Autonomous Thrust Vectoring Ring Wing Pod for Aircraft Attitude Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tiltrotor aircraft rely on heavy and inefficient actuators for thrust vector control, limiting flight capabilities and attitude authority, especially in wing-borne flight, and require additional complex and costly vanes for thrust direction.
Innovation Solution
The autonomous thrust vectoring ring wing pod system uses a distributed propulsion layout within a self-articulating ring wing pod to control thrust vectors independently, eliminating the need for traditional actuators and surface controls by rotating the pod around a support element, allowing for superior attitude control in both helicopter and airplane modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional actuators are used to articulate thrusters, then thrust vector control is achieved, but weight increases and bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional actuator from the thrust vector control system. Instead of using mechanical actuators to articulate the thrusters, the invention uses a self-articulating ring wing pod where the thrust elements can change orientation without heavy mechanical articulation mechanisms. This extraction of the actuator eliminates its weight while maintaining thrust vector control capability through alternative means (ring wing aerodynamics and distributed propulsion).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical actuator system with an aerodynamic and distributed propulsion system. The ring wing pod uses aerodynamic forces and the coordination of multiple distributed thrusters to achieve thrust vector control, substituting heavy mechanical articulation with a lighter, more bandwidth-efficient system that uses fluid dynamics and control theory rather than mechanical linkages.
2Ease of operation
If vanes are added to direct thrust, then thrust direction is controlled, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the traditional vanes from the thrust direction control system. Instead of adding vanes to physically redirect the thrust flow, the invention uses the ring wing pod's aerodynamic surface and the coordinated operation of distributed thrusters to control thrust direction. This elimination of vanes reduces device complexity and weight while maintaining effective thrust vectoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring wing pod structure serves multiple functions: it provides aerodynamic lift, houses the distributed propulsion elements, and enables thrust vector control through its articulation capability. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate vanes dedicated solely to thrust direction control, as the ring wing itself performs the directional control function while also serving as a structural and aerodynamic component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional control surfaces are used for attitude control, then attitude authority is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thrust propulsion function with the attitude control function into a single integrated system. The distributed propulsion elements within the ring wing pod serve dual purposes: generating thrust for flight and controlling aircraft attitude through differential thrust modulation. This merging eliminates the need for separate traditional control surfaces (ailerons, elevators, rudders), reducing device complexity while maintaining full attitude control authority.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed propulsion system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thrust for forward motion, vertical lift, and attitude control through selective modulation of individual thruster outputs. This universal system replaces the specialized single-function control surfaces, achieving versatility in attitude control while reducing the overall complexity of the control system architecture.
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 aircraft attitude control, reduces weight and complexity, and increases bandwidth for quick orientation changes, providing more efficient and flexible thrust control compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of propulsion elements (thrusters) disposed within the duct and configured to provide a variable thrust output
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous thrust vectoring ring wing pod is disclosed. A plurality of distributed propulsion element (thruster) layout within a self-articulating ring wing pod allows the pod to selectively control its thrust vector by controlling each propulsion element in the pod. This arrangement allows autonomous and independent control of the tilting of the ring wing relative to the aircraft. The ring wing pod acts as both a nacelle to house the propulsion elements as well as a lifting surface when in wing-borne flight. The autonomous thrust vectoring ring wing pod also provides superior aircraft attitude control in wing-borne flight, thus negating the need for conventional surface controls.