Separable Pod Aircraft VTOL Forward Flight Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aircraft designs, such as fixed-wing, tiltrotor, and tiltwing, face challenges in transitioning efficiently between vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and forward flight modes, particularly in terms of control complexity and efficiency, especially in congested or remote areas, and suffer from downwash inefficiencies and control difficulties during hover.

Innovation Solution

The aircraft features a flying frame with a distributed propulsion system and a pod assembly that remains in a generally horizontal attitude during both VTOL and forward flight modes, allowing for rotation between the two modes while maintaining the pod's attitude, and is controlled by a flight control system capable of autonomous, remote, or pilot-controlled operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If tiltrotor aircraft use fixed wing during vertical takeoff and landing, then forward thrust is provided, but downwash inefficiencies occur due to interference from the fixed wing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforward thrustVSAvoiddownwash inefficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the fixed wing from the vertical takeoff and landing configuration, extracting only the necessary lifting surfaces (rotors) for VTOL operation. This eliminates the harmful interference and downwash inefficiencies caused by the fixed wing during vertical operations, while the fixed wing remains available for forward flight mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Power

If tiltwing aircraft rotate wing to vertical orientation for VTOL, then vertical thrust efficiency improves, but control complexity increases during hover due to large surface area for crosswinds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical thrust efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the lifting function into separate components: rotors for vertical lift and a fixed wing for forward flight. This segmentation eliminates the need to rotate the entire wing assembly, thereby reducing control complexity during hover while maintaining vertical thrust efficiency through dedicated rotor systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of rotating the wing to achieve vertical orientation for VTOL, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the wing fixed and using rotors that can tilt or rotate independently to provide vertical thrust. This eliminates the control issues associated with rotating large wing surfaces during hover.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If helicopters use rotors for vertical lift and forward flight, then VTOL capability is achieved, but forward airspeed is limited compared to fixed-wing aircraft

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVTOL capabilityVSAvoidforward airspeed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a multi-functional aircraft system where rotors provide vertical lift for VTOL operations, while the fixed wing provides efficient forward flight capability. This universal design allows the aircraft to perform both helicopter-like vertical operations and fixed-wing high-speed flight, combining the advantages of both configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration enables seamless transitions between VTOL and forward flight, improving efficiency and control, reducing the need for extensive runways, and enhancing versatility in various operational environments.

Implementation Method 1

a propulsion system attached to the airframe... lifting the pod assembly into the air in a vertical takeoff and landing mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThrust: Force

Implementation Method 2

transitioning the aircraft between the vertical takeoff and landing mode and a forward flight mode by rotating the flying frame relative to the pod assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentUS10227133B2Transportation method for selectively attachable pod assemblies

Publication Date: 2019.03.12 TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC

AI summary

In some embodiments, a transportation method includes coupling a flying frame to a passenger pod assembly; lifting the passenger pod assembly into the air in a vertical takeoff and landing mode with the passenger pod assembly in a generally horizontal attitude; transitioning from the vertical takeoff and landing mode to a forward flight mode by rotating the flying frame relative to the passenger pod assembly, which remains in the generally horizontal attitude; transporting the passenger pod assembly toward a second location in the forward flight mode; transitioning the flying frame from the forward flight mode to the vertical takeoff and landing mode by rotating the flying frame relative to the passenger pod assembly, which remains in the generally horizontal attitude; landing the flying frame at the second location in the vertical takeoff and landing mode; and releasing the passenger pod assembly.