Pivoting Powerplane Assembly for Stable-Cabin VTOL Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically-powered VTOL aircraft designs face challenges in combining performance, safety, and passenger comfort in a cost-effective, maneuverable package suitable for congested environments, with issues such as limited range, increased weight, complexity, and reliability concerns.
Innovation Solution
A vertically elongated fuselage with a pivotally coupled powerplane assembly, allowing independent pitch and roll movements, reduces tilting and enhances thrust efficiency while maintaining a stable fuselage attitude, incorporating a ballistic recovery system and streamlined design for enhanced safety and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If Lift+Cruise solutions add wings and separate forward propulsion system to increase range and payload, then range and payload are improved, but weight, complexity, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the rotor system to perform both vertical lift and forward propulsion functions. The rotors can operate in different configurations (vertical for lift, tilted for forward thrust) to provide multiple functions from a single propulsion system, eliminating the need for separate wings and propulsion systems while maintaining range and payload capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic rotor tilting mechanisms that allow the rotor assembly to change its orientation during flight. This dynamic adjustment enables transition between vertical takeoff/landing mode and forward flight mode, providing adaptability for different flight phases without requiring additional fixed structures like wings.
2Duration of action of moving object
If Tilt Rotor solutions use tilting rotors to generate both vertical and horizontal thrust, then range and payload are improved, but complexity, cost, and reliability concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lift generation and forward propulsion functions into a single integrated rotor system. By combining these functions that are typically separated in conventional aircraft into one multifunctional rotor assembly, the design reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve both vertical and horizontal flight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Multirotor solutions tilt the airframe to generate horizontal thrust, then maneuverability is improved, but passenger comfort deteriorates due to tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functions by allowing the rotor assembly to tilt independently from the passenger cabin. This separation enables the rotors to change orientation for maneuvering while the cabin maintains a stable, level position, providing both maneuverability and passenger comfort simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor assembly acts as an intermediary between the control system and the airframe. It absorbs the tilting motions required for maneuvering while transmitting only the necessary thrust forces to the stable cabin, isolating passengers from uncomfortable motions.
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 solution provides a stable, reassuring passenger experience with reduced manufacturing and operating costs, improved maneuverability, and enhanced performance in urban environments, while minimizing ground footprint and rotor wash interactions.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor configured to generate aerodynamic thrust to provide vertical lift and horizontal propulsion
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically-powered VTOL aircraft has a fuselage with a cabin flexibly connected to a powerplane assembly that includes a plurality of electrically-powered rotors and booms. The powerplane assembly can pitch and roll relative to and independently of the cabin, thereby generating efficient fore, aft and lateral thrust while the cabin attitude remains unchanged. This provides a stable passenger experience and enhanced performance and controllability with reduced cost and complexity. In some embodiments, the fuselage is vertically elongated and the powerplane assembly mounts above the fuselage such that a person may walk beneath the rotors completely erect. A VTOL docking station is also disclosed that is configured to allow the aircraft to land without the use of landing gear. The docking station also includes electrical components configured to automatically provide charging to the aircraft when the aircraft is docked with the docking station.