Semi-Open Fluid Jet VTOL Aircraft With Embedded Safe Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flying technologies, such as airplanes and helicopters, are limited by large footprints, high-speed moving parts, and the need for highly trained pilots, making them inaccessible for universal use, especially in a car-like manner, and lack a compact shape with maximized payload room and easy control by ordinary individuals.
Innovation Solution
A compact aircraft, FlyCar, with a car-like wing-body design and embedded multi-propulsion systems, allowing vertical takeoff and landing, and transitioning to high-speed cruising, featuring airflow control through slots and openings, and a retractable hovercraft skirt for land and water capabilities, enabling easy operation by ordinary skilled people.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional airplanes or helicopters are used for VTOL transportation, then lifting capability is achieved, but footprint becomes large and payload room is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting function is segmented from the traditional wing structure and distributed to multiple independent propulsion units (propellers or jet engines) positioned at different locations on the aircraft body. This allows the main body to be compact while achieving sufficient total lift through multiple distributed sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from horizontal wing-based lift generation to vertical propulsion-based lift generation. By using multiple propulsion units oriented vertically or at angles, the aircraft achieves lift in the vertical dimension without requiring large horizontal wing surfaces, thus reducing footprint while maintaining payload capacity.
2Force
If high-speed propellers or jet engines are used for propulsion, then thrust is sufficient, but exposure to high-speed moving parts creates safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
Ducts or shrouds are introduced as intermediary structures that enclose the propellers or jet engine inlets. These ducts channel the airflow and contain the high-speed rotating blades or jet exhaust, preventing direct exposure to passengers and pedestrians while maintaining the thrust-generating function of the propulsion units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs ducted fan configurations where flexible or rigid ducts surround the propellers. These ducts act as protective shells that contain the high-speed moving blades, allowing the propulsion system to generate sufficient thrust while eliminating the safety hazard of exposed rotating parts.
3Force
If airplanes require long takeoff runs, then sufficient lift is generated, but infrastructure requirements increase and accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using horizontal motion to generate lift through wings (traditional airplane approach), the invention inverts the sequence by using vertical propulsion to generate lift first, then transitioning to horizontal motion. This allows the aircraft to become airborne vertically without requiring long runways or traditional airport infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical wing-based aerodynamic lift system with a propulsion-based thrust system. By using vertically oriented propellers or jet engines to directly generate upward thrust, the aircraft eliminates the need for long takeoff runs and traditional airport infrastructure, significantly improving accessibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If helicopters use large propellers for vertical thrust, then VTOL capability is achieved, but device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single large helicopter propeller is segmented into multiple smaller propellers or jet engines distributed around the aircraft body. Each propulsion unit can be independently controlled, providing VTOL capability through coordinated operation of multiple simpler units rather than one complex large propeller system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable propulsion units that can change their thrust vector orientation or rotational speed independently. This dynamic control of multiple propulsion units provides helicopter-like VTOL capability and maneuverability while using simpler, more manageable individual propulsion components.
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
FlyCar achieves high maneuverability, reduced energy consumption, and all-medium transportation capabilities with a compact footprint, eliminating exposed high-speed moving parts and enhancing payload space, making it accessible for mass utilization.
Implementation Method 1
The main physical phenomena used to create lift are conservation of momentum (CM)... helicopters (c) that use primarily (CM)
Implementation Method 2
the main physical phenomena used to create lift are conservation of momentum (CM), Bernoulli law (BL)... airplanes or winged devices (b) that are in popular references based on (BL) for lift
Implementation Method 3
the main physical phenomena used to create lift are conservation of momentum (CM), Bernoulli law (BL), Coand{hacek over (a)} effect (CE)... open lifting surface aircrafts (e) that use (BL) and (CE) for achieving lift
Data Source
AI summary
A wingless compact aircraft, with a limited footprint and no exposed high-speed moving parts. The aircraft can takeoff and land vertically, can fly at high-speed and even cruise on land and water in one of the preferred embodiments.