Omnidirectional Thrust Mechanism for Aircraft Maneuverability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aircraft systems, such as those used in V/STOL aircraft, lack maneuverability at both high and low speeds, as they can only provide thrust in limited directions and are inefficient at higher speeds, necessitating the development of an apparatus that can offer greater control and thrust in multiple directions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an omnidirectional thrust mechanism (OTM) comprising pivotable panels and actuators within the aircraft wings, which can tilt and adjust to provide thrust in various directions using a nozzle system, allowing for enhanced control during takeoff, landing, and high-speed flight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If shutter valves are used to provide thrust in two directions, then V/STOL capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and maneuverability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flight control mechanism is divided into multiple independent panels (first panel, second panel, third panel, fourth panel) that can pivot independently relative to the wing. Each panel can be controlled separately to direct thrust in different directions, providing omnidirectional control capability while using a single integrated mechanism rather than multiple separate valve systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panels are designed to be pivotable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of thrust direction. The pivot axes enable each panel to rotate and change orientation during flight operations, providing adaptability for different flight conditions (hover, forward flight, backward flight, lateral movement) without requiring multiple fixed valve assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If more shutter valves are added to provide thrust in additional directions, then maneuverability improves, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A single flight control mechanism with multiple pivotable panels performs the function of multiple separate shutter valves. The same mechanism can direct thrust in multiple directions (forward, backward, left, right, up, down) by adjusting panel orientations, eliminating the need for separate valve assemblies for each direction and reducing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple thrust control functions are merged into a single integrated flight control mechanism. The first, second, third, and fourth panels work together as one system, sharing common mounting structures and control mechanisms, rather than using separate valve assemblies for each thrust direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If shutter valves are used for V/STOL operations, then vertical takeoff and landing capability is provided, but the system becomes ineffective at higher speeds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed range effectivenessVSAvoideffectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable panel design allows the flight control mechanism to adapt its configuration for different speed regimes. At low speeds, panels can be positioned for vertical thrust; at higher speeds, panels can be adjusted to optimize thrust vectoring for forward flight, maintaining effectiveness across the entire speed range from hover to high-speed flight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 OTM enables aircraft to achieve maneuverability in multiple directions and at various speeds, reducing drag and increasing control forces, thereby improving overall flight performance and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a nozzle directed at the center member and operable to direct compressed gas toward the center member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressed gas flow:

Implementation Method 2

The top panel is pivotable relative to the center member... The bottom panel is pivotable relative to the center member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic force:

Data Source

PatentUS10704496B2Flight control mechanisms and methods of operating aircraft with flight control mechanisms

Publication Date: 2020.07.07 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Provided are flight control mechanisms, such as omnidirectional thrust mechanisms (OTMs), and methods of using such mechanisms. These mechanisms may be positioned in wings, tails, or other components of aircraft. A mechanism may comprise a center member and top and bottom panels. The center member may comprise two curved segments joint at a center edge. The top and bottom panels may be independently pivotable relative to the center member. At high speeds, the top panel and/or the bottom panel may be pivoted outward to change the lift, drag, roll, and/or other flight conditions. The mechanism may also include a gas nozzle to direct compressed gas to the center member. The center member and/or the top and bottom panels redirect this gas resulting in forces in one of four directions, which are used for controlling the aircraft at low speeds, down to hover.