VTOL Stabilization Enclosure for Ground Effect and Noise Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (VTOLs) face challenges such as noise, air turbulence, safety issues, and structural damage during takeoff and landing due to rotor-generated air pressure, which hinder their widespread adoption in inhabited areas.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that stabilize VTOLs during takeoff and landing using a vertically-oriented support element with cooperating stabilizer elements and an enclosure to manage air pressure and reduce turbulence, featuring an electric charging system and moveable panels to control airflow and stabilize the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If VTOLs use powerful rotors for vertical lift-off and landing, then they can achieve the required lift capability, but they generate significant air turbulence and noise that adversely impact structures and people at ground level

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelift capabilityVSAvoidair turbulence and noise

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an enclosure structure as an intermediary between the VTOL and the ground environment. This enclosure captures and contains the rotor-generated air pressure and turbulence within its boundaries, preventing these harmful factors from directly impacting structures and people at ground level while still allowing the VTOL to generate sufficient lift

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If VTOLs operate in inhabited areas, then they can provide delivery services and personnel transport, but they create safety issues and likelihood of damage to VTOLs or land-based structures during takeoff and landing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuse in inhabited areasVSAvoidsafety and damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure acts as a protective intermediary that isolates the VTOL operation from the surrounding inhabited environment. By containing the air pressure and turbulence within the enclosure boundaries, it prevents damage to land-based structures and reduces safety risks to people nearby, enabling VTOL operations in inhabited areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure provides a pre-established protective environment that cushions against potential damage during takeoff and landing operations. The structured containment is in place before operations begin, preventing harmful effects from propagating to surrounding structures and personnel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Speed

If VTOLs experience ground effect turbulence during takeoff and landing, then they can achieve vertical movement, but the vehicles themselves incur damage due to instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical movement capabilityVSAvoidvehicle stability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure serves as a stabilizing intermediary that modifies the ground effect turbulence. By containing and directing the air pressure within defined boundaries, it reduces the instability caused by uncontrolled turbulence while maintaining the vertical lift capability needed for takeoff and landing operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Significantly reduces air turbulence and noise, enhances safety by minimizing ground effect turbulence, and stabilizes VTOLs during takeoff and landing, facilitating their use in inhabited areas.

Implementation Method 1

create the lift required for flight by engaging one or more powerful rotors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

ground effect from the rotors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGround effect: Ground Effect

Implementation Method 3

engaging a stabilizer element with a vertically-oriented support element of the apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical stabilization:

Data Source

PatentUS11993409B2Vertical air vehicle takeoff and landing stabilization apparatuses, systems, and methods

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (VTOLs) of the type used for the point-to-point delivery and transport of payloads (e.g., packages, equipment, etc.) and personnel, are significantly stabilized at least during takeoff and landing with present aspects significantly ameliorating or significantly eliminating destabilizing effects, including ground effect, during VTOL takeoff and/or landing. VTOL performance is further improved through the use of increased lift pressure and battery charging during takeoff.