Retractable VTOL Rotor Stowage Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid UAVs face challenges in transitioning between vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and forward flight modes due to the need for separate propulsion systems, which affects efficiency, speed, endurance, and stability.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of stowable vertical propulsion rotors that can be deployed for VTOL operations and retracted into closed compartments for cruise flight, using movable covers to form a smooth surface for aerodynamic flight, and a mechanism involving motors and linkages to open and close these covers, along with magnetic orientation for efficient stowage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If rotors are deployed for VTOL operations, then vertical takeoff and landing capability is achieved, but aerodynamic efficiency and speed during cruise flight deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVTOL capabilityVSAvoidcruise speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one, where rotors can be deployed or retracted based on flight mode. During VTOL operations, rotors are deployed for vertical propulsion, while during cruise flight, rotors are retracted to create a streamlined aerodynamic configuration, optimizing speed and range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The vertical propulsion system is segmented from the forward propulsion system. The rotors are housed in separate rotor compartments that can be independently opened or closed, allowing the aircraft to switch between VTOL and cruise modes by adjusting the rotor compartment covers while maintaining separate propulsion functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If rotors are retracted into closed compartments, then aerodynamic efficiency and range are improved, but VTOL capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveendurance and rangeVSAvoidVTOL capability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor compartment covers are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the system to transition between closed configuration for cruise flight (optimizing endurance and range) and open configuration for VTOL operations (restoring vertical propulsion capability).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotor compartments serve multiple functions: they house the vertical propulsion rotors, provide aerodynamic streamlining during cruise flight, and can be opened to enable VTOL operations. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to support both endurance optimization and VTOL capability without requiring separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If movable covers are used to deploy and stow rotors, then adaptability between flight modes is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight mode transitionVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor compartment covers are equipped with self-contained actuation mechanisms that can automatically open or close based on flight mode requirements. The covers include integrated motors and linkages that enable autonomous deployment or retraction of rotors without requiring external manual intervention, simplifying the overall control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The actuation mechanism for the rotor compartment covers is integrated into the cover structure itself, merging the opening/closing function with the cover component. This integration reduces the need for separate external mechanisms and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining adaptability between flight modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution enhances the performance of hybrid UAVs by increasing speed, endurance, range, and stability by allowing for streamlined flight during cruise operations while maintaining VTOL capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

Each vertical propulsion unit includes a motor and a rotor, with the motor configured to rotate the rotor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A plurality of magnets within the rotors and a plurality of corresponding magnets in the stators may be positioned such that attraction between the magnets orients the rotors in the fore-aft orientation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10894599B1Retractable VTOL rotor systems and methods

Publication Date: 2021.01.19 EDGE AUTONOMY RIGA SIA

AI summary

A hybrid multi-rotor aircraft, includes a plurality of vertical propulsion rotors and at least one forward propulsion rotor. The aircraft also includes a rotor compartment within for each of the vertical propulsion rotors such that a vertical propulsion rotor may be stowed within its respective rotor compartment. A deployable rotor-compartment cover for each rotor compartment is provided and may be moved to an open state to allow the vertical propulsion rotors to be deployed and moved to a closed state to cover their respective vertical propulsion rotors when the vertical propulsion rotors or in a closed state.