VTOL Aircraft Trailer Stowing for Road Transport Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aviation technologies face challenges in efficiently transporting large human-carrying aircraft along standard roadways due to size constraints, requiring complex and labor-intensive disassembly processes that are time-consuming and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A stowing system comprising a platform with movable support elements that detach and reconfigure aircraft sub-assemblies, allowing for compact transportation while maintaining structural integrity and simplifying the transition between flight-ready and stowed configurations, utilizing a trailer with foldable components and sensors for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If complex disassembly processes are used to transport aircraft along standard roadways, then size constraints are satisfied, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaircraft sizeVSAvoiddisassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic, movable support elements that can transition between extended and retracted positions. These support elements are integrated with the trailer frame and can be automatically positioned to support aircraft components during transport, eliminating the need for complex manual disassembly while adapting to different aircraft configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors and automated control mechanisms that enable the support elements to self-adjust and self-position according to the aircraft's configuration. This automation reduces labor-intensive manual operations and minimizes disassembly time while ensuring proper support during transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Length of moving object

If complex disassembly processes are used to meet size constraints, then transportation is enabled, but the process becomes prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaircraft sizeVSAvoiddisassembly accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on the position and status of aircraft components and support elements. This feedback system enables automated adjustment and verification, ensuring that components are properly supported and positioned during transport, thereby reducing errors associated with manual disassembly processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical disassembly operations with automated mechanical systems. The movable support elements are actuated by automated mechanisms controlled by sensors and processors, eliminating human error in positioning and supporting aircraft components during transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Length of moving object

If aircraft are disassembled for shipment, then standard roadway transport is possible, but structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaircraft sizeVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the aircraft into manageable segments or components that can be independently supported by separate support elements. This segmentation allows each component to be properly supported and positioned during transport, maintaining structural integrity while enabling transport through standard roadways without requiring complete disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable support elements act as intermediaries between the aircraft components and the trailer frame. These support elements provide mechanical support and stabilization to aircraft components during transport, preventing damage and maintaining structural integrity while enabling roadway transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If multiple operators are required for aircraft disassembly and stowing, then proper handling is ensured, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling safetyVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated mechanical systems. The movable support elements are actuated by automated mechanisms controlled by sensors and processors, reducing the need for multiple operators while maintaining handling safety and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12257944B2Aircraft trailer

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 AIR VEV LTD

AI summary

Stowing systems and methods to disassemble, store, and/or protect an aircraft, and in particular a VTOL aircraft, for transportation along standard public roadways. A stowing system attaches to the aircraft in a flight-ready state, and guides, supports, and/or stabilizes sub-assemblies of the aircraft as they are removed and moved into their stowed positions in preparation for transportation. In some embodiments, the stowing system is implemented as a trailer. The trailer, in some embodiments, is towable by car, such that the aircraft can be carried on and transported with the car and trailer by road. In some embodiments, the stowing system defines landing platform for the aircraft. It may provide facilities to help direct the aircraft to a precise location allowing support elements of the stowing system to be moved to engage with sub-assemblies of the aircraft along predefined degrees of freedom.