Vertical-takeoff Aircraft Drive Units Above and Below Wing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical-takeoff aircraft with two drive units arranged in a nacelle suffer from efficiency losses in horizontal flying due to flow interference and unsteady flying behavior during vertical flying due to different ground effects from drive units at varying heights.
Innovation Solution
The drive units are arranged with one above and one below the wing surface, allowing a uniform ground effect in vertical flying and avoiding flow interference in horizontal flying, with pivoting arms and a pivoting device to maintain efficient and steady flying positions, and the load is transmitted through the wing's spars for a lighter design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If drive units are arranged one behind the other in a nacelle, then the structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the efficiency in horizontal flying position drops due to flow interference
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft is divided into two separate supporting elements (one above and one below the wing) instead of a single nacelle, allowing drive units to be distributed spatially to avoid flow interference while maintaining structural organization
Solution Approach 2:
The arrangement transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement (one behind the other) to a three-dimensional distribution (above and below the wing), eliminating flow interference by separating drive units in the vertical dimension while maintaining horizontal spacing
2Productivity
If drive units are arranged at different heights, then flow interference is avoided in horizontal flying, but different ground effects occur during vertical flying causing unsteady behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting elements are designed to be pivotably connected to the wing, allowing the drive units to dynamically adjust their positions between horizontal and vertical flying configurations, optimizing performance for each flight phase
Solution Approach 2:
The relative positions and orientations of the drive units are changed between flight phases through pivoting, transforming the spatial configuration to achieve uniform ground effect during vertical flying while maintaining separation during horizontal flying
3Stability of the object's composition
If drive units are arranged symmetrically at equal distances from the longitudinal axis, then balance is improved, but the complexity of maintaining precise positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting elements are arranged asymmetrically relative to the wing structure (one above, one below), which simplifies the positioning requirements while maintaining overall balance through the symmetric distribution of thrust forces during flight
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 arrangement enhances horizontal flying efficiency and steadiness during vertical flying, reduces induced resistance, and improves maneuverability with reduced wing weight and bending vibrations, achieving a cost-effective and stable flying behavior.
Implementation Method 1
the drive units have, however, different ground effects in the vicinity of the ground during vertical flying
Implementation Method 2
the flow from the drive unit arranged at the front in the flying direction approaches the drive unit arranged therebehind
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical-takeoff aircraft with a wing. A first drive unit and a second drive unit are swivellably mounted on the wing. The first drive unit and the second drive unit are arranged on the wing at a distance from a wing-end of the wing. A first distance between the first drive unit and a longitudinal axis of the aircraft is approximately equal to a second distance between the second drive unit and the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. The first drive unit and the second drive unit are swivellable into a horizontal flying position and a vertical flying position. In the horizontal flying position the first drive unit is arranged above a wing surface and the second drive unit below the wing surface on the wing. In the vertical flying position the first drive unit and the second drive unit are arranged in an approximately horizontal plane. The first drive unit and the second drive unit each have a swivel arm, wherein the swivel arms are swivellably mounted on the wing.