Self-Adjusting Multicopter Rotors for Quiet Wind-Stable Landing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing VTOL aircraft are noisy due to high rotor tip speeds, and while increasing rotor diameter or blade solidity can reduce noise, it makes the rotors more sensitive to wind, requiring additional infrastructure for secure landing and posing challenges in congested urban areas.
Innovation Solution
Implementing self-adjusting rotor systems that continuously monitor and adjust thrust forces to maintain rotor position and stability, even when passengers are boarding or disembarking, using flexible vertical beams and sensors to counter wind and noise-induced displacements, allowing for quieter operation without the need for landing infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If rotor diameter is increased to reduce noise, then noise level decreases, but rotor sensitivity to wind increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements active rotor position adjustment mechanisms that dynamically respond to wind conditions. Sensors detect rotor displacement caused by wind, and actuators automatically adjust rotor positions to maintain stability. This dynamic system allows the use of larger, quieter rotors without sacrificing stability, as the system actively compensates for wind sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control systems where sensors continuously monitor rotor position and wind conditions, and this information is fed back to control actuators that adjust rotor positions. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain rotor stability despite increased wind sensitivity from larger rotor diameters, thereby allowing noise reduction through increased size.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If blade solidity is increased to reduce noise, then noise level decreases, but rotor sensitivity to wind increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements active rotor position adjustment mechanisms that dynamically respond to wind conditions. Sensors detect rotor displacement caused by wind, and actuators automatically adjust rotor positions to maintain stability. This dynamic system allows the use of larger, quieter rotors without sacrificing stability, as the system actively compensates for wind sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control systems where sensors continuously monitor rotor position and wind conditions, and this information is fed back to control actuators that adjust rotor positions. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain rotor stability despite increased wind sensitivity from larger rotor diameters, thereby allowing noise reduction through increased size.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional landing infrastructure is added to secure rotors, then rotor stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-adjusting rotor systems that automatically monitor and correct their own positions without external infrastructure. The rotors use onboard sensors to detect displacement and activate actuators to restore proper positioning. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex external landing infrastructure such as securing mechanisms or specialized landing pads, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical landing infrastructure (such as securing devices, anchors, or specialized landing structures) with an active control system using sensors and actuators. This substitution transitions from passive mechanical stabilization to active electronic control, reducing the need for complex physical infrastructure while maintaining or improving rotor stability.
Data Source
AI summary
During a vertical landing state, it is decided whether to switch from the vertical landing state to a self adjusting state. The VTOL vehicle includes the flight controller, the rotor, and a fuselage where the rotor is coupled to the fuselage via a vertical connector. If it is so decided, there is a switch from the vertical landing state to the self adjusting state. During the self adjusting state, a control signal for a rotor is generated where the control signal causes: (1) the rotor to rotate during the self adjusting state and (2) the VTOL vehicle to remain in a fixed position during the self adjusting state, in response to the control signal, and independent of docking infrastructure. During a rotors off state, a rotor off control signal is generated for the rotor that causes the rotor to turn off.