Split Wing Aircraft Transitioning Between VTOL and Forward Flight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aircraft designs either require runways for takeoff and landing or are limited in versatility due to their specific flight modes, lacking the ability to transition seamlessly between thrust-borne vertical lift and wing-borne forward flight modes.

Innovation Solution

An aircraft with a split wing configuration that pivots between a two-dimensional thrust array for vertical lift and a one-dimensional thrust array for forward flight, utilizing a distributed thrust array and a flight control system to manage propulsion assemblies and wing configuration, enabling both vertical takeoff and landing, as well as high-speed forward flight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a fixed-wing aircraft uses a conventional monoplane wing configuration for forward flight, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but the ability to perform vertical takeoff and landing is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic efficiencyVSAvoidvertical takeoff and landing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wing is divided into multiple movable segments or panels that can be reconfigured. The wing includes a root section and multiple outboard sections with wing layers that can be pivoted independently, allowing the wing to transition from a conventional monoplane configuration to a split-wing configuration for VTOL operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wing configuration is made dynamic through pivotable connections between wing layers and sections. actuators enable the wing to change its geometric configuration in flight, transitioning between monoplane and split-wing states to adapt between forward flight and vertical takeoff/landing modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a VTOL aircraft uses a split wing configuration for vertical lift, then vertical takeoff and landing capability is improved, but aerodynamic efficiency for forward flight deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical takeoff and landing capabilityVSAvoidaerodynamic efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The same wing structure serves multiple functions by reconfiguring its geometry. The wing provides both conventional monoplane aerodynamics for forward flight and split-wing configuration for VTOL operations, eliminating the need for separate specialized structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an aircraft transitions between thrust-borne vertical lift and wing-borne forward flight modes, then operational versatility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational versatilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thrust array is divided into multiple independent propulsion assemblies distributed across the wing structure. Each propulsion assembly can be independently controlled, allowing flexible thrust vectoring for both vertical lift and forward flight modes while distributing mechanical complexity across multiple manageable units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The propulsion assemblies are mounted on pivotable mechanisms that allow them to change orientation and position relative to the wing. This dynamic mounting enables the same propulsion system to provide vertical thrust for VTOL and horizontal thrust for forward flight, reducing the need for separate propulsion systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 design allows for efficient transition between vertical lift and forward flight modes, enhancing versatility and operational capabilities, such as VTOL and high-speed flight, without the need for runways, while maintaining stability and control through differential thrust and wing configuration adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

Aircraft having a thrust-borne vertical lift mode and a wing-borne forward flight mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThrust generation: Jet

Implementation Method 2

The wings generally have an airfoil cross section that generates the lift force to support the airplane in flight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic lift: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentUS10864988B2Aircraft having split wing and monoplane configurations

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC

AI summary

An aircraft includes a fuselage coupled to a wing having a root section and first and second outboard sections each having first and second wing layers pivotably coupled to respective outboard ends of the root section. A thrust array is coupled to the wing. A power system is operably associated with the thrust array to provide power to each of a plurality of propulsion assemblies. A flight control system is operably associated with the thrust array and the wing. The flight control system is operable to control the thrust output from the propulsion assemblies and the configuration of the wing. In a thrust-borne vertical lift mode, the wing has a split wing configuration such that the thrust array forms a two dimensional thrust array. In the wing-borne forward flight mode, the wing has a monoplane configuration such that the thrust array forms a one dimensional thrust array.