Magnetic Propeller Rotor Locking for Wing-Borne Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
VTOL aircraft experience drag and efficiency issues during wing-borne flight due to free-wheeling rotors when vertical lift rotors are shut off, as they spin due to airflow.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly that includes an electric machine with a magnetic assembly to selectively lock propeller rotors in a stationary position during wing-borne flight, using a pivot mechanism and magnetic attraction to prevent rotation and reduce drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If rotors are shut off during wing-borne flight, then energy consumption is reduced, but drag increases due to free-wheeling propellers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with a magnetic locking system. The magnetic assembly uses magnetic attraction forces to lock the rotor in position without requiring mechanical contact or complex mechanical linkages, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while effectively preventing free-wheeling drag during wing-borne flight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state of the rotor from rotating to stationary by using magnetic fields. The magnetic assembly alters the physical parameter of rotor position by creating a magnetic lock that holds the rotor stationary, eliminating the harmful free-wheeling effect while maintaining energy efficiency
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent free-wheeling, then drag is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with a magnetic locking system. The magnetic assembly uses magnetic attraction forces to lock the rotor in position without requiring mechanical contact or complex mechanical linkages, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while effectively preventing free-wheeling drag during wing-borne flight
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic locking system is designed to engage and disengage automatically based on rotor position and operational state. The system self-regulates by detecting when the rotor should be locked (during wing-borne flight) and when it should be free to rotate (during vertical flight), eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms
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 locking assembly effectively prevents rotor free-wheeling, reducing drag and enhancing flight efficiency by maintaining rotors in a stationary position during cruise phases, thereby improving overall aircraft performance.
Implementation Method 1
the first component and the second component align proximal to each other when the first component is in the locked position such that the first component and the second component create a magnetic attraction therebetween to lock the first wall in a stationary position
Data Source
AI summary
A locking assembly for a propeller rotor includes an electric machine having a first mode to energize the electric machine to produce torque and a second mode to deenergize the electric machine to stop production of the torque. A magnetic assembly includes a first component coupled to a first wall via a pivot point, and a second component attached to a second wall. The first component and the second component align proximal to each other when the first component is in a locked position such that the first and second components create a magnetic attraction therebetween to lock the first wall in a stationary position when the electric machine is in the second mode. The first component moves away from the second component to an unlocked position due to rotation of the first wall when the electric machine is in the first mode.