Pylon Mounted Tilt Rotor Structural Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eVTOL vehicles face challenges in structural integrity and airworthiness due to the attachment methods of tilt rotors, which can compromise the vehicle's stability and safety during high-speed maneuvers and transitions between flight modes.
Innovation Solution
A tilt rotor system with a pylon portion that securely attaches to the wing's aft spar, using a U-shaped or V-shaped interface for improved structural stability, and an air cooling system within the pylon for efficient heat dissipation, allowing for secure attachment and efficient energy use across flight modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional attachment methods are used for tilt rotors, then assembly is simpler, but structural integrity and airworthiness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into multiple components: a pylon structure with upper and lower attachment points, a wing structure with corresponding attachment points, and fastening mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment method transitions from a single-plane connection to a three-dimensional multi-point attachment system. The pylon connects to the wing at multiple locations (upper and lower attachment points) and can rotate about a horizontal axis, adding rotational freedom while maintaining secure attachment.
2Reliability
If secure attachment is implemented, then airworthiness improves, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pylon is pre-configured with upper and lower attachment points and fastening mechanisms before installation on the wing. This preliminary preparation allows for quicker and more reliable assembly, as the attachment components are already in place and properly positioned.
3Reliability
If heat dissipation is improved, then component reliability increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pylon incorporates an integrated air cooling system that utilizes the existing airflow through the pylon structure to cool electronic components. The system uses intake air vents and internal passages to direct cooling air to heat-generating components, allowing the structure to serve both structural and thermal management functions.
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
Enhances the structural integrity and airworthiness of eVTOL vehicles by providing a more secure attachment of tilt rotors and efficient heat dissipation, enabling safer and more efficient transitions between hover and forward flight modes.
Implementation Method 1
the pylon portion includes an air cooling system for cooling electronic components within the pylon portion
Data Source
AI summary
A pylon portion includes a first surface that attaches to an upper surface of a spar in a wing, where the pylon portion and a rotor portion protrude aft of the wing. A second surface attaches to a lower surface of the spar in the wing. The pylon portion also includes an intake air vent; a horizontal mounting surface; a rotor controller that is coupled to the horizontal mounting surface; and a heat sink that couples to the horizontal mounting surface and dissipates heat from at least the rotor controller. The rotor portion is moveably coupled to the pylon portion such that one or more rotor blades included in the rotor portion are able to move between: (1) a first position below the wing that is associated with a vertical flight mode and (2) a second position aft of the wing that is associated with a forward flight mode.