Reverse Thrust Control for eVTOL Aircraft Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrically propelled aircraft, such as eVTOLs, face challenges in achieving a high lift-to-drag ratio while incorporating aerodynamic braking or wing lift reduction, which adds weight, complexity, and cost.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft with reverse thrust capabilities is designed, featuring a fuselage, flight components, a pilot control with attached sensors, and a flight controller that detects aircraft data to initiate a reverse torque command, enabling efficient control and maneuvering through the use of sensors and flight controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If aerodynamic braking or wing lift reduction is incorporated, then reverse thrust capability is achieved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flight components are designed to perform multiple functions: forward thrust during takeoff and cruise, and reverse thrust during landing. The same propulsion system that provides lift and forward motion is configured to generate reverse thrust by adjusting blade pitch or rotation direction, eliminating the need for separate aerodynamic braking systems and reducing overall aircraft weight.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using traditional aerodynamic braking that increases weight, the patent inverts the thrust direction of the flight components. By reversing the rotation direction or adjusting the blade pitch to negative angles, the propulsion system generates reverse thrust that opposes forward motion, achieving braking effect without additional weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If aerodynamic braking or wing lift reduction is incorporated, then reverse thrust capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flight controller is programmed to manage multiple flight phases using the same flight components. A single control system handles transition from forward thrust to reverse thrust by adjusting motor rotation direction and blade pitch angles, eliminating the need for separate aerodynamic braking mechanisms and simplifying the overall aircraft architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the braking function with the propulsion system. The flight components that normally provide thrust are also configured to provide reverse thrust for braking by reversing rotation or changing blade pitch. This consolidation eliminates separate braking systems and reduces device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If aerodynamic braking or wing lift reduction is incorporated, then reverse thrust capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both forward thrust and reverse thrust operations. By using the same motors, propellers, and control systems for both acceleration and braking, the patent eliminates the need for separate aerodynamic braking systems, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the braking function into the existing propulsion system rather than adding separate braking mechanisms. This merging of functions reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs.
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 allows for enhanced control and reduced weight and complexity by enabling reverse thrust capabilities, improving the aircraft's ability to manage lift and drag efficiently, thereby enhancing performance and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor attached to the pilot control configured to detect an aircraft datum from the pilot control
Implementation Method 2
a flight controller, located within the fuselage, the flight controller configured to receive the aircraft datum from the sensor, and initiate a reverse torque command of a flight component
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft having reverse thrust capabilities includes a fuselage, a plurality of flight components, a pilot control located within the fuselage, a sensor attached to the pilot control configured to detect an aircraft datum from the pilot control, and a flight controller, located within the fuselage, the flight controller configured to receive the aircraft datum from the sensor, and initiate a reverse torque command of a flight component of the plurality of flight components as a function of the aircraft datum.