Retractable Propeller Apparatus for Air Mobility Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air mobility vehicles face energy inefficiencies due to propellers generating air drag during high-speed flight, which reduces their ferry range, as they are required to operate propellers for takeoff and landing but not during high-speed flight.
Innovation Solution
A retractable propeller apparatus with a base, mount, propeller unit, cover, and lift unit that allows propellers to be exposed or hidden based on flight conditions, using a link unit and actuator to control the cover's movement, thereby reducing air drag during high-speed flight and enabling efficient operation during takeoff and landing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If propellers are operated during high-speed flight, then takeoff and landing capability is maintained, but air drag increases causing energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller apparatus transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one by enabling the propeller to change its position between exposed and retracted states. The lift unit mechanically moves the propeller along the base, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on flight conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining capability and reducing energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller apparatus is divided into separable components: the propeller unit mounted on the base with a lift unit that can independently move it. This segmentation allows the propeller to be decoupled from the fixed structure and repositioned, enabling it to be hidden during high-speed flight while remaining accessible for takeoff and landing operations.
2Loss of energy
If propellers are retracted during high-speed flight, then energy efficiency improves, but takeoff and landing operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic positioning mechanism where the propeller can be quickly moved between retracted and exposed positions. The lift unit provides the mechanical means to transition the propeller from a retracted state (improving energy efficiency) to an operational state (enabling takeoff and landing), ensuring both conditions are satisfied at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller is positioned in advance to the appropriate location based on anticipated flight conditions. Before takeoff or landing, the lift unit moves the propeller to the exposed position in advance, ensuring it is ready for operation. During high-speed flight, it is moved to the retracted position beforehand to minimize energy loss.
3Ease of operation
If propellers are always exposed, then operation is simple, but air drag causes energy loss during high-speed flight
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus introduces a controlled dynamic element through the lift unit that moves the propeller between positions. While this adds a mechanical component, it maintains operational simplicity by automating the position change based on flight phase, thereby reducing energy loss during high-speed flight without significantly complicating the overall operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system effectively serves itself by using the lift unit to automatically reposition the propeller based on flight conditions. The apparatus manages its own configuration without requiring complex external control, reducing energy loss during high-speed flight while maintaining ease of operation through automated positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable propeller apparatus of an air mobility vehicle has a structure enabling a propeller to be exposed or hidden depending on whether the air mobility vehicle is in a high-speed flight or a parking position. In particular, the retractable propeller apparatus includes: a base having a mount provided with a space; a propeller unit disposed on the mount and configured to generate a flow of air; a cover configured to close the space and be movable in the top-bottom direction with respect to the mount; and a lift unit disposed on the mount connected to the cover, and configured to move the cover. The cover selectively closes or opens the space based on an operation of the lift unit such that the propeller unit is operable.