Passively-Adjusting Tiltwing for VTOL Energy Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aerial vehicles face challenges with low cruising energy efficiency and confinement to takeoff and landing, and most transitioning VTOLs require actuators for control, which can be complex and energy-intensive.

Innovation Solution

The development of a passively-adjusting tiltwing system in VTOL aerial vehicles, where the tiltwing transitions from vertical to horizontal thrust vectors without actuators, using torques from the center of gravity, aerodynamic forces, and thruster motors to optimize thrust and lift, allowing for efficient energy use and simplified control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If actuators are used to control tiltwing position, then thrust vector transition is achieved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrust vector transition capabilityVSAvoidactuator system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tiltwing assembly is designed to automatically transition between vertical and horizontal thrust configurations using aerodynamic forces and gravitational torque. The center of gravity is positioned to create a natural restoring torque that stabilizes the tiltwing at desired angles without requiring active actuators. This self-service mechanism eliminates complex actuator systems while maintaining thrust vector transition capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system exploits dynamic aerodynamic forces generated during flight to control tiltwing position. As the vehicle accelerates, aerodynamic lift and drag forces naturally shift the tiltwing from vertical to horizontal orientation. This dynamic control approach replaces static actuator-based systems with a more efficient force-balanced mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If actuators are used to control tiltwing position, then thrust vector transition is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrust vector transition capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption for tilt control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tiltwing assembly uses passive aerodynamic forces and gravitational torque to achieve thrust vector transition, eliminating the need for energy-consuming actuators. The center of gravity positioning creates a natural restoring moment that stabilizes the system without requiring additional power input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters by using aerodynamic lift and drag coefficients as control variables instead of actuator positions. As flight velocity changes, the aerodynamic parameters naturally adjust the tiltwing angle, providing energy-efficient transition between vertical and horizontal thrust modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If full thrust transition to horizontal is implemented, then cruising efficiency is maximized, but VTOL capability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecruising energy efficiencyVSAvoidVTOL operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the degree of thrust transition based on flight phase. During VTOL, the tiltwing remains predominantly vertical; during transition, it gradually angles forward using aerodynamic forces; during cruising, it achieves optimal horizontal orientation. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maximize cruising efficiency without compromising VTOL capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The thrust vector angle is varied as a continuous parameter rather than a fixed value. The system can operate at any angle between vertical and horizontal depending on flight requirements, allowing optimization of energy efficiency during cruising while maintaining full VTOL capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution achieves improved energy efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and simplified design by allowing about 10% to 50% of thrust to transition horizontally, optimizing thrusters for VTOL and cruising operations, while maintaining stability and control without the need for complex actuator systems.

Implementation Method 1

a passively-adjusting tiltwing system in VTOL aerial vehicles, where the tiltwing transitions from vertical to horizontal thrust vectors without actuators, using torques from the center of gravity, aerodynamic forces, and thruster motors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Implementation Method 2

using torques from the center of gravity, aerodynamic forces, and thruster motors to optimize thrust and lift

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic forces: Drag

Implementation Method 3

using torques from the center of gravity, aerodynamic forces, and thruster motors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10589838B1Multicopter with passively-adjusting tiltwing

Publication Date: 2020.03.17 THE SUPPES FAMILY TRUST

AI summary

Transitioning quadcopters and tricopters use passively adjusting tiltwings to reduce the number of actuators needed to control flight. Both transitioning copters can operate with four controlled actuators comprising four motor speeds for the quadcopter and three motor speeds and one rudder position for the tricopter.