Towed Cargo Aircraft Positioning for Wake-Induced Thrust Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft cargo transport systems are limited by weight constraints and fuel capacity, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to structural weaknesses and limited cargo volume.
Innovation Solution
A towed aircraft system where one or more unmanned aircraft are coupled to a tractor aircraft via a cable, utilizing an autopilot system for automated control, allowing for adjustable cable length and positioning to optimize flight performance and reduce fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a traditional aircraft cargo system is used, then the aircraft can transport cargo, but the weight constraints and fuel capacity limit the efficiency and cargo volume
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the aircraft into a tractor aircraft and one or more towed aircraft. The tractor aircraft carries the crew and essential systems, while the towed aircraft serve as cargo containers. This segmentation allows the total cargo volume to increase without proportionally increasing the weight of the powered aircraft, as the towed units are unpowered and lighter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extends the cargo capacity beyond the traditional single-aircraft dimension by adding towed aircraft in a train configuration. This creates a multi-unit system where cargo volume scales up by adding more towed units rather than enlarging a single aircraft, effectively utilizing the towing dimension to expand capacity.
2Productivity
If the aircraft fuel capacity is increased to improve efficiency, then more cargo can be transported, but the structural weaknesses and weight constraints are exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the aircraft system into tractor and towed units, the structural strength requirements are concentrated on the tractor aircraft which is designed with full structural integrity. The towed aircraft have simplified structures optimized for cargo carrying, allowing the system to achieve high productivity without overloading the structural capacity of any single unit.
3Extent of automation
If an autopilot control system is added to enable automated control of towed aircraft, then autonomous operations are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autopilot control system enables the towed aircraft to autonomously maintain their position, orientation, and flight parameters without continuous human intervention. The system self-regulates by using sensors to detect relative position and automatically adjusting control surfaces, making the complex automation serve itself through closed-loop control rather than requiring complex manual operation systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the cable length is made adjustable to optimize flight performance, then the towing system adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system transitions from a fixed-length static configuration to a dynamically adjustable system. The cable length can be changed in-flight to optimize performance for different phases of flight (takeoff, cruise, landing) or different cargo configurations. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying operational requirements without requiring multiple different cable systems.
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 enhances cargo transport efficiency by leveraging additional thrust from the tractor aircraft, reducing fuel per cargo ratio, and enabling autonomous operations, thus improving cost-effectiveness and reducing carbon emissions.
Implementation Method 1
The autopilot system may be configured to adjust a position of the towed aircraft with respect to the tractor aircraft for positive wake energy gain from a vortex in wake turbulence produced by the tractor aircraft
Implementation Method 2
positive wake energy gain from a vortex in wake turbulence produced by the tractor aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
Various apparatus and techniques for implementing unmanned, autonomous, cargo transport are disclosed. In certain instances, at least one towed aircraft is coupled to a tractor aircraft for inflight towing. The towed aircraft may be coupled using a towing element. In various instances, the towed aircraft includes one or more lift generating surfaces on its wings. The lift generating surfaces may be positioned at specific attack angles in the wake turbulence of the tractor aircraft to generate forward thrust gain.