Retractable Propeller Control System for Air Mobility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Air mobility vehicles face challenges in storage due to the size of their propellers and risk secondary accidents from propeller fragmentation during crashes, as existing systems lack effective measures to manage propeller size and safety during crashes.
Innovation Solution
A propeller control system that includes a driving shaft, rotary shaft, fixed and movable parts, pulley mechanism, and control system to reduce propeller size by inserting the movable part into the fixed part during storage or crashes, using clutches, pulley mechanisms, and a brake to manage rotation and insertion, thereby reducing the overall size and preventing fragment scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the propeller is kept in a large size for flight operation, then flight performance is maintained, but storage space requirements increase and safety risks during crashes worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller is designed with movable blades that can dynamically change their position between an extended flight configuration and a retracted storage/configuration. The blade assembly includes guide rails and actuators that enable the blades to move along the propeller hub, transforming the propeller from a large rotating structure during flight to a compact non-rotating structure during storage or crash scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller is divided into separable components including the hub and multiple movable blades. The blades can be independently controlled to retract into or extend from the hub structure, allowing the propeller to transition between extended and retracted states. This segmentation enables the propeller to reduce its overall volume while maintaining functional integrity.
2Power
If the propeller rotates at high speed for flight, then thrust generation is sufficient, but fragment scattering during crash increases causing secondary accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes a control mechanism that detects crash conditions and preemptively actuates the blade retraction system. Upon detecting a crash scenario, the control unit activates actuators that rapidly retract the propeller blades into the hub structure before the propeller can strike the ground, preventing the high-speed rotation that would cause fragment scattering and secondary accidents.
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller system incorporates self-protective functionality through integrated sensors and actuators that automatically respond to crash conditions without external intervention. The control unit monitors flight parameters and autonomously commands blade retraction when crash conditions are detected, enabling the propeller to protect itself and surrounding areas from fragment scattering.
3Ease of operation
If the propeller is designed as a fixed structure for simplicity, then device complexity is low, but storage efficiency decreases due to inability to reduce size
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller blades are designed to nest within the hub structure when retracted, similar to nested dolls. The blades can be stored inside the hub or along guide rails integrated into the hub structure, allowing the entire propeller assembly to occupy minimal space during storage. This nesting mechanism enables compact storage while maintaining the ability to deploy full-size propeller blades for flight operation.
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
Facilitates easier storage by reducing the propeller's size and prevents secondary accidents by containing the propeller fragments during crashes, enhancing safety and storage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pulley mechanism connected to the driving shaft and connected to the movable part through the fixed part
Implementation Method 2
An elastomer configured to deliver a force in a direction in which the movable part is withdrawn is provided in the internal space of the fixed part
Implementation Method 3
a brake installed on an air mobility, and contacting the rotary shaft according to whether the air mobility is operated to restrict the rotation of the rotary shaft
Implementation Method 4
The first clutch is composed of a first clutch plate provided on the rotary shaft, and a first friction plate moved by a first driving part installed on the driving shaft to be engaged or disengaged to the first clutch plate
Data Source
AI summary
A propeller control system of an air mobility is configured to insert a movable part forming a propeller into a fixed part in a situation where the air mobility is stored and crashes, thereby reducing an entire length of the propeller. As a result, an entire size of the air mobility is reduced when the air mobility is stored, which may prevent secondary accidents caused by fragments generated by contact of the rotated propeller with the ground in the situation where the air mobility crashes.