Variable Incidence Channel Wing Aircraft for VTOL
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft with fixed incidence channel wings and control surfaces are unable to vertically take off and land due to lack of controllability at low airspeeds and insufficient lift, while variable incidence wings can reduce landing speeds but not achieve vertical takeoff.
Innovation Solution
Combining a channel wing with an independently variable incidence wing and a channel canard that can also vary incidence independently, allowing for vertical takeoff and landing, and eliminating the need for conventional control surfaces by achieving controllability through varying incidence and lift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed incidence channel wings with control surfaces are used, then the aircraft structure is simple, but the aircraft cannot vertically take off and land due to lack of controllability at low airspeeds and insufficient lift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies variable incidence mechanism to the channel wings, allowing the wings to rotate and change their angle of incidence relative to the fuselage. This dynamic adjustment enables the wings to optimize lift generation during vertical takeoff and landing phases while maintaining structural efficiency during cruise flight, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the control system into independent segments: the channel wings can vary incidence independently, and the channel canards can vary incidence independently. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific flight phases without requiring complex integrated control systems, enabling vertical takeoff capability while managing overall system complexity
2Speed
If variable incidence wings are used, then takeoff and landing speeds are reduced, but vertical takeoff is still not achieved due to lack of sufficient lift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two lift-generating systems: the variable incidence channel wings and the independently variable incidence channel canards. This combination creates additive lift forces that are sufficient for vertical takeoff, while the variable incidence mechanism itself continues to reduce takeoff and landing speeds by optimizing angle of attack
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment of both wings and canards to variable incidences allows the aircraft to maximize lift generation during vertical takeoff by optimizing the angle of attack for each component. This dynamic configuration enables sufficient lift force generation while maintaining the speed-reducing benefit of variable incidence design
3Weight of moving object
If independently variable incidence wings and canards are used, then vertical takeoff and landing with high payload capacity is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The independent variable incidence mechanisms on both wings and canards allow dynamic optimization of lift distribution, enabling the aircraft to carry higher payloads during vertical takeoff by adjusting incidences to maximize lift generation. The dynamic adaptability compensates for the increased device complexity by allowing real-time optimization of the lift-to-weight ratio
Solution Approach 2:
The independently variable incidence system serves multiple functions: it enables vertical takeoff and landing, allows high payload capacity, and maintains controllability across different flight phases. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device complexity by providing versatile performance across multiple operational requirements
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 vertical takeoff and landing, high payload capacity, and high cruise speed with enhanced maneuverability, including hover and reverse flight capabilities, by rotating wings and canards to optimize lift and thrust.
Implementation Method 1
a wing or a portion of a wing that is comprised of an airfoil which transcribes an arc to channel air accelerated by a propeller the purpose of providing lift
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft includes a fuselage and a pair of channel wings which may vary incidence with respect to the fuselage and a pair of channel canards which can also vary incidence with respect to the fuselage and that can move independently of each other for the purpose of vertical takeoff and landing as well as forward and reverse flight. The wings may have multiple channels and may be powered by single propeller or contra-rotating propellers. The thrust to the propellers may be provided with an internal combustion engine or electric motors or a turbo prop or hybrid system. The channel wing allows the fuselage to maintain a level pitch with respect to the horizon. The aircraft will also have increased maneuverability in hover because it can independently vary the incidence of the wings and canards and be able to tightly turn about a point.