Multi-Modal Vehicle Transitioning with Dual-Use Thrust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-modal vehicles lack fully automated, true multi-modal functionality due to size and weight constraints, stability issues, safety concerns, and fuel inefficiency, limiting their ability to seamlessly transition between land, air, and water modes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-modal vehicle design featuring a fuselage with a canard wing system, main wing system, dual-use thrust system, and vertical thrust systems, along with a foldable wing system and advanced control systems, enabling automated transitions between roadable, VTOL, aircraft, and watercraft configurations while optimizing weight distribution and fuel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional MMV designs incorporate multiple vehicle components, then multi-modal functionality is achieved, but size and weight constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-use thrust system where the same propulsion components serve multiple functions: they provide vertical thrust during VTOL operations and horizontal thrust during aircraft configuration flight. This eliminates the need for separate propulsion systems for each mode, reducing overall vehicle weight while maintaining full multi-modal functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing system is divided into foldable segments that can be reconfigured between modes. The wings are segmented to allow folding for compact storage during roadable configuration and deployment for aerodynamic function during flight modes, reducing the space and weight requirements for storing flight-capable structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional MMV designs add aircraft functionalities to a land vehicle, then multi-modal capability is achieved, but stability control during transition is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically controllable thrust system where the direction of thrust vectors can be adjusted in real-time during mode transitions. The dual-use thrust system can pivot between vertical and horizontal orientations, allowing continuous adaptation of the force distribution to maintain stability throughout the transition process from roadable to aircraft configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated control systems with sensors that monitor vehicle attitude, thrust vector angles, and environmental conditions during transition. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to make real-time adjustments to thrust distribution and wing configuration, ensuring stable transitions by responding to actual vehicle state rather than relying on pre-programmed rigid sequences.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional MMV designs use retrofitted components, then multi-modal functionality is achieved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-use thrust system is designed as an integrated component that optimizes performance for both VTOL and fixed-wing flight modes. By using the same propulsion system for both functions rather than retrofitting separate systems, the patent achieves better fuel efficiency through unified engineering optimization, where the thrust system is specifically designed to operate efficiently in both vertical and horizontal thrust configurations.
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 design achieves stable and efficient transitions between modes, enhancing safety and reducing fuel consumption, allowing the vehicle to operate effectively as a SUV, aircraft, and watercraft with improved control and reduced weight, addressing previous limitations in multi-modal vehicle technology.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the inboard and outboard portions includes a moveable split trailing edge and a leading edge. The leading edge is configured to create vortices that induce lift.
Implementation Method 2
The MMV further includes a first vertical thrust system comprising a pair of ducted fans that are incorporated into the fuselage
Implementation Method 3
a dual-use thrust system that is coupled to a rear portion of the fuselage and configured to transition between a first position for supplying vertical thrust and a second position for supplying a horizontal thrust
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-modal vehicle (“MMV”) 20a-20d. The MMV 20a-20d includes a fuselage 22 and a chassis 26 supporting at least three wheels 44 having deployed and stowed states. Extending away from the fuselage 22 is a canard wing system 28 and a main wing system 30. The main wing system 30 includes an inboard portion 134 and an outboard portion 132. The inboard portion 134 is pivotally connected to the fuselage 22; the outboard portion 132 is pivotally connected to the inboard portion 134. The MMV 20a-20d further includes a vertical thrust system 32 comprising a pair of ducted fans 100 that are incorporated into the fuselage 22, and a dual-use thrust system 34 that is configured to transition between a first position for supplying vertical thrust and a second position for supplying a horizontal thrust. A controller 42 is configured to control the MMV operations, reconfigurations, or transitions.