Reconfigurable Ring-Wing eVTOL Propulsion for Motor-Out Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial vehicles face design complexities in balancing stability, maneuverability, and energy efficiency, particularly in transitioning between vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and horizontal flight configurations. Additionally, there is a need for systems and methods to maintain control and safety during degraded operational states, such as motor out situations.
Innovation Solution
The development of aerial vehicles equipped with a ring wing that surrounds the propulsion mechanisms, allowing for operation in both VTOL and horizontal flight orientations. The vehicles can efficiently transition between these modes and implement reconfigurations of propulsion mechanisms, such as altering cant angles, toe angles, and positions, to maintain control and safety even in degraded states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the aerial vehicle uses a fixed wing configuration, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the vehicle cannot transition between VTOL and horizontal flight configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The wing is divided into multiple detachable sections that can be reconfigured. The first wing section can be separated from the second wing section, allowing the vehicle to transition between different flight configurations (VTOL and horizontal flight) while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for each individual section.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing configuration is made dynamic through frangible connections that allow the wing sections to be separated or reconfigured during operation. This enables the vehicle to adapt between VTOL and horizontal flight modes, transforming a static structure into a dynamically reconfigurable one.
2Ease of operation
If the aerial vehicle is designed for high agility, then maneuverability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle dynamically reconfigures its propulsion system based on flight mode. During VTOL, all propulsion mechanisms are active for high maneuverability. During horizontal flight, the system transitions to wing-based lift with reduced propulsion demand, improving energy efficiency while maintaining maneuverability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion mechanisms serve multiple functions: providing thrust during VTOL for high maneuverability, and enabling transition to horizontal flight for energy-efficient cruising. The same components adapt to different operational requirements, achieving both agility and energy efficiency across different flight phases.
3Reliability
If the aerial vehicle operates with all propulsion mechanisms, then full operational capability is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is segmented into multiple independent mechanisms, allowing selective operation. When one mechanism fails, the others can continue operating, maintaining full operational capability without requiring a complex redundant system for each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by activating or deactivating specific propulsion mechanisms based on flight mode and operational status. This allows the vehicle to maintain full capability when needed while reducing complexity by operating with fewer active components during certain phases.
4Strength
If the wing sections are permanently connected, then structural integrity is maintained, but the vehicle cannot reconfigure for degraded operational states
Solution Approach 1:
Frangible connections are pre-designed into the wing structure to allow controlled separation under specific conditions. These connections maintain structural integrity during normal operation but enable reconfiguration when degradation is detected, preparing the system in advance for potential failure states.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible connection design anticipates potential failures by providing a predetermined failure mode. When structural degradation is detected, the connection safely separates to prevent catastrophic failure, cushioning the system against the harmful effects of structural compromise.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Various reconfigurations of propulsion mechanisms, propellers, propeller blades, and/or blade sections of propulsion mechanisms, and/or wing sections of a ring wing of an aerial vehicle are described. For example, responsive to a fault or failure of a propulsion mechanism, the remaining propulsion mechanisms, propellers, propeller blades, and/or blade sections of the remaining propulsion mechanisms, and/or one or more wing sections may be modified to maintain control and safety of the aerial vehicle. In example embodiments, cant angles, toe angles, positions, and/or orientations of one or more propulsion mechanisms, angular orientations, positions, and/or lengths of one or more propellers, propeller blades, and/or blade sections of propulsion mechanisms, and/or positions, angular orientations, pitches, and/or pivots of one or more wing sections may be modified to maintain control and safety in either a horizontal, wingborn flight orientation, or a vertical, VTOL flight orientation.