VTOL Aircraft Static Puller and Pusher Rotor Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional VTOL aircraft face limitations in range and speed due to the need for rotor tilting between vertical and horizontal flight modes, which complicates the design and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of a combination of static puller and pusher rotors allows for transition between vertical and horizontal flight without tilting, maintaining a fixed rotor orientation relative to the wings and fuselage, enabling efficient and stable flight transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rotor tilting mechanisms are used to transition between vertical and horizontal flight, then the aircraft can achieve VTOL capability, but the device complexity increases and flight efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft is divided into separate functional modules: fixed puller rotors at the front for forward thrust, fixed pusher rotors at the rear for backward thrust, and independent tilt-wings for attitude control. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex rotor tilting mechanisms while maintaining VTOL capability through differential thrust control from multiple rotor groups
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of tilting the rotors to change flight mode, the invention inverts the approach by keeping rotors fixed and tilting the wings/body of the aircraft. The puller and pusher rotors remain stationary relative to the fuselage, while the wings are tilted to achieve vertical or horizontal flight orientation, thereby reducing mechanical complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If rotor tilting mechanisms are used for flight mode transition, then VTOL capability is achieved, but flight speed and range are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is segmented into multiple independent rotor groups (puller rotors and pusher rotors) that can operate simultaneously. This allows the aircraft to achieve high-speed horizontal flight by engaging only the puller rotors in airplane mode, while reserve thrust capacity from pusher rotors enables rapid acceleration and enhanced top speed compared to conventional helicopter designs
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft employs dynamic control of multiple rotor thrust vectors to optimize performance for different flight modes. During horizontal flight, the system dynamically adjusts the contribution of puller versus pusher rotors to maintain optimal speed and efficiency, enabling sustained high-speed flight that overcomes the speed limitations of traditional VTOL aircraft
3Adaptability or versatility
If rotor tilting mechanisms are used, then flight mode transition is possible, but energy consumption increases and flight duration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is divided into multiple independent rotor groups that can operate independently or in combination. This segmentation allows the aircraft to optimize energy consumption by engaging only the necessary rotors for the current flight mode, reducing overall power demand and extending flight duration compared to systems that require all rotors to tilt and operate simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The flight control system dynamically optimizes the distribution of thrust among puller and pusher rotors based on flight phase and energy availability. This dynamic load management reduces peak power consumption during transitions and maintains efficient operating points during sustained flight, thereby extending operational duration
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 enhances flight efficiency, reduces drag, and allows for longer-duration flights by eliminating the need for complex rotor tilting mechanisms, while maintaining stability and balance throughout various flight modes.
Implementation Method 1
The rotors remain in a fixed orientation relative to the wings and fuselage of the VTOL aircraft, while being able to transition the aircraft from a substantially vertical flight path to a substantially horizontal flight path
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
A VTOL aircraft includes at least one puller rotor and at least one pusher rotor. The VTOL aircraft, for example, may include three puller rotors and one pusher rotor. The combination of static puller and pusher rotors allows the rotors to remain in a fixed orientation (i.e., no moving mechanical axes are required) relative to the wings and fuselage of the VTOL aircraft, while being able to transition the aircraft from a substantially vertical flight path to a substantially horizontal flight path.