VTOL Fleet Routing via Demand Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aviation transport networks face challenges in integrating intra-city air travel due to resource requirements, noise, and boarding/alighting times, which hinder the expansion of air travel within cities.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a transport network management system that utilizes VTOL aircraft, which require less space for take-off and landing, and are powered by electric batteries, reducing noise and resource consumption. This system includes demand estimation, candidate hub identification, hub optimization, and route optimization subsystems to coordinate VTOL aircraft operations effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If traditional aircraft are used for intra-city transport, then speed and travel time are improved, but resource consumption, noise, and infrastructure requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetravel speedVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from conventional fuel-powered aircraft to electric battery-powered VTOL aircraft, fundamentally changing the energy source parameter. This substitution reduces carbon emissions and resource consumption while maintaining the speed advantage for intra-city transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical combustion engine system with an electric propulsion system using battery power. This substitution eliminates the need for complex fuel storage and combustion mechanisms, reducing both resource consumption and infrastructure requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of time

If traditional aircraft are used for intra-city transport, then travel time is reduced, but noise pollution and infrastructure requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetravel timeVSAvoidnoise pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the propulsion parameter from combustion-based to electric-based, which dramatically reduces noise pollution. Electric motors operate quietly compared to combustion engines, eliminating the harmful noise factor while preserving the fast travel time advantage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the previously harmful combustion process into a beneficial electric propulsion system. The electric battery power source transforms the noise and pollution problem into a clean, quiet operation that benefits the urban environment while maintaining speed advantages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If more VTOL aircraft are deployed to meet demand, then transport capacity is improved, but power consumption and fleet management complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport capacityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a network management system that continuously monitors VTOL aircraft locations, battery levels, and demand patterns. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic routing and load balancing, optimizing power consumption across the fleet while maintaining high transport capacity through efficient resource allocation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a unified network management system that handles multiple functions including demand estimation, hub optimization, routing, and fleet coordination. This universal system manages the entire VTOL fleet efficiently, optimizing power usage across all aircraft simultaneously while maintaining high overall transport capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Area of stationary object

If VTOL hubs are added to increase coverage, then service area is expanded, but system complexity and infrastructure investment worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice areaVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs demand estimation subsystems that analyze future travel patterns and pre-identify optimal hub locations before construction. This preliminary action allows the system to plan hub expansion strategically, reducing unnecessary infrastructure investment while ensuring service areas are expanded where most needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic hub optimization subsystem that continuously adjusts hub configurations, operating hours, and resource allocation based on real-time demand patterns. This dynamic approach allows the system to expand service areas efficiently by adapting existing hubs rather than always building new infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250157341A1Efficient VTOL Resource Management in an Aviation Transport Network

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 JOBY AERO INC

AI summary

A transport network management system identifies a service objective for a plurality of VTOL aircraft and retrieves VTOL data including locations of the plurality of VTOL aircraft. An estimate of demand for transport services to be provided at least in part by one of the VTOL aircraft is generated and routing data for the plurality of VTOL aircraft is determined based on the estimated demand and the service objective. Routing instructions based on the routing data are sent to at least a subset of the VTOL aircraft.