Aerodynamic Towed Body with Triangular Fuselage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active towed bodies for measurement purposes face limitations in maneuverability and aerodynamic design, particularly when carrying large and variable loads, and struggle with safe landing and obstacle avoidance in complex environments.
Innovation Solution
The design features a triangular cross-sectional fuselage with upper and lower corners, curved only on the top, and wings divided into small and large segments, with rudders for control, an autopilot system, and a rescue parachute, allowing for full maneuverability and stable flight with enhanced load capacity and obstacle avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the towed body is designed with a cylindrical shape and rigid wind deflectors for stability, then flight stability is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fuselage is designed with a curved, rotationally symmetrical torpedo-like shape that is aerodynamically optimized. This curved design improves aerodynamic performance while the curvature itself provides inherent flight stability, eliminating the need for additional rigid wind deflectors that would worsen aerodynamics.
2Quantity of substance
If the towed body carries large and variable loads for measurement purposes, then measurement capability is improved, but maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fuselage is divided into a front section and a rear section that can be separated from each other. The front section contains the coupling for the tow rope, while the rear section can be detached to reduce weight and improve maneuverability when full load capacity is not required. This segmentation allows the system to adapt between high load capacity and high maneuverability based on operational needs.
3Ease of operation
If the towed body is designed for full maneuverability with multiple rudders and control surfaces, then maneuverability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wings serve multiple functions: they provide lift, act as control surfaces with integrated rudders for maneuverability, and their segmented design allows them to function as both structural support and aerodynamic control elements. This multi-functionality achieves full maneuverability while reducing overall device complexity compared to having separate dedicated control components.
4Reliability
If the towed body uses automated flight control for obstacle avoidance, then safety is improved, but loss of time in decision-making increases
Solution Approach 1:
The towed body is equipped with an automated flight control system that independently detects obstacles and executes avoidance maneuvers without requiring operator intervention. The control system processes sensor data and controls the rudders autonomously, providing both safety through automated monitoring and rapid response time by eliminating human decision-making delays.
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 solution enables the towed body to maintain full maneuverability, safely land with loads, and operate in challenging conditions, including low visibility and complex terrain, while accommodating large payloads and ensuring precise positioning for measurement tasks.
Implementation Method 1
aerodynamically shaped, active towed body... with a fuselage curved in its vertical and horizontal longitudinal planes... with two wings arranged in the rear part of the fuselage
Implementation Method 2
towed through the air by a powered aircraft using a tow rope
Implementation Method 3
each with rudders that can be adjusted by the control device... for position control around the longitudinal axis, the transverse axis and the vertical axis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Known towed bodies can be maneuvered in all three dimensions but, as pure airborne targets, do not have a large load capacity. The towed body (01) according to the invention is designed for bearing large loads and serves exclusively scientific and commercial measurement purposes. To achieve very good aerodynamic properties, the towed body has a fuselage (02) comprising a triangular transverse plane (15), wherein the upper face (18) is designed to be wide and the lower face (19) is designed to be narrow, and comprising a curvature (23) only on the upper face (18), whereas the lower face (19) runs straight. The wings (03) are bent and consist of two segments (07, 08). Small segments (07) are arranged at the bottom of the fuselage (02), which small segments point downwards and stabilise the towed body (01), large segments (08) are connected to the small segments (07), which large segments point upwards and generate lift. In the front and middle region of the fuselage (02) and in the small segments (07) there are load chambers (10, 11) which can have user-friendly segment chambers (22). The unit chamber (09) comprising various units (27), such as a position-stabilising gyroscope system, an anti collision module, accumulators, a generator and an emergency parachute system (25), is located in the rear region of the towed body (01).