VTOL Aircraft Ducted Fan for Obstacle Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Helicopters face challenges in navigating congested areas due to exposed rotor blades that can be damaged by obstacles like trees and down power lines, leading to potential crashes, and require exterior moving parts for steering which are prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
The aircraft features a ductwork housing with turbofan blades enclosed by a cylindrical ductwork system, directing air downward for lift and using steering vanes to control airflow for directional steering, eliminating the need for a tail rotor and reducing exposure to obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If helicopters use exposed rotor blades for lift and steering, then they can achieve vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, but the blades are vulnerable to damage from obstacles like trees and down power lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vulnerable rotor blades from the exterior environment by enclosing them within a protective ductwork housing. The ductwork acts as a shield that isolates the blades from external obstacles like trees and power lines, eliminating the risk of blade damage while preserving the vertical takeoff and landing capability through the enclosed lifting air flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The ductwork housing serves as an intermediary protective structure between the rotor blades and external obstacles. This intermediate enclosure allows the blades to perform their lifting function while being protected from direct contact with trees, power lines, and other environmental hazards that would otherwise cause damage.
2Ease of operation
If helicopters use exterior moving parts for steering, then they can achieve directional control, but the moving parts are subject to damage from obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional exterior tail rotor and moving steering parts from the helicopter configuration. Instead, directional control is achieved through the ductwork housing design and airflow management, eliminating vulnerable exterior moving parts while maintaining steering capability through a more protected and reliable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical steering system with a airflow-based control mechanism. Directional control is achieved through the management and direction of air flow through the ductwork, substituting mechanical moving parts with a more reliable airflow control system that is less vulnerable to damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If helicopters operate in congested areas with trees and down power lines, then they can access isolated areas, but the exposed blades may be hit by obstacles causing crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vulnerable blade elements from the environment by enclosing them within the ductwork housing. This protective enclosure allows the helicopter to operate in congested areas with trees and down power lines without the risk of obstacles contacting and damaging the blades, thereby enabling access to isolated areas while eliminating the harmful effect of obstacle damage.
4Reliability
If the ductwork housing directs air downward to provide lift, then the aircraft can achieve vertical lift without exposed rotors, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ductwork housing performs multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the rotor blades from obstacles, directs airflow to provide vertical lift, and eliminates the need for exterior steering parts. By making the ductwork a multi-functional component, the patent reduces overall system complexity while achieving reliable blade protection and the desired lift characteristics.
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 design allows the aircraft to operate closer to obstacles without damaging rotor blades and eliminates the need for exterior moving parts, enhancing safety and maneuverability by providing lift and steering through controlled air flow, enabling safe navigation in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a jet engine coupled to a ductwork housing having four outlet ports... Operation of the engine causes air to flow through the duct and exit the outlet port... The outlet port is configured to direct the air flow downwardly to provide lift for the aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft including an engine compartment and an engine provided in the engine compartment. The aircraft further includes a ductwork housing positioned above the engine. The ductwork housing includes at least one duct. The at least one duct has an outlet port that faces downwardly. Operation of the engine causes air to flow through the duct and exit the outlet port. The outlet port is configured to direct the air flow downwardly to provide lift for the aircraft.