Rotatable Vertiport Surface for Headwind Takeoff and Turnaround

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vertiport systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing space for multiple activities such as aircraft movement, battery charging, and passenger exchange, which typically require different zones and time periods.

Innovation Solution

A compact vertiport system with rotatable surfaces and efficient zone configuration, where the rotatable surfaces allow aircraft to land and take off in different orientations, and the zones are arranged to combine multiple activities into one space and time period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If aircraft turn to face the wind during initial takeoff, then the aircraft can takeoff facing into the wind, but the movement can be unpleasant for passengers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetakeoff performanceVSAvoidpassenger comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable surface rotates the aircraft to the desired orientation before takeoff, so the aircraft is already facing into the wind when it begins its takeoff run. This preliminary action eliminates the need for passengers to experience uncomfortable turns during the critical takeoff phase, while still achieving the performance benefit of taking off into the wind.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a dynamically adjustable rotatable surface that can change the aircraft's orientation on the ground before takeoff. This dynamic adjustment allows the aircraft to be positioned optimally for takeoff performance without requiring in-flight maneuvering that would affect passenger comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple activities (aircraft movement, charging, passenger exchange) are performed in separate zones and time periods, then each activity can be optimized, but the vertiport requires larger space and longer time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivity optimizationVSAvoidvertiport space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable surface serves multiple functions: it enables aircraft movement between landing and takeoff zones, facilitates passenger exchange by orienting the aircraft door toward walkways, and allows battery charging by positioning charging ports near chargers. By merging these previously separate functions into a single component, the system reduces the total space required while maintaining reliable performance of each activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable surface is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously supports aircraft repositioning, passenger boarding/alighting, and battery charging operations. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate specialized zones, thereby reducing the overall vertiport footprint while maintaining the reliability of each individual activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the rotatable surface rotates the aircraft to align with external components (walkway, charger), then the aircraft can be efficiently positioned for passenger exchange and charging, but the system requires precise control and coordination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors the aircraft's position, the orientation of external components (walkways, chargers), and operational status to dynamically adjust the rotatable surface's rotation. This feedback mechanism ensures the aircraft is precisely aligned with the appropriate external component for each activity, maximizing operational efficiency while managing control complexity through automated real-time adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically coordinates the rotation of the rotatable surface with the positioning of external components and the scheduling of activities. The control system self-manages the complex coordination required, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing operational complexity while maintaining high productivity through automated sequence management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The system achieves efficient space utilization by allowing simultaneous activities like aircraft movement, charging, and passenger exchange, enabling the vertiport to fit into smaller spaces while maintaining operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a motor coupled to the rotatable surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250145306A1Rotatable surface for headwind alignment and vertiport alignment

Publication Date: 2025.05.08 WISK AERO LLC

AI summary

Embodiments provide a vertiport system with rotatable surfaces. The rotatable surfaces can be configured to rotate after an aircraft arrives at the rotatable surface. As a result, the aircraft can be allowed to land with a first orientation facing into a headwind, and then be rotated to have a second orientation that is better suited for reset processes at the vertiport, such as passenger exchange. When ready for a subsequent flight, the rotatable surface can rotate again so that the aircraft faces into the wind again for takeoff.