Payload Saddle Assemblies With Orientation-Triggered VTOL Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing payload delivery systems for VTOL aircraft require human intervention to load and unload payloads, limiting their ability to release payloads while airborne or in remote areas.
Innovation Solution
The development of a tailsitter aircraft with payload saddle assemblies that include latch assemblies capable of securing and releasing payloads in both VTOL and forward flight orientations, allowing automated payload delivery without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If enclosures with doors are used to carry payloads, then payloads can be protected during transport, but human intervention is required to load and unload payloads
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is configured to automatically secure the payload in the closed position and release it in the open position based on the aircraft's orientation. The system serves itself by using the transition between VTOL and forward flight orientations to trigger automatic latching and unlatching, eliminating the need for human operators to manually open and close doors.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically based on the aircraft's flight orientation. The system adapts its state automatically - secured during transport (closed position) and released during delivery (open position) - by responding to the physical conditions of flight mode transitions.
2Productivity
If payloads are delivered using traditional enclosures, then payloads can be securely transported, but payloads cannot be released while airborne or in remote areas
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly dynamically responds to the aircraft's orientation changes, automatically transitioning from a secured state during transport to an unlocked state during vertical flight modes. This enables payload release at any location - airborne or remote - by simply changing the flight orientation, providing both speed and location flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the latch assembly by altering the aircraft's flight orientation (between VTOL and forward flight modes). This parameter change triggers the automatic release mechanism, enabling versatile payload delivery locations without compromising transport security.
3Reliability
If latch assemblies are designed to secure payloads in all orientations, then payloads remain secure during transport, but the latch assemblies become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly serves multiple functions: it secures the payload during horizontal forward flight, automatically releases during vertical flight modes, and requires no manual intervention. This multi-functionality is achieved through a relatively simple mechanism that responds to orientation changes, avoiding the need for complex multi-orientation locking systems.
4Extent of automation
If automated latch assemblies are implemented, then payload delivery can occur without human intervention, but the mechanism for securing and releasing payloads becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The automated latch assembly is designed to be self-actuating based on the aircraft's flight orientation. The system uses the physical conditions of flight mode transitions to automatically trigger the latching and unlatching actions, eliminating the need for complex control systems, sensors, or actuators that would otherwise be required for automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A tailsitter aircraft includes an airframe having first and second wings with first and second pylons extending therebetween, a thrust array attached to the airframe, payloads and payload saddle assemblies coupled to the pylons each configured to secure a respective payload. The thrust array includes propulsion assemblies configured to transition the airframe between a forward flight orientation for wing-borne lift and a VTOL orientation for thrust-borne lift. Each payload saddle assembly includes a latch assembly and a retainer configured to secure the respective payload against a respective pylon. A latch assembly is movable between various positions including an open position and a closed position and is configured to secure the respective payload in the closed position and release the respective payload in the open position. Each latch assembly is configured to move from the closed position to the open position to release the respective payload in the VTOL orientation.