Universal Flying Terrain Vehicle Conversion System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flying cars have integral terrain and airplane structures, making them unsuitable for road handling, increasing damage risk, and requiring costly redesigns, pilot licenses, and short engine lifetimes, with regulatory challenges.
Innovation Solution
A universal airplane structure that can be coupled to any suitably adapted terrain vehicle, allowing for conversion into a flying car, with options for manual or autonomous control, and the ability to use standard models for both road and air travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the terrain vehicle and airplane form an integral structure, then the vehicle can convert between ground and air modes, but the terrain vehicle becomes bulky and difficult to handle on roads
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the flying car system into two independent parts: a standard terrain vehicle and a separate airplane structure. The terrain vehicle remains a conventional design optimized for road handling, while the airplane structure with wings and propulsion system attaches separately when air travel is needed. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The airplane components (wings, propeller, engine mounting structure) are extracted from the terrain vehicle body and designed as a separate attachable structure. This extraction eliminates the bulk and complexity from the terrain vehicle, allowing it to maintain a standard, easy-to-handle design while still enabling conversion to flying mode through attachment of the airplane structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the terrain vehicle and airplane form an integral structure, then the vehicle can fly, but the risk of damage increases due to motorist inexperience and collision risk
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the airplane structure from the terrain vehicle, the invention creates a system where damage to the terrain vehicle during normal road use does not affect the airplane components. The airplane structure remains protected and undamaged during ground operations, reducing overall system damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable design provides inherent protection by allowing the airplane structure to be detached and stored safely when not in use, preventing it from being exposed to road hazards. The terrain vehicle can be driven without the fragile airplane components attached, cushioning against potential damage before it can occur.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the terrain vehicle and airplane form an integral structure, then the vehicle can convert modes, but the cost of redesign and manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges a standard, mass-producible terrain vehicle with a separately manufactured airplane structure. This allows the terrain vehicle to be produced using conventional, cost-effective manufacturing processes without requiring expensive custom redesign. The airplane structure is manufactured separately and attached to the standard vehicle platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The airplane structure is designed as a universal attachment that can be coupled to multiple different terrain vehicle models. This universality allows a single airplane structure design to work with various standard vehicles, reducing the need for custom manufacturing and lowering overall costs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the terrain vehicle and airplane form an integral structure, then the vehicle can fly, but the engine lifetime is limited by the shorter-lived terrain vehicle engine
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the airplane propulsion system from the terrain vehicle powertrain, the invention allows each engine system to operate independently and be maintained according to its own requirements. The airplane engine can achieve full utilization during flight operations without being constrained by the terrain vehicle engine's shorter service life or maintenance schedule.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable design enables different operational parameters for each engine system. The airplane engine operates at optimal parameters during flight, while the terrain vehicle engine operates separately during ground use. This allows the airplane engine to accumulate more effective flight hours before maintenance is required, extending its useful life.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal aerial platform (11, 41) supports lift elements (13, 14), thrusters (15), landing gear (21, 22) and a fuel supply (16) and has a coupling mechanism (17) external to the aerial platform for coupling to a terrain vehicle (20) so as to convert any suitably adapted terrain vehicle to a flying vehicle (10, 40). The terrain vehicle forms the cockpit of the flying vehicle. The terrain vehicle (20) includes flight controls that are automatically coupled to the airplane structure either wirelessly or by wires when the terrain vehicle is coupled thereto.