Wing Fan Diffusion Assembly for Efficient VTOL Aircraft Thrust

Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities face inefficiencies due to propulsors designed for either vertical or forward thrust, leading to complications and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The aircraft incorporates a propulsion system with a plurality of vertical thrust electric fans arranged along the wings, featuring a diffusion assembly with curved or non-linear shapes, and a hybrid electric power source to optimize thrust generation and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If propulsors are designed for vertical thrust operations, then vertical takeoff and landing capability is achieved, but efficiency during forward thrust operations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical takeoff and landing capabilityVSAvoidefficiency during forward thrust operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The propulsion system is divided into separate vertical thrust propulsors and forward thrust propulsors. The vertical thrust propulsors (electric fans) are positioned at the wingtips and are dedicated to vertical lift generation, while forward thrust is provided by conventional propellers or jet engines. This segmentation allows each propulsor type to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between vertical takeoff capability and forward flight efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent explores configurations where propulsors can serve multiple functions. Some embodiments include propulsors that can vector their thrust between vertical and forward directions, allowing a single propulsor system to provide both vertical lift and forward propulsion. This multi-functionality approach maintains adaptability while improving overall system efficiency compared to dedicated single-function propulsors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If propulsors are designed for forward thrust operations, then forward flight efficiency is improved, but vertical takeoff and landing capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforward flight efficiencyVSAvoidvertical takeoff and landing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The propulsion system is divided into separate vertical thrust propulsors and forward thrust propulsors. The vertical thrust propulsors (electric fans) are positioned at the wingtips and are dedicated to vertical lift generation, while forward thrust is provided by conventional propellers or jet engines. This segmentation allows each propulsor type to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between vertical takeoff capability and forward flight efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple propulsion technologies into a single hybrid system. Electric fans provide vertical thrust for takeoff and landing, while conventional propulsion systems handle forward flight. The merging of these different propulsion methods into one integrated system allows the aircraft to achieve both vertical takeoff/landing capability and efficient forward flight performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Force

If large propulsors are used to generate required thrust for vertical takeoff and landing, then vertical thrust capability is improved, but device complexity and inefficiency during non-vertical operations worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical thrust capabilityVSAvoidpropulsor configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The propulsion system is divided into separate vertical thrust propulsors and forward thrust propulsors. The vertical thrust propulsors (electric fans) are positioned at the wingtips and are dedicated to vertical lift generation, while forward thrust is provided by conventional propellers or jet engines. This segmentation allows each propulsor type to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between vertical takeoff capability and forward flight efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamically reconfigurable propulsion systems where propulsors can change their operational characteristics based on flight phase. Electric fans can be activated for vertical thrust during takeoff and landing, then deactivated or reduced during forward flight. Vectoring mechanisms allow propulsors to dynamically adjust thrust direction, optimizing performance for each operational phase and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 allows for more efficient operation by precisely controlling thrust profiles and exposure ratios, enhancing control and reducing inefficiencies during vertical and forward flight.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of vertical thrust electric fans driven by the power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

a diffusion assembly positioned along the lengthwise direction of the wing and includes a first diffusion member positioned downstream of at least one of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS12503228B2Vertical takeoff and landing aircraft

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

An aircraft defines a vertical direction and includes a fuselage and a propulsion system comprising a power source and a plurality of vertical thrust electric fans driven by the power source. A wing extends from the fuselage. The plurality of vertical thrust electric fans are arranged along a length of the wing along a lengthwise direction of the wing. The wing comprises a diffusion assembly along the lengthwise direction of the wing and includes a first diffusion member positioned downstream of at least one of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans. The first diffusion member defines a curved shape relative to a longitudinal direction of the aircraft. The longitudinal direction is generally perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the wing.