Wingtip-Positioned Propellers for Vortex Energy Recovery in VTOL Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft systems face inefficiencies in energy capture and utilization during vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) and horizontal flight, requiring complex controllers and multiple propellers for orientation and thrust control, with limited flight range and duration.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of wingtip positioned propellers operatively engaged to electric motor generators that capture vortex energy and convert it to electric power, combined with rotatable canards for thrust control and regenerative braking during descent, and a V-shaped first wing for enhanced lift and airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple propellers are used for VTOL and horizontal flight control, then thrust control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling propellers to serve dual purposes: generating thrust for VTOL operations and capturing vortex energy to generate electricity during horizontal flight. The motor generators connected to propellers can operate in both motor mode (providing thrust) and generator mode (capturing energy), reducing the need for separate systems for different flight modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful wingtip vortices, which are typically wasted energy and sources of drag, into beneficial electrical energy. By positioning propellers at wingtips and connecting them to motor generators, the system captures the rotational energy of vortices and converts it to electricity, transforming an adverse aerodynamic effect into a useful power source.
2Loss of energy
If wingtip vortices are allowed to dissipate naturally, then aerodynamic design is simple, but energy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful wingtip vortices, which are typically wasted energy and sources of drag, into beneficial electrical energy. By positioning propellers at wingtips and connecting them to motor generators, the system captures the rotational energy of vortices and converts it to electricity, transforming an adverse aerodynamic effect into a useful power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by using the aircraft's own vortex energy to generate electricity for powering systems or extending flight duration. The motor generators automatically capture vortex energy when it is present, requiring minimal active control while providing continuous energy recovery during horizontal flight phases.
3Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend flight range, then flight duration is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful wingtip vortices, which are typically wasted energy and sources of drag, into beneficial electrical energy. By positioning propellers at wingtips and connecting them to motor generators, the system captures the rotational energy of vortices and converts it to electricity, transforming an adverse aerodynamic effect into a useful power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by constantly capturing vortex energy during horizontal flight phases and converting it to electricity. This ongoing energy recovery process continuously recharges the battery or supplements power availability, effectively extending the usable energy capacity without requiring proportionally larger batteries.
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
Enhances flight range and duration by harnessing wind energy and vortex energy, reduces power consumption for steering, and provides efficient thrust control across flight modes.
Implementation Method 1
capture vortex energy from the tips of both the first and second wing. This vortex energy operates to rotate each propeller and an operatively engaged motor generator to harvest wind energy and convert it to electric energy
Implementation Method 2
harvest wind energy and convert it to electric energy to recharge the onboard electric supply
Implementation Method 3
The propeller converts rotational power from an electric motor operatively connected to a power source to linear thrust force to propel the air vehicle upward and forward
Implementation Method 4
harvest wind energy and convert it to electric energy to recharge the onboard electric supply
Data Source
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AI summary
An aircraft is provided which includes a fuselage having a first wing with curved wingtips positioned above a second wing having curved wingtips. Rotor assemblies located in between the curved wingtips of the first and second wing, are employable to both provide vertical thrust for vertical take off of the aircraft and auto rotation to generate electric energy to recharge an onboard electric power supply. The first wing may be formed in a V-shape, and additional rotor assemblies to provide forward and vertical thrust to the airplane can be included on rotatable canards.