Vertical Thrust Lever with Thumb Controller for Multicopter Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional aircraft are optimized for either horizontal or vertical flight but not both, leading to inefficiencies in new aircraft designs that require control systems capable of managing both modes effectively.

Innovation Solution

The development of a vertical thrust lever system that controls both horizontal and vertical rotors on a multicopter, allowing for efficient transition between vertical takeoff and landing, and forward flight by outputting signal levels to adjust rotor thrust, featuring a combination of thumb sliders and locks for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If traditional aircraft are optimized for horizontal flight, then forward flight efficiency is improved, but vertical flight capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforward flight efficiencyVSAvoidvertical flight capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adapts its behavior based on flight mode. The thumb slider mechanism allows the pilot to select between vertical thrust mode (for vertical flight) and horizontal thrust mode (for forward flight), with the system automatically adjusting control parameters and signal output characteristics to optimize performance for the selected mode, enabling a single aircraft to efficiently perform both vertical and horizontal flight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If traditional aircraft are optimized for vertical flight, then vertical flight efficiency is improved, but forward flight capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical flight efficiencyVSAvoidforward flight capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a control system manages both vertical and horizontal rotors, then versatility is improved, but control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual mode control capabilityVSAvoidthrust control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into distinct vertical thrust control and horizontal thrust control pathways. The thumb slider mechanism physically separates these control functions, with each mode having dedicated signal processing and rotor control circuits. This segmentation prevents cross-interference between vertical and horizontal control signals, maintaining high precision thrust control in both modes simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different control precision characteristics are applied to different parts of the control system based on flight mode. When in vertical thrust mode, the system optimizes signal resolution and control granularity for vertical rotor adjustment. When in horizontal thrust mode, the system adjusts control parameters to optimize precision for horizontal propulsion. This local optimization ensures high precision control tailored to each specific flight mode's requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Measurement precision

If a combination of thumb sliders and locks is used, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrust control precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism engages periodically at specific detent positions along the thumb slider travel range, providing precise control stops at critical thrust levels (such as maximum vertical thrust, maximum horizontal thrust, and neutral positions). This periodic locking provides precision control exactly when needed while maintaining smooth continuous operation for routine adjustments, balancing precision and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10160534B2Vertical thrust lever

Publication Date: 2018.12.25 WISK AERO LLC

AI summary

A lever outputs a first signal level where the first signal level is based at least in part on the position of the lever and the first signal level is used to control a first set of rotors associated with a vertical propulsion system. A thumb controller (coupled to the vertical thrust lever) outputs a second signal level where the second signal level is based at least in part on the position of the thumb controller, the second signal level is used to control a second set of rotors associated with a horizontal propulsion system, and the thumb controller includes a detent associated with a recommended sustained maximum.