VTOL Landing Arresting System with Movable Locking Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing landing and take-off systems for VTOL aerial vehicles are cumbersome, unsuitable for both lightweight and heavy vehicles, and require manual intervention, making them inefficient for automated operations and prone to damage during turbulent landings on irregular surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A landing arresting system featuring an active VTOL locking member with a projecting portion that can be displaced between individually movable rolls on a landing and take-off platform, allowing for fully automated operations and soft landing/take-off capabilities without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a harpoon and grid securing system is used to lock the VTOL aerial vehicle during landing, then the vehicle can be secured to the platform, but the system becomes large, heavy and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into a locking member with a locking element and a platform with a recess. The locking element can be disposed in different positions (engaged or disengaged) relative to the recess, allowing the system to provide securing capability only when needed while maintaining a compact, lightweight structure during normal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is extracted as a separate, movable component that can be positioned within or outside the recess as needed. This allows the securing function to be provided only when required, rather than requiring a permanently deployed heavy structure.
2Reliability
If a harpoon and grid securing system is used to lock the VTOL aerial vehicle during landing, then the vehicle can be secured to the platform, but the system becomes complex with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member and platform are merged into a simplified integrated system. The locking element of the locking member interacts with a corresponding recess in the platform to provide securing capability, eliminating the need for separate harpoon, grid, electric/pneumatic units, hoses and mounting devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member and platform design provides multiple functions: securing the vehicle during landing, allowing easy release, and accommodating different landing conditions. The locking element can be engaged with or disengaged from the recess depending on operational requirements.
3Reliability
If the locking member is fixed during landing, then the vehicle can be securely locked, but the locking member may be damaged during impact on irregular surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt its position during landing impact. The locking element can move between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the recess, enabling the system to maintain secure locking while absorbing impact forces through controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable locking member design provides inherent cushioning capability by allowing controlled movement during impact. This prevents excessive forces from damaging the locking member while maintaining securing reliability.
4Reliability
If the locking element is always engaged with the recess, then the vehicle can be locked, but the vehicle cannot be removed from the platform
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be movable between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the recess. This dynamic design allows the system to provide secure locking when needed while enabling easy vehicle removal by simply disengaging the locking element from the recess.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a landing arresting system for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aerial vehicles(1) comprising a landing and take-off platform(6) and at least one VTOL locking member (4) having a projecting portion (32) arranged at a lower portion of the vehicle (1). The landing and take-off platform(6) comprises a plurality of individually displaceable rolls (12),arranged substantially in a horizontal direction, and moveable back and forth, such that the projecting portion (32) of the VTOL locking member (4) can be entered, retained and released between two adjacent rolls (12). The present invention also relates to a landing and take-off platform for VTOL aerial vehicles and a VTOL locking member for aerial vehicles.