VTOL Aircraft Pivot Wings for Seamless Flight Mode Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current VTOL aircraft designs either lack the versatility to transition seamlessly between vertical takeoff and horizontal flight or compromise on the benefits of both helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates pivotally connected wings that pivot between vertical and horizontal orientations, with a gimbal motor assembly and upper rotary pivot free wings for thrust vectoring, providing roll control, pitch, and yaw control through ailerons, servos, and pivot mount mechanisms, enabling efficient transition between flight modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-wing aircraft uses a pivoting fuselage between horizontal and vertical configurations, then it can achieve vertical takeoff and landing, but it cannot seamlessly transition between vertical and horizontal flight modes
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft employs dynamically reconfigurable wings that can pivot between vertical and horizontal orientations during flight. The wings are connected to the fuselage via pivot mechanisms that allow real-time reconfiguration, enabling seamless transitions between vertical takeoff/landing and horizontal flight modes without requiring fuselage pivoting
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft is divided into functionally independent segments: a fixed fuselage and movable pivot wings. This segmentation allows the wings to independently change orientation while the fuselage remains stable, enabling versatile flight mode transitions without compromising structural integrity or operational smoothness
2Adaptability or versatility
If a VTOL aircraft uses a gimbal motor mounted rotary free wing for thrust vectored vertical flight, then it can achieve vertical takeoff, but it cannot provide the same stability and efficiency as traditional fixed-wing aircraft during horizontal flight
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft uses dynamically configurable wing orientations where the same wing structure serves dual purposes: vertical orientation for helicopter-like thrust vectoring during takeoff, and horizontal orientation for stable fixed-wing flight during cruise. The pivot mechanisms enable the wings to switch between these configurations based on flight phase
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot wings are designed to perform multiple functions across different flight modes. The same wing structure provides vertical thrust vectoring capability during takeoff and horizontal aerodynamic lift during flight, eliminating the need for separate systems and improving overall reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the aircraft uses pivotally connected wings that pivot between vertical and horizontal orientations, then it can transition between flight modes, but it increases the complexity of the wing mounting and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft merges the wing mounting and control functions into integrated pivot mechanisms. The same structural elements that provide wing support also serve as pivot points and control surfaces, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system despite the added functionality
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 configuration allows for efficient vertical takeoff and transition to horizontal flight, offering the benefits of both helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft, including improved roll control and reduced turbulence response to gusts, while maintaining stability and preventing stall.
Implementation Method 1
A gimbal motor assembly is mounted on the fuselage to adjustably support a motor. An upper rotary pivot free wing is mounted on a mast driven by the motor. A means for providing vectored thrust is provided for forward movement of the aircraft.
Implementation Method 2
Ailerons on each of the pivot wings provide roll control for the aircraft in all phases of flight.
Implementation Method 3
An upper rotary pivot free wing is mounted on a mast driven by the motor... pivot wings pivoting between a vertical orientation for vertical takeoff, and a horizontal orientation for horizontal flight
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft has a fuselage, and pivot wings pivotally connected with the fuselage, the pivot wings pivoting between a vertical orientation for vertical takeoff, and a horizontal orientation for horizontal flight. Ailerons on each of the pivot wings provide roll control for the aircraft in all phases of flight. A gimbal motor assembly is mounted on the fuselage to adjustably support a motor. An upper rotary pivot free wing is mounted on a mast driven by the motor. A vectored thrust mechanism is provided for forward movement of the aircraft.