VTOL Payload Assignment and Component Adjustment for Center-of-Mass Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
VTOL aircraft are sensitive to uneven weight distributions, which can negatively impact performance and safety due to shifts in the center of mass, and existing systems lack efficient methods for dynamic payload assignment and adjustment to ensure even loading.
Innovation Solution
A system for dynamic payload assignment and adjustment in VTOL aircraft, which includes receiving weight estimates and updates, assigning riders based on weight distribution criteria, and adjusting internal components like seats and fluid distribution to maintain balanced weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dynamic payload assignment and internal component adjustments are implemented, then VTOL safety and operational reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors payload weight estimates and actual weight distributions, using this feedback to dynamically adjust internal components and reassign payloads. Weight sensors provide real-time data on payload distribution, which feeds into the control system to automatically adjust ballast tanks and seat positions, ensuring safety while managing complexity through automated closed-loop control
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static payload configuration to dynamic adjustment capabilities. Internal components such as ballast tanks and seats are designed to be movable and adjustable, allowing the aircraft to adapt its weight distribution in real-time based on loading conditions. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain safety across varying operational conditions without requiring overly complex manual intervention
2Productivity
If dynamic payload assignment is implemented, then transportation efficiency and rider throughput are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The payload assignment system operates autonomously by automatically processing weight estimates, comparing them against safety criteria, and executing reassignments without manual intervention. The system self-regulates by monitoring weight changes and autonomously adjusting payload distribution, which improves throughput while managing complexity through automated decision-making algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as payload distribution, ballast tank fill levels, and seat positions based on real-time weight data. By continuously adjusting these parameters in response to changing loading conditions, the system optimizes throughput and safety without requiring complex manual coordination
3Reliability
If internal component adjustments are made to maintain weight distribution, then operational reliability is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Manual operations for maintaining weight distribution are replaced with automated electronic and mechanical systems. Weight sensors, control algorithms, and automated actuators substitute for manual monitoring and adjustment procedures, ensuring reliable weight distribution while simplifying the operational burden on pilots and crew through automated systems
Data Source
AI summary
Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft can provide opportunities to incorporate aerial transportation into transportation networks for cities and metropolitan areas. However, VTOL aircraft can be sensitive to uneven weight distributions, e.g., the payload of an aircraft is primarily loaded in the front, back, left, or right. When the aircraft is loaded unevenly, the center of mass of the aircraft may shift substantially enough to negatively impact performance of the aircraft. Thus, in turn, there is an opportunity that the VTOL may be loaded unevenly if seating, luggage placement, and/or positions of internal components are not coordinated. This application describes systems and methods for dynamically assigning payloads and adjusting components of the VTOL aircraft.