Geometrically Reconfigurable Propeller Blade Tips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wingtip vortices induce significant drag and turbulence, reducing the efficiency of aircraft and posing hazards to nearby aircraft, and existing winglets have limitations in adaptability and operational impact.
Innovation Solution
Propellers with geometrically reconfigurable blade tips that can dynamically adjust their cant angles in response to operating characteristics and environmental conditions, using mechanical or electrical systems to minimize drag and optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional fixed-winglets are provided on propeller blades, then induced drag is reduced, but adaptability to different operating conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by providing blade tips that are geometrically reconfigurable, allowing them to change shape and orientation dynamically during flight. The blade tips can adjust their cant angle and geometric configuration in response to varying operating conditions such as speed, altitude, and maneuvering requirements, thereby maintaining optimal drag reduction across different flight regimes rather than being fixed in a single configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the geometric parameters of the blade tips, including cant angle, span length, and cross-sectional shape. These parameters can be modified in real-time based on operating conditions, allowing the blade tips to optimize their aerodynamic performance across a wide range of flight scenarios, from low-speed maneuvering to high-speed cruise
2Ease of manufacture
If blade tip geometry is fixed, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but operational efficiency under varying conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the propeller blade into modular sections, with the blade tip as a separate, reconfigurable component. This allows the blade tip to be manufactured independently and then attached to the main blade structure, simplifying the manufacturing process while enabling geometric changes. The segmented design permits the use of standard manufacturing techniques for each module while achieving complex overall functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by incorporating movable joints, actuators, or flexible materials in the blade tip structure that enable geometric reconfiguration during operation. This dynamic capability allows the blade tip to adapt its shape and orientation to optimize aerodynamic efficiency under varying flight conditions, thereby improving operational efficiency without requiring complete redesign of the entire blade
3Adaptability or versatility
If geometrically reconfigurable blade tips are implemented, then adaptability and drag reduction are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the geometric reconfiguration capability specifically at the blade tips rather than throughout the entire blade structure. This localized approach allows complex adaptive functionality to be achieved where it is most aerodynamically beneficial, while the majority of the blade structure remains simple and straightforward in design and construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing blade tips that can perform multiple functions through geometric reconfiguration. The same blade tip structure can adapt to serve different aerodynamic purposes depending on operating conditions, such as optimizing for drag reduction during cruise or for maneuvering performance during low-speed operation, thereby reducing the need for multiple specialized components
Data Source
AI summary
An aerial vehicle may be equipped with propellers having reconfigurable geometries. Such propellers may have blade tips or other features that may be adjusted or reconfigured while the aerial vehicle is operating, on any basis. Propellers having reconfigurable blade tips joined to blade roots may cause the blade tips to be aligned with the blade roots, or substantially perpendicular to the blade roots, e.g., in order to counter adverse effects of tip vortices, or at any intervening angle. The propellers may be reconfigured at predetermined times during operation of an aerial vehicle, or upon sensing one or more operational characteristics or environmental conditions, as may be desired or required.