Rotating Pylon Assembly for VTOL Thrust Vectoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft control systems, particularly those for VTOL aircraft, face challenges in efficiently controlling the direction of thrust vectoring, especially in large aircraft where RPM-based controls have limited authority and require complex maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rotating pylon assembly within a fixed boom of the aircraft, which allows the rotor assembly to be rotated or swung about the longitudinal axis of the boom for thrust vectoring, providing enhanced directional control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If RPM-based control is used to control the direction of thrust in multi-rotor aircraft, then the control system is simple, but the authority of control is limited and complex maneuvers are required for directional changes
Solution Approach 1:
The pylon assembly is made dynamically adjustable in orientation, allowing it to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the boom. This enables the thrust vector to be dynamically redirected without changing rotor RPM, providing direct directional control while maintaining a relatively simple control system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation parameter of the pylon assembly is changed to achieve thrust vectoring. By rotating the pylon about the boom's longitudinal axis, the thrust direction is altered without modifying the rotational speed parameter of the rotor, thereby improving directional control authority while keeping the control system simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rotors are used to achieve balanced flight and vertical take-off/landing, then the aircraft can perform VTOL operations, but the complexity of controlling multiple rotors individually increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented by function: rotor RPM control handles vertical thrust magnitude, while pylon orientation control handles thrust direction. This segmentation allows VTOL capability to be achieved without requiring complex individual control of multiple rotors, as the directional control is handled by the pylon's mechanical orientation rather than differential rotor control.
Solution Approach 2:
The pylon assembly acts as an intermediary between the rotor and the aircraft airframe. It decouples the thrust generation function (rotor) from the thrust direction control function (pylon orientation), thereby simplifying the overall control system while maintaining VTOL capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If larger rotors are used to reduce power consumption, then the aircraft can remain airborne for extended durations, but the control authority and maneuverability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The pylon assembly introduces a dynamic orientation adjustment capability that is independent of rotor size. This allows larger, more efficient rotors to maintain their power efficiency while the pylon's rotational capability provides the necessary control authority for maneuvering, effectively decoupling rotor size from control authority.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation parameter of the pylon is used to achieve control authority without changing the rotational speed parameter of the rotor. This allows larger rotors to operate at optimized, lower RPM for energy efficiency while directional control is achieved through pylon rotation rather than requiring high-RPM differential control.
4Ease of operation
If tilting pylon arrangements are used to change thrust vector, then directional control is improved, but the design is limited to pitch control only
Solution Approach 1:
The control system transitions from one-dimensional pitch tilting to two-dimensional orientation control by adding rotation about the longitudinal axis of the boom. This dimensional expansion allows the thrust vector to be directed not only in pitch but also in yaw and lateral directions, providing comprehensive directional control while maintaining the simplicity of mechanical tilting arrangements.
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 enables higher authority in directional control compared to RPM-based systems, allowing for side-to-side translation and yaw movements without rolling, thereby improving maneuverability and reducing the risk of wing-tip contact during landing.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing assembly configured to functionally couple the rotating sleeve to an inner surface of the fixed boom and enable the rotating sleeve to rotate against the inner surface of the fixed boom
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating pylon assembly for aircraft thrust vectoring control. In embodiments, the rotating pylon assembly of embodiments includes a rotating sleeve disposed within a fixed boom of the aircraft, and configured to support a rotor assembly. The rotating pylon assembly includes a bearing assembly configured to functionally couple the rotating sleeve against an inner surface of the fixed boom. The bearing assembly enables the rotating sleeve to rotate against the inner surface of the fixed boom and about a longitudinal axis of the fixed boom. An actuator is configured to rotate the rotating sleeve about the longitudinal axis of the fixed boom. The rotating sleeve may cause the rotor assembly to be rotated or swung about the longitudinal axis of the fixed boom to position the rotor assembly in a position to vector the thrust provided by the rotor assembly based on a control command.