Thrust-Vectoring Lifting Body for Multi-Domain V/STOL Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial vehicles are limited in their ability to operate in multiple domains and environments due to design compromises between aerodynamic lift and powered lift, resulting in restricted operational breadth and inefficiencies in transition between flight modes.
Innovation Solution
A universal vehicle system featuring a mostly lift generating body with dynamically controlled thrust vectoring modules, allowing for real-time control of pitch, roll, and yaw moments, and capable of transitioning seamlessly between aerial, terrestrial, subterranean, and marine domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing aerial vehicles use design compromises between aerodynamic lift and powered lift, then the vehicle structure can be simplified, but the operational breadth is restricted and transition between flight modes becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle employs dynamically adjustable thrust vectoring modules that can change the direction and magnitude of thrust in real-time. This dynamic control system allows the vehicle to optimize its lift generation mechanism based on current flight conditions, enabling seamless transition between aerodynamic and powered lift modes without requiring fixed structural compromises
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust vectoring modules serve multiple functions: they provide vertical lift, horizontal thrust, and attitude control simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate aerodynamic and powered lift systems, allowing a single vehicle design to operate across diverse flight regimes including vertical takeoff, horizontal flight, and transition phases
2Productivity
If existing aerial vehicles prioritize transition efficiency between flight modes, then operational flexibility improves, but power usage becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle controls transition efficiency by dynamically adjusting parameters such as thrust vector angles, rotor speed, and blade pitch. These parameter changes allow the vehicle to optimize the balance between transition speed and power consumption, enabling efficient transitions without excessive energy expenditure
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing aerial vehicles are designed for V/STOL capability, then vertical and short takeoff/landing is enabled, but large operating footprints are required
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle divides its lift generation into multiple independent thrust vectoring modules distributed across the airframe. This segmentation allows each module to operate independently, enabling vertical lift without requiring a large ground footprint, while also permitting compact storage and deployment
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing aerial vehicles focus on operational flexibility, then multi-domain operation is enabled, but payload capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle merges the functions of multiple specialized systems (aerodynamic lift, powered lift, thrust vectoring, attitude control) into a single integrated thrust vectoring module system. This consolidation eliminates redundant components and reduces overall vehicle weight, thereby increasing payload capacity while maintaining full operational flexibility across multiple domains
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
The system achieves enhanced operational flexibility and safety by enabling uncompromised V/STOL capability, efficient power usage, and stable operation in diverse environments, while reducing the need for large operating footprints and increasing payload capacity.
Implementation Method 1
dynamically controlled thrust vectoring modules, allowing for real-time control of pitch, roll, and yaw moments
Implementation Method 2
a mostly lift generating body with dynamically controlled thrust vectoring modules
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is described having an aerodynamically contoured lifting body comprising a plurality of cooperating body modules, wherein at least two of the modules are displaceably secured to each other. The modules include a thrust vectoring module operatively coupled to a propulsive mechanism. The thrust vectoring module is dynamically controlled to affect positioning and actuation of the propulsive mechanism to attain a desired positioning of the vehicle and at least one of a plurality of modes of operation thereof. The thrust vectoring module includes a nacelle module carrying the propulsive mechanism thereon and rotatably displaceable about one or more axes extending from the lifting body. The propulsive mechanism is positioned externally, internally, or in combinations thereof of the nacelle module and is tiltably displaceable about one or more axes of the nacelle module.