Reconfigurable Rotor Power Ring for Fault-Isolated Multirotor Propulsion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-rotor rotary wing aircraft propulsion systems face issues with increased size, weight, complexity, and reliability due to parallel power supply configurations, leading to system failure in case of electrical faults and high maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable annular electrical network that allows each motor unit to be powered through two ends of a ring or one end in case of fault, with switches to isolate defective units and maintain power to others, reducing the number of power supply lines and enhancing fault tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If parallel power supply configuration is used to maximize mutualisation of wiring, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates because a fault in common power supply line causes loss of entire propulsion system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the common power supply line into multiple independent sections by introducing switching devices at each motor unit. Each section can be independently controlled and isolated, transforming a single point of failure into multiple independent pathways. This allows the system to maintain low wiring complexity while achieving fault isolation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfiguration capability through switching devices that can change the electrical network topology in real-time. The system can dynamically switch between parallel configuration (for normal operation) and series/configuration with isolation (for fault conditions), optimizing both complexity and reliability based on operational state.
2Reliability
If individualisation of wiring is maximised to isolate faults, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase due to increased number of power supply lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each power supply line multi-functional by equipping them with switching devices that enable them to serve both as individual isolated lines and as part of the common parallel network. Each line can independently carry power to its associated motor unit while also being part of the overall parallel configuration, reducing the total number of lines needed compared to fully individualised wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching devices at each motor unit enable self-isolation capability, where a fault in one motor unit or its associated line can be automatically detected and isolated by local switching actions, without requiring complex centralised control or additional isolation components elsewhere in the system.
3Reliability
If individualisation of wiring is maximised to isolate faults, then reliability is improved, but weight increases due to increased number of power supply lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution architecture into modular units, each with its own switching device. This segmentation allows for fault isolation without requiring duplicate wiring for every motor unit, as each segment shares common power supply lines through the switching network, thereby reducing overall wire mass while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic switching capability allows the system to reconfigure wiring paths based on fault conditions, eliminating the need for permanent redundant wiring. The same physical wires serve multiple functions depending on switching state, reducing the total wire quantity and weight compared to static individualised wiring configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
In the field of multi-rotor rotary-wing aircraft a propulsion system for such an aircraft includes a reconfigurable electric network for supplying the electric motors driving the rotors. The system includes: a supply source, a supply bus connected to the supply source, at least four drive units each including an electric motor and its control circuit, and an electrical ring network including: an electrical line which is interrupted at each drive unit and whose ends are connected to the supply bus, and, for each drive unit, a first switch and a second switch that are connected between the control circuit and the electrical line, on either side of the interruption.