VTOL Center of Gravity Adjustment via Movable Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft face challenges in maintaining optimal center of gravity, which varies by flight mode, leading to issues like unequal lift distribution and increased noise, power consumption, and reduced flight efficiency due to fixed center of gravity solutions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with movable supports, energy storage modules, and actuators that adjust the center of gravity based on operating modes by moving energy storage modules along structural frames using pendulum struts and force transmitting devices, allowing for dynamic and automatic center of gravity adjustments without adding mass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the center of gravity is fixed in a VTOL aircraft, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the lift distribution becomes unequal and flight efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the center of gravity adjustable rather than fixed. The movable support structure allows the center of gravity to be repositioned along the longitudinal axis according to different flight modes (hover, forward flight, backward flight, lateral flight), transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to varying operational requirements, thereby improving lift distribution and flight efficiency.
2Device complexity
If the center of gravity is adjusted manually before flight, then no additional actuation system is needed, but the adjustment is time-consuming and requires trial-and-error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling automatic center of gravity adjustment through a control system that receives flight mode signals and autonomously positions the movable support structure. The control system automatically calculates and executes the required adjustment based on the desired flight mode, eliminating manual trial-and-error adjustments and significantly reducing preparation time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If energy storage modules are used to adjust center of gravity, then no additional weights are needed, but the modules add complexity to the power system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by integrating the energy storage modules (batteries) to serve dual functions: providing power for flight and acting as adjustable weights for center of gravity control. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate ballast weights while maintaining center of gravity adjustability, reducing overall system complexity despite the added power management 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
This solution improves flight performance, reduces noise, and optimizes power usage by adjusting lift distribution and thrust requirements, leading to potential power savings of up to 20% and extended component lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The movable support is suspended from the at least one of the longitudinal, the transversal, the vertical or the diagonal structural frames by means of the pendulum struts
Implementation Method 2
an actuator that is attached to the at least one of the longitudinal, the transversal, or the vertical structural frames, and that is connected to the movable support and receives a control signal that is indicative of the current operating mode. The movable support is movable from a first to a second position of the plurality of positions by the actuator based on the control signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention is related to an apparatus for adjusting the center of gravity of a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft 1 based on its current operating mode The apparatus may include a movable support 30 that is movable between several positions, an energy storage module 20 that is attached to the movable support 30, and an actuator 100 that is connected to the movable support 30 and receives a control signal that is indicative of the current operating mode. The movable support 30 is movable between the several positions by the actuator 100 based on the control signal indicating a change of the current operating mode, whereby one position is associated with one center of gravity in one operating mode and another position is associated with another center of gravity in another operating mode.