Integrated Thrust-Lift Wing Axial-Centrifugal Fan Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional aircraft wing designs rely solely on airflow over a cambered surface for lift, which can limit their short take-off and landing capabilities and efficiency in generating both vertical and horizontal thrust.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a thrust-lift system within the wing, utilizing a single drive shaft connected to both axial fan blades and centrifugal fan blades, allows for selective generation of lift, thrust, and forward thrust, enhancing flight capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional cambered surface airflow is used for lift generation, then the wing structure remains simple, but short take-off and landing capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines axial fan blades and centrifugal fan blades on a single drive shaft within the wing structure. The axial fan generates vertical lift thrust while the centrifugal fan generates forward thrust, merging both lift and propulsion functions into one integrated system that resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and enhanced take-off/landing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated thrust-lift system performs multiple functions: the axial fan provides vertical lift, the centrifugal fan provides forward thrust, and both are controlled by a single drive shaft. This multi-functional design enables the wing to achieve both traditional lift generation and enhanced short take-off/landing performance without requiring separate systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate systems are used for lift and thrust generation, then each function can be optimized independently, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lift generation system (axial fan) and thrust generation system (centrifugal fan) onto a single drive shaft. This integration reduces the number of independent drive systems while maintaining the ability to selectively generate lift and thrust through the different fan blade configurations on the same shaft
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive shaft is designed to universally drive both axial and centrifugal fan blades, allowing one component to perform multiple functions. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while preserving adaptability in generating both vertical lift and horizontal thrust as needed
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 enables improved short take-off and landing characteristics, increased efficiency in generating both vertical and horizontal thrust, and extended range by embedding the lift-thrust system within the airfoil structure.
Implementation Method 1
the axial fan blades draw air through the top port and directs it through the wing through the bottom port generating lift
Implementation Method 2
The centrifugal fan blades, when engaged, draw air through the top port and directs it into the exhaust port wherein the exhaust port further includes an internal control surface for directing exhaust air created by the centrifugal fan blades
Data Source
AI summary
The novel wing design disclosed herein has a cambered, swept wing design for aircraft application that can achieve steady state flight via the integration of an electric motor driven lift-thrust system that can provide both vertical thrust for take-off and horizontal thrust for flight propulsion by the selective use of fan blades connected to the motor.