Variable-Sweep Wing VTOL Aerial Vehicle with Box-Wing Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current VTOL vehicles face high energy requirements for vertical flight, aerodynamic drag in airplane mode due to separate propulsion systems, and inefficiencies in lift generation, particularly near the wingtips, which limits their range and operational safety.
Innovation Solution
A variable-sweep wing aerial vehicle with distributed propulsion units mounted on the wing and a pusher propulsion unit on the fuselage, featuring a box-wing design and blown flaps, allowing for efficient transition between VTOL and horizontal flight modes while minimizing footprint and drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a common propulsion system is used for both VTOL and cruise modes, then the vehicle can achieve long-range horizontal flight, but the propulsion system must be more complex to handle multiple flight modes
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is designed to perform multiple functions: the rear pusher propeller provides both VTOL thrust and cruise propulsion, while the wing-mounted propulsors provide distributed thrust during cruise. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate VTOL and cruise propulsion systems, enabling long-range flight while managing complexity through integrated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle uses variable-sweep wings that can change configuration between VTOL and cruise modes. During VTOL, the wings are in a retracted position; during cruise, they sweep back and deploy, transforming the propulsion system's configuration to optimize performance for each flight phase.
2Use of energy by moving object
If wing-mounted propulsors are used for distributed propulsion, then lift efficiency is improved, but the vehicle footprint on ground increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is segmented into multiple independent propulsors: one rear pusher propeller and multiple wing-mounted propulsors. This segmentation allows the vehicle to distribute thrust across multiple locations, improving lift efficiency and enabling precise control during VTOL and cruise operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing-mounted propulsors serve dual purposes: they provide distributed thrust during flight to improve lift efficiency, and they can be retracted or positioned to minimize the vehicle's ground footprint during parking and taxiing operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable-sweep wing configuration is used, then the vehicle can adapt to different flight modes, but the wing mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle employs variable-sweep wings that can dynamically change their sweep angle to adapt to different flight modes. During VTOL, the wings are in a retracted position; during cruise, they sweep back to optimize aerodynamic performance. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the vehicle to handle multiple flight modes with a single adaptable wing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable-sweep wing mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the wing-mounted propulsors, enables aerodynamic optimization for different flight phases, and contributes to the overall stability and control of the vehicle during transitions between VTOL and cruise modes.
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 long-range horizontal flight, reduced energy consumption, improved lift efficiency, and enhanced safety by utilizing a common propulsion system and adaptive wing configurations for efficient thrust and lift generation.
Implementation Method 1
The rotary movement of the blades is the air mover to generate thrust
Implementation Method 2
The preferable solution is box-wing design to eliminate the occurrence of vortex and strengthen the wing
Implementation Method 3
The blown flap or blown wing is a high lift device used on traditional fixed wing airplane to achieve STOL
Data Source
AI summary
A variable-sweep wing VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aerial vehicle with distributed propulsion adapted for VTOL flight and horizontal flight includes a fuselage, a pair of symmetrical swiveling canards extending outward from forward portion of the fuselage, a pair of first symmetrical wings extending outward from the upper-rear portion of the fuselage and a pair of second symmetrical wings extending outward from the lower-rear portion of the fuselage. The first and second wings are spaced apart longitudinally and vertically. The pylon joins the first wing and second wing at the tip to form the box-wing. The wings can transition between VTOL mode or airplane mode. The wings are mounted with rotors for propulsion. Moreover, at the trailing edge of the wings, the blown flap work as blown lift system for both VTOL flight or STOL flight. Finally, the fuselage mounted pusher rotor provides propulsive thrust for horizontal flight.