilots

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight mode versatilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aircraft divides the rotor system into multiple independent rotor units, each capable of independent control. This segmentation allows for simplified control architecture where each rotor can be controlled individually, reducing the overall system complexity compared to traditional tilt-rotor designs while maintaining vertical lifting and forward flight capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotor system is designed to perform multiple functions: generating vertical lift for takeoff and landing, providing forward thrust for horizontal flight, and enabling transition between these modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If traditional aircraft controls are used, then flight precision is maintained, but training requirements and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight control precisionVSAvoidoperational difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The aircraft replaces traditional mechanical flight controls with an automated control system that uses electronic sensors and actuators. This substitution maintains precise flight control through electronic feedback mechanisms while significantly reducing the training requirements and operational difficulty for pilots, making the aircraft more accessible to non-professional operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 VTOL aircraft reduces operational costs and infrastructure needs, enhances accessibility by simplifying flight control, and enables efficient transition between flight modes, making it more accessible to the general public and reducing the complexity typically associated with traditional aircraft.

Implementation Method 1

A High Speed Multi-Rotor vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft design with multiple variable speed and pitch rotors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLift:

Implementation Method 2

propulsion system with engines or motors equidistant from the longitudinal axis on both main and vertical wings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThrust:

Implementation Method 3

propulsion system with engines or motors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentUS11420737B2High speed multi-rotor vertical takeoff and landing aircraft

Publication Date: 2022.08.23 XCRAFT ENTERPRISES

AI summary

This disclosure is generally directed to a High Speed vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft that includes fixed wing flight capabilities. The High Speed VTOL aircraft may include at least two thrust producing rotors located equidistant from a longitudinal axis of the aircraft on a main wing, and at least two thrust producing rotors located equidistant from a longitudinal axis of the aircraft on a vertical wing. The rotors may be driven by electric motors. However, other power sources may be used such as combustion or hybrid engines. By adjusting the speed and/or the pitch of the rotors, the aircraft can transition from a vertical flight configuration to a horizontal flight configuration and back.