Self-Adjusting Multicopter Rotors for Quiet VTOL Wind Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft, particularly those with VTOL capabilities, face challenges in reducing noise levels to operate effectively in congested metropolitan areas, and larger rotor diameters or increased blade solidity to mitigate noise introduce sensitivity to wind, requiring adjustments to maintain stability and prevent tipping.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a self-adjusting process using control signals to counteract wind-induced changes in rotor position and thrust, with flexible vertical beams and sensors to maintain rotor stability and centering, allowing for quieter operation without the need for landing infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If larger rotor diameters or increased blade solidity are used to reduce noise, then noise levels are reduced, but wind sensitivity increases causing stability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of rotor parameters (pitch angle, rotational speed) in real-time to compensate for wind-induced disturbances. The control system continuously monitors rotor position and thrust, adjusting parameters dynamically to maintain stability despite the increased wind sensitivity from larger rotors
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by sensing rotor position and thrust changes caused by wind, then generating control signals to counteract these changes. This closed-loop control enables the aircraft to maintain stability while using larger, quieter rotors by continuously correcting wind-induced deviations
2Object-generated harmful factors
If larger rotor diameters are used to reduce noise, then noise levels are reduced, but the aircraft becomes more sensitive to wind-induced position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The control system applies preliminary counteracting forces by generating control signals that oppose wind-induced rotor position changes before they significantly affect aircraft stability. This proactive control approach compensates for the increased wind sensitivity of larger rotors
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors detect rotor position changes caused by wind, and the control system processes this feedback to generate corrective signals that counteract the wind's effect, enabling the aircraft to operate quietly with larger rotors while maintaining position stability
3Object-generated harmful factors
If larger rotor diameters are used to reduce noise, then noise levels are reduced, but thrust variability increases requiring continuous adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts rotor pitch and rotational speed to compensate for thrust variability induced by wind. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains consistent total thrust output despite individual rotor thrust fluctuations, enabling reliable operation of larger, quieter rotors
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors thrust changes in real-time and generates corrective control signals to maintain consistent total thrust. This feedback mechanism compensates for thrust variability caused by wind acting on larger rotor surfaces
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
Enables quieter VTOL aircraft operation with reduced wind sensitivity, eliminating the need for landing infrastructure and supporting a robust network of pickup and drop-off locations, while maintaining efficient thrust and stability.
Implementation Method 1
Flexible vertical beams allow rotors to move independently of the passenger compartment, enabling the rotor system to self-adjust to wind changes
Data Source
AI summary
In response to a change in a state of at least some part of a vehicle, a control signal associated with countering the change in the state while the vehicle is in an occupant change state is generated. The control signal is sent to a rotor in the vehicle while the vehicle is in the occupant change state, wherein the control signal causes the rotor to move in a manner that is counter to the change in the state and the rotor rotates about a substantially vertical axis of rotation and enables the vehicle to perform vertical takeoffs and landings.