Traction Kite Pod Support Structure for Autonomous Takeoff and Landing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traction flying wing nacelles require human intervention for deployment and retraction, leading to size limitations of the gondola and its contents, maintenance inaccessibility, and increased collision risks due to uncontrolled nacelle position during deployment and retraction.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with variable positioning and automated guidance for the gondola, featuring a frame, umbilical pulley, follower arm, and superimposed platforms with elastic securing means, allowing autonomous takeoff and landing without manual guidance, and reducing nacelle stress and collision risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If human intervention is used for gondola guidance during deployment and landing, then operational control is maintained, but gondola size and mass are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the gondola automatically guides itself during deployment and landing phases. The automated guidance system eliminates the need for human operator intervention, allowing the gondola to perform its own positioning and docking without external control, thereby removing the mass limitation imposed by human operator constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical guidance system requiring human intervention with an automated guidance system. This substitution eliminates the need for an operator to physically guide the gondola, thereby removing the mass and size limitations that would otherwise constrain the gondola design
2Adaptability or versatility
If gondola contains probes and equipment for wing operation, then functional capability is improved, but operator handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The automated guidance system enables the gondola to self-position and self-dock during deployment and landing operations. This self-service capability allows the gondola to carry complex equipment and probes without requiring an operator to manually handle or guide it, as the system autonomously manages its own positioning and docking
3Volume of stationary object
If gondola is stored under the wing in the storage bay, then space utilization is improved, but maintenance accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates movable components that allow the gondola to be dynamically repositioned. During normal operation, the gondola is stored under the wing for compact space utilization. During maintenance phases, the structure can be adjusted to move the gondola to accessible positions, enabling easy maintenance of equipment while maintaining compact storage when not in use
4Adaptability or versatility
If nacelle is permanently suspended during wing deployment, then wing operation is enabled, but additional weight support requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure uses movable straightening arms that can dynamically adjust the nacelle's position. During wing deployment, the nacelle can be suspended to enable wing operation. During landing and storage phases, the structure can be reconfigured to reduce suspension requirements, thereby reducing the additional weight support needed while maintaining wing deployment capability when required
5Adaptability or versatility
If nacelle position is not controlled during deployment and retraction, then operational flexibility is maintained, but collision likelihood increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated guidance system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the gondola's position and adjust its trajectory accordingly. This feedback control ensures the gondola maintains proper positioning throughout deployment and landing phases, reducing collision risks while preserving operational flexibility through automated adaptive positioning
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 autonomous and safe operation of the gondola, reducing the need for manual intervention, increasing gondola size and mass, and minimizing nacelle impact during landing.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic and deformable means of securing the platforms
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a structure (3) for accommodating a pod (7) for a traction kite connected by a line (5) to a vessel, this accommodating structure comprising a frame (3a), at least one pulley (3b) for connecting the line, this pulley being mounted on a chassis (3d), and a follower arm (3c) and a pod support (4). This pod support comprises at least two plates (4a, 4b) one above the other, at least one deformable elastic return means for securing the plates and a means for guiding and catching the line, the support being connected to the frame by at least one righting arm (6) that is movable between a stowed position for the pod, a take-off position for the pod (7), a cruise position at a distance from the line, a position for catching the line and a landing position for the pod.