Vertical Take-Off and Landing Aircraft With Thrust-Vectoring Ducts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft require large runways for take-off and landing, are expensive, and lack the ability to efficiently transition between vertical and horizontal flight modes, relying on complex systems that are heavy and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Aircraft design featuring adjustable ducts and nozzles connected to fan pods on wings, allowing for vertical and horizontal thrust adjustment via a fly-by-wire system with mechanical backup, including a gas-powered turbofan and electric motors for redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional aircraft use horizontally mounted engines and complex systems of rudders, wings, and flaps to adjust angle for vertical displacement, then horizontal thrust is achieved, but the aircraft requires large runways and cannot perform vertical take-off and landing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the thrust vector adjustable and movable. The engine or fan assembly is mounted on an adjustable bracket that can pivot or rotate, allowing the thrust direction to change between horizontal and vertical orientations. This dynamic adjustment enables the aircraft to transition between horizontal flight and vertical take-off/landing modes without requiring complex mechanical systems like traditional rudders, wings, and flaps configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If helicopters use rapidly spinning rotors to create momentum and lift for vertical take-off and landing, then vertical flight is achieved, but the aircraft becomes extremely expensive and harder to fly than planes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional aircraft that can perform both horizontal flight and vertical take-off/landing using the same propulsion system. The adjustable thrust vector mechanism allows a single engine/fan assembly to provide both horizontal thrust for forward flight and vertical lift for take-off and landing, eliminating the need for separate rotor systems found in helicopters. This universal system maintains the simplicity and ease of operation associated with fixed-wing aircraft while adding vertical flight capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If specialized planes use a large number of low-powered rotors spaced around a framework to provide vertical lift, then vertical momentum is achieved, but the framework adds weight and greatly impacts aerodynamics when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the unnecessary framework structure. Instead of spacing multiple rotors around a supporting framework, the invention integrates the propulsion system directly into the aircraft fuselage or wing structure. The engine or fan assembly is mounted on an adjustable bracket that attaches to the existing airframe, eliminating the need for additional framework. This reduces weight while maintaining vertical lift capability through thrust vector adjustment.
4Speed
If aircraft require runways which are large and long stretches of pavement to attain minimum take-off speed or decelerate, then horizontal thrust is achieved, but operation is limited to specific locations with few and far between airports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the aircraft to dynamically adjust its thrust vector between horizontal and vertical orientations. This allows the aircraft to perform vertical take-off and landing, eliminating the requirement for long runways and extensive airport infrastructure. The aircraft can operate from small, unprepared surfaces or confined spaces, dramatically expanding the range of possible operational locations beyond traditional airports.
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
Enables vertical take-off and landing without runways, reduces weight and complexity, and provides efficient thrust control for stable flight operations.
Implementation Method 1
a gas-powered turbofan
Implementation Method 2
electric motors for redundancy
Implementation Method 3
adjustable ducts and nozzles connected to fan pods on wings, allowing for vertical and horizontal thrust adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical take-off and landing aircraft that includes a fuselage which has a nose end, a tail end, and a plurality of seats disposed in an interior of the aircraft with vertical takeoff and conventional aircraft ability. A pair of rear wings extend outwardly from opposing sides of the fuselage between a cockpit and the tail end, and a pair of front wings extend outwardly from opposing sides of the fuselage between the cockpit and the nose end. Each of the pair of rear wings and the pair of front wings includes an adjustably mounted turbine which includes a statically mounted fan pod, a duct rotatably connected to the fan pod, and an adjustable nozzle rotatably connected to the duct. The adjustable nozzle is adjusted to a variety of configurations ranging between a vertical position and a horizontal position via the duct.