VTOL Craft Proprotor Transition for Lift and Cruise Thrust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) craft face inefficiencies in fuel use, structural weight, and scalability, with limitations in horizontal thrust capability and the need for significant infrastructure, leading to unsuitable load capacity and speed, especially in metropolitan areas.
Innovation Solution
A vertical take-off and landing craft design featuring a body with rotating lift surfaces and multiple rotors, including proprotors and edgewise blades, configured to transition between vertical and horizontal thrust configurations, with redundant lift systems and efficient structural support to ensure stability and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate thrust generators are used for vertical and horizontal thrust in VTOL craft, then the craft can take off and land from various locations without significant landing areas, but the craft suffers from inefficient use of fuel and structure as well as distance and airspeed limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines vertical and horizontal thrust capabilities into a single integrated proprotor system that can rotate between configurations. The proprotor serves dual functions: when rotated vertically it provides lift for takeoff and landing, and when rotated horizontally it provides thrust for forward flight, eliminating the need for separate thrust generators and improving fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable proprotor that can rotate between vertical and horizontal orientations based on flight phase requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same component to optimize performance for both vertical takeoff/landing and horizontal cruise, avoiding the structural and fuel inefficiencies of fixed separate thrust systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate thrust generators are used for vertical and horizontal thrust in VTOL craft, then the craft can take off and land from various locations, but the craft suffers from structural weight and scalability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges vertical and horizontal thrust functions into a single proprotor assembly, eliminating redundant structural components. The boom structure supports the proprotor in both vertical and horizontal orientations, providing a scalable framework that reduces overall structural weight compared to systems requiring separate vertical and horizontal thrust generators.
Solution Approach 2:
The proprotor assembly is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: vertical lift generation, horizontal thrust production, and structural support. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized heavy structures for each thrust direction, improving scalability and reducing weight.
3Force
If quadrotors are used for VTOL operations, then the craft can efficiently create vertical lift, but they have poor horizontal thrust capability and are not suitably scalable to move persons or goods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static quadrotor rotors to a dynamic proprotor system that can rotate between vertical and horizontal orientations. During vertical takeoff and hover, the proprotor operates vertically to maximize lift. During forward flight, the proprotor rotates horizontally to generate efficient thrust, enabling both persons and goods to be transported at meaningful speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the proprotor by rotating it between vertical and horizontal orientations. This parameter change allows the same rotor system to optimize for vertical lift when needed and horizontal thrust when needed, overcoming the limitations of fixed-orientation quadrotors.
4Force
If quadrotors are used for VTOL operations, then the craft can create vertical lift, but they require all vertical thrust rotors to continuously operate, and loss of one rotor results in unbalanced condition and control failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lift generation function across multiple rotors in a configuration where each rotor can independently fail without compromising overall control. The segmented rotor system with redundant lift surfaces allows the craft to maintain stability and control even when one rotor becomes inoperative, unlike quadrotors where all four rotors must function simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates redundant lift systems that provide a safety margin before failure occurs. The configuration includes excess lift capacity and distributed rotor placement that cushions against the loss of any single rotor, maintaining control and stability even under degraded conditions.
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
The design enables efficient horizontal thrust capability, safe operation in various environments, and the ability to carry loads over diverse distances, overcoming limitations of existing VTOL craft by reducing fuel consumption and ensuring stability with multiple lift systems.
Implementation Method 1
The first proprotor is configured to rotate with the first partial lift surface, the second proprotor is configured to rotate with the second partial lift surface
Implementation Method 2
a lift surface attached to the body, the lift surface comprising a first partial lift surface positioned at a first end and a second partial lift surface positioned at a second end
Data Source
AI summary
A craft capable of a vertical take-off and landing configuration and a horizontal thrust configuration may include, for example, at least a proprotor, an edgewise blade, and a body. The proprotor may be configured to tilt to achieve a horizontal thrust component. A portion of a lift surface may be configured to tilt with the proprotor. In some embodiments, the vertical take-off and/or landing craft may further comprise a tail connected to a first boom and a second boom. In some embodiments, the vertical take-off and/or landing craft may further comprise a tail attached to the body. In some embodiments, the craft includes four rotors positioned on the lift surface and two rotors positioned on a tail connected to the lift surface.