Rotor Drag Minimization Axis Control for eVTOL
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern aircraft, such as vertical landing and takeoff aircraft, experience increased air resistance and drag due to stationary rotors during edgewise flight, which hinder efficiency and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a computing device to determine a drag minimization axis for rotors, allowing them to be halted and positioned in a way that minimizes drag, by sending commands to magnetic elements to stop and stabilize the rotors, ensuring they point in a direction that reduces air resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rotors are kept stationary during edgewise flight, then the aircraft structure remains simple and easy to control, but air resistance and drag increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one by enabling rotation during edgewise flight. The rotor can rotate about its axis to align with the airflow direction, transforming the harmful stationary configuration into a beneficial moving configuration that reduces drag while maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the rotational parameter of the rotor from zero (stationary) to a controlled rotation angle. By adjusting the rotor's angular position, the system optimizes the alignment between the rotor and airflow, thereby minimizing air resistance and drag during edgewise flight maneuvers.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If rotors are rotated to reduce drag, then air resistance decreases, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor rotor position, airflow conditions, and aircraft motion state. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts rotor rotation angles to minimize drag, reducing the need for complex manual intervention and simplifying the overall control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor system serves multiple functions: it provides thrust during vertical flight, reduces drag during edgewise flight by rotating to align with airflow, and maintains structural simplicity. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified control approach that adjusts rotor orientation based on flight phase and conditions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If rotors are positioned to minimize drag during edgewise flight, then energy efficiency improves, but the precision of rotor positioning requirements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic positioning where the rotor can rotate to optimal angles during flight rather than being fixed at precise manufacturing tolerances. This dynamic adjustment compensates for variations in rotor geometry and positioning, achieving energy efficiency without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on precise fixed positioning, the system changes the rotor's angular parameter dynamically during flight. By adjusting the rotation angle based on real-time flight conditions, the system achieves optimal drag minimization while accommodating normal variations in positioning precision.
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 approach effectively reduces air resistance and drag, enhancing the energy efficiency and performance of electric aircraft by optimizing rotor positioning during flight transitions.
Implementation Method 1
sending a halting command to at least a magnetic element to halt the rotor
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, a system comprising a computing device. The computing device is configured to determine a drag minimization axis of a rotor connected to an aircraft. The rotor includes a first end and a second end. The rotor is configured to rotate about an axis. The computing device is further configured to determine a halting point of the rotor, wherein the halting point includes a drag minimization axis of the rotor. The computing device is configured to send a halting command to at least a magnetic element to halt the rotor, wherein the halting process is configured to stop a movement of the rotor and position the rotor in the halting point. The position of the rotor in the halting point includes the first end pointing in one direction of the drag minimization axis and the second end pointing in an opposite direction of the first end.