Symbiotic Wing and Drone Propulsion for Endurance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aircraft systems lack efficient solutions for safe and reliable aerial launch, recovery, and resupply operations, particularly in high endurance missions where continuous propulsion and energy management are critical.
Innovation Solution
A mutually symbiotic aircraft system comprising a wing member with a airfoil cross-section and a plurality of unmanned aircraft systems that can connect and disconnect for propulsion, launch, recovery, and resupply, utilizing magnetic coupling, battery recharging, and flight control systems to enable connected and independent flight modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If unmanned aircraft systems are used for high endurance missions, then mission duration is extended, but continuous propulsion and energy management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the propulsion function into multiple independent unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that can be selectively coupled to the wing member. Each UAS operates as an independent propulsion unit, allowing the system to manage energy by controlling individual units rather than managing a single complex propulsion system continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing member is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the primary aircraft structure for flight and as a mobile base/platform for launching, recovering, and resupplying UAS. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate ground-based infrastructure, simplifying overall system management for extended missions.
2Duration of action of moving object
If multiple unmanned aircraft systems are coupled to the wing member for propulsion, then flight endurance is improved, but system weight and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the wing member and UAS is designed to be dynamic and selective. UAS can be coupled to or decoupled from the wing member based on mission requirements, allowing the system to optimize weight by only carrying the necessary number of propulsion units rather than permanently attaching multiple heavy systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If unmanned aircraft systems are launched and recovered aerially from the wing member, then operational versatility is enhanced, but launch and recovery system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UAS are designed with self-contained propulsion and control systems that allow them to autonomously detach from and reattach to the wing member. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex external launch and recovery infrastructure, as the systems can perform these operations with minimal external intervention.
4Reliability
If the wing member provides continuous propulsion support, then mission reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous propulsion support, the system uses periodic engagement of UAS with the wing member. UAS are coupled to provide propulsion when needed, then decoupled to conserve energy, creating a periodic pattern of engagement that maintains reliability while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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 high endurance flights by allowing unmanned aircraft systems to provide propulsion to the wing member, facilitating efficient launch, recovery, and resupply, thereby extending mission duration and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
the unmanned aircraft systems may be magnetically coupled to the wing member in the connected flight mode
Implementation Method 2
the wing member may include a battery system operable to electrically recharge the unmanned aircraft systems in the connected flight mode
Implementation Method 3
In the connected flight mode, the unmanned aircraft systems are operable to provide propulsion to the wing member to enable flight
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft system includes a wing member and a plurality of unmanned aircraft systems selectively connectable to the wing member. The wing member has a generally airfoil cross-section, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The unmanned aircraft systems have a connected flight mode while coupled to the wing member and an independent flight mode when detached from the wing member. In the connected flight mode, the unmanned aircraft systems are operable to provide propulsion to the wing member to enable flight. The unmanned aircraft systems are operable to be launched from the wing member to perform aerial missions in the independent flight mode and are operable to be recovered by the wing member and returned to the connected flight mode. Thereafter, in the connected flight mode, the unmanned aircraft systems are operable to be resupplied by the wing member.