Self-Adjusting VTOL Rotors for Quiet Landing Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
VTOL aircraft in congested metropolitan areas face challenges due to noise from rotors, which can be mitigated by increasing rotor diameter or blade chord, but this makes them more sensitive to wind, requiring infrastructure for securement and stabilization.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of self-adjusting rotor systems that continue to spin during occupant changes, using flexible vertical beams and sensors to generate control signals that counter wind and noise-induced displacements, maintaining rotor position and stability without the need for landing infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If rotor diameter is increased to reduce noise, then noise level decreases, but wind sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where rotors can independently adjust their tilt angles. The rotor assembly includes a rotor hub that can tilt relative to the fuselage, allowing the system to dynamically respond to wind conditions while maintaining the large diameter configuration for noise reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the rotors by adjusting their tilt angles independently. During landing, the rotors can tilt to optimize performance and reduce wind sensitivity, while maintaining the large diameter for noise reduction. This parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to different operational conditions.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If rotor diameter is increased to reduce noise, then noise level decreases, but infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor system performs self-adjustment through automated control mechanisms. Sensors detect wind conditions and rotor position, and the control system automatically adjusts rotor tilt angles to maintain stability. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external securement infrastructure like ties or ground supports.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback control loop where sensors continuously monitor rotor position and wind conditions, and the control system adjusts rotor tilt angles in response. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the large-diameter rotors to maintain stability without requiring additional landing infrastructure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rotors are adjusted during occupant changes, then stability is maintained, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotors continue to spin during occupant changes rather than stopping and restarting. This continuous operation maintains rotor momentum and stability, while the automated tilt adjustment system makes necessary position corrections without interrupting the spinning motion. This eliminates the time loss associated with stopping and restarting rotors.
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle that includes a flight controller and a rotor. During a vertical landing state, during which the VTOL vehicle is performing a vertical landing, the flight controller decides whether to switch from the vertical landing state to a self adjusting state and in the event it is decided to do so, the flight controller switches from the vertical landing state to the self adjusting state. During the self adjusting state, the flight controller generates a control signal for a rotor where the control signal causes: (1) the rotor to rotate during the self adjusting state and (2) the VTOL vehicle to stay in place during the self adjusting state, such that an occupant is able to enter or exit the VTOL vehicle during the self adjusting state.