RPI ID: 2022-052-301
Innovation Summary: An aircraft lift enhancement system is disclosed that integrates airfoils with rotors positioned strategically behind and below the trailing edge of the wing. The rotor placement is optimized to reduce aerodynamic interference and improve lift during VTOL and low-speed flight. The system includes symmetrical or asymmetrical airfoils with multiple rotors spaced along their length, each driven by electric or wet fuel engines. Rotor positioning is defined by specific ratios relative to the rotor radius, minimizing flow separation and maximizing aerodynamic efficiency.
Challenges / Opportunities: Urban Air Mobility platforms face performance degradation due to rotor-wing aerodynamic interactions, especially in hover and low-speed flight. Traditional VTOL designs suffer from lift loss due to rotor downwash and flow separation. This system addresses those issues by repositioning rotors to reduce negative aerodynamic effects. There is opportunity for integration into next-generation eVTOL aircraft and tiltrotor platforms seeking improved lift and control.
Key Benefits / Advantages: ✔ Enhanced lift during low-speed and hover conditions ✔ Reduced aerodynamic interference between rotors and wings ✔ Configurable for electric or wet fuel propulsion ✔ Modular rotor placement for scalability ✔ Applicable to both symmetrical and asymmetrical wing designs ✔ Improved performance in Urban Air Mobility platforms
Applications: • Electric VTOL aircraft • Tiltrotor aircraft • Urban Air Mobility systems
Keywords: #eVTOL #urbanairmobility #rotorwinginteraction #aircraftdesign #liftaugmentation #aerodynamics
Intellectual Property: PCT/US2023/021315 – Filed 08-May-2023