VTOL Takeoff Transition Control for Lower Vertical Flight Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
As VTOL aerial vehicles increase in size and complexity, the power demands for take-off and landing become higher, leading to inefficient energy usage, particularly in vertical flight modes which are less efficient than horizontal flight modes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for energy-efficient take-off and landing in VTOL aerial vehicles, involving a processor-controlled sequence of altitude adjustments, pitch angle changes, and motor effector control to transition between vertical and horizontal flight orientations, minimizing time in energy-inefficient orientations and optimizing transition heights based on parameters like wind speed and direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If VTOL aerial vehicles perform vertical take-off and landing operations, then the vehicle can achieve vertical flight capability, but energy consumption increases due to inefficient vertical flight mode
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs periodic health checks and pre-rotation checks at specific intervals during the vertical-to-horizontal transition sequence. The processor executes checks at defined altitudes and transition stages, creating a periodic verification pattern that ensures safety while managing energy consumption through structured, time-based operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts pitch angles through multiple stages (first pitch angle, second pitch angle, third pitch angle perpendicular to vertical plane) and modifies motor thrust levels during transition. These parameter changes optimize the transition process by progressively shifting from vertical to horizontal orientation, reducing energy consumption in the inefficient vertical flight mode while maintaining adaptability
2Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle transitions quickly from vertical to horizontal flight, then energy consumption is reduced, but safety and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs pre-launch checks before take-off and pre-rotation checks before initiating the pitch transition. These preliminary actions verify motor health, battery status, and system readiness, ensuring safety is established before energy-efficient transition begins, thus preventing unsafe rapid transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The processor continuously monitors vehicle status during transition and performs health checks at defined intervals. This feedback mechanism allows real-time verification of system stability and safety parameters, enabling the system to maintain reliability while executing the energy-efficient transition sequence from vertical to horizontal flight
3Reliability
If multiple pitch adjustment stages are used, then transition safety is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pitch transition is divided into distinct sequential stages: adjusting to a first pitch angle, then a second pitch angle, and finally a third pitch angle perpendicular to the vertical plane. This segmentation breaks down the complex transition into manageable steps, improving safety through progressive adjustment while organizing control complexity into structured phases
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 solution reduces energy consumption by minimizing time in inefficient flight modes, ensuring safe and efficient transitions between vertical and horizontal flight, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency of VTOL aerial vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
increasing the altitude may include sending a signal to one or more motors to produce thrust
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods that may include: determining one or more take-off variables for a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aerial vehicle; increasing an altitude of the VTOL aerial vehicle to a first altitude, where increasing the altitude comprises substantially vertical flight of the VTOL aerial vehicle; performing a first pre-rotation check of the VTOL aerial vehicle; adjusting a pitch of the VTOL aerial vehicle to a first pitch angle via motor control; adjusting the pitch of the VTOL aerial vehicle to a second pitch angle via at least one of: motor control and one or more effectors; and adjusting the pitch of the VTOL aerial vehicle to a third pitch angle via the one or more effectors, where the third pitch angle is substantially perpendicular to a vertical plane.