Aerial system utilizing a tethered uni-rotor network of satellite vehicles

Abstract

A tethered uni-rotor network of satellite vehicles combines fixed-wing and rotorcraft designs. A central hub with multiple tethers to satellite vehicles radiates outward in a hub-and-spoke arrangement. Satellites have lifting airfoil surfaces, stabilizers, control surfaces, fuselages, and propulsion systems. The system operates in a persistent state of rotation, driven by satellite propulsion units. As the satellite vehicles move through space, the airfoils generate lift which supports each satellite vehicle and the central hub. As the system rotates, centrifugal forces pull each satellite vehicle outwards, which keeps each tether taught. The tethers are attached at innermost portions of each lifting surface; the energy storage mass is located at the outermost portion; the tension alleviates bending moment common to fixed-wing aircraft, reducing the weight within the structural members, utilize higher aspect ratio wings to reduce induced drag, and thin-thickness high-camber airfoil profiles achieve higher lift-to-drag ratios yield a more aerodynamically efficient aircraft.

Claims

1. An aerial system comprising; a central hub, two or more satellite vehicles, and tethers which secure each satellite vehicle to the central hub, which radiate outward in a hub-and-spoke arrangement; where the aerial system always operates in a state of rotation; where the central hub is a permanent member of the aerial system; where the central hub rotates with the aerial system; where each satellite vehicle comprises one or more wings to generate lift; where one or more of the wings comprises one or more structural members to maintain the rigidity of the wing; where each tether attaches to an inboard portion of the wing on each satellite vehicle; where the energy storage mass is located near the outboard portion of each satellite vehicle; where each satellite vehicle utilizes an asymmetrical layout; where each satellite vehicle has one or more propulsion units; where each satellite vehicle has a means of controlling its trajectory; wherein one or more of the propulsion units may orient its thrust vector relative to the satellite vehicle as a means of controlling each satellite vehicle; wherein two or more of the propulsion units may utilize differential thrust as a means of controlling each satellite vehicle; wherein one or more stabilizers may be used to stabilize the trajectory of each satellite vehicle; wherein one or more control surfaces may be used as a means of controlling the trajectory of each satellite vehicle; such that, the rotation of the aerial system subjects each satellite vehicle to a centrifugal force; such that, the location of each tether connected to the inboard portion of the wing, and the energy storage mass located at the outboard portion of each satellite vehicle, places the one or more wings under tension; such that, a bending moment is alleviated within each structural member by reducing or eliminating the compression acting on each structural member; such that, abating compression from within the structural members, requires less structural material, and permits higher aspect ratio wings, than those that do not utilize centrifugal stiffening.

2. An aerial system comprising; a central hub, two or more satellite vehicles, and tethers which secure each satellite vehicle to the central hub, which radiate outward in a hub-and-spoke arrangement; where each satellite vehicle comprises one or more wings to generate lift; where one or more of the wings comprises one or more structural members to maintain the rigidity of the wing; where each satellite vehicle has one or more propulsion units; where each satellite vehicle has a means of controlling its trajectory; such that, the rotation of the aerial system subjects each satellite vehicle to a centrifugal force; such that, the one or more wings are placed under tension; such that, a bending moment is alleviated within each structural member by reducing or eliminating the compression acting on each structural member; such that, abating compression from within the structural members, requires less structural material, and permits higher aspect ratio wings, than those that do not utilize centrifugal stiffening.

3. The aerial system of claim 2, wherein the aerial system always operates in a state of rotation.

4. The aerial system of claim 2, wherein the central hub is a permanent member of the aerial system.

5. The aerial system of claim 2, wherein the central hub rotates with the aerial system.

6. The aerial system of claim 2, wherein each tether attaches to an inboard portion of the wing on each satellite vehicle.

7. The aerial system of claim 2, wherein the energy storage mass is located near the outboard portion of each satellite vehicle.

8. The aerial system of claim 2, wherein each satellite vehicle utilizes an asymmetrical layout.

9. The aerial system of claim 2, wherein the central hub is a permanent member of the aerial system, and the central hub always rotates with the aerial system.

10. The aerial system of claim 2, wherein each tether attaches to an inboard portion of the wing on each satellite vehicle, and the energy storage mass is located near the outboard portion of each satellite vehicle.

11. The aerial system of claim 2, wherein the aerial system always operates in a state of rotation, and each satellite vehicle utilizes an asymmetrical layout.

12. The aerial system of claim 2, wherein the aerial system always operates in a state of rotation, the central hub is a permanent member of the aerial system, and the central hub always rotates with the aerial system.

13. The aerial system of claim 2, wherein each satellite vehicle utilizes an asymmetrical layout, such that each tether attaches to an inboard portion of the wing on each satellite vehicle, and the energy storage mass is located near the outboard portion of each satellite vehicle.

14. The aerial system of claim 2, wherein the aerial system always operates in a state of rotation, the central hub is a permanent member of the aerial system, the central hub always rotates with the aerial system, and each satellite vehicle utilizes an asymmetrical layout, such that each tether attaches to an inboard portion of the wing on each satellite vehicle, and the energy storage mass is located near the outboard portion of each satellite vehicle.

15. The aerial system of claim 2, wherein one or more of the propulsion units may orient its thrust vector relative to the satellite vehicle as a means of controlling each satellite vehicle.

16. The aerial system of claim 2, wherein two or more of the propulsion units may utilize differential thrust as a means of controlling each satellite vehicle.

17. The aerial system of claim 2, wherein one or more stabilizers may be used to stabilize the trajectory of each satellite vehicle.

18. The aerial system of claim 2, wherein one or more control surfaces may be used as a means of controlling the trajectory of each satellite vehicle.

19. The aerial system of claim 2, wherein each satellite vehicle may control its trajectory with a combination of thrust vectoring, differential thrust, stabilizers, and/or control surfaces.

20. The aerial system of claim 2, wherein the aerial system always operates in a state of rotation, the central hub is a permanent member of the aerial system, the central hub always rotates with the aerial system, each satellite vehicle may control its trajectory with a combination of thrust vectoring, differential thrust, stabilizers, and/or control surfaces, and each satellite vehicle utilizes an asymmetrical layout, such that each tether attaches to an inboard portion of the wing on each satellite vehicle, and the energy storage mass is located near the outboard portion of each satellite vehicle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0032] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention; and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this invention.

[0033] FIG. 1 includes a perspective view of a tethered uni-rotor network aircraft according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 2 includes a side view of a tethered uni-rotor network aircraft according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 3 includes a top view of a tethered uni-rotor network aircraft according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a satellite vehicle according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a top view of a satellite vehicle according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a front view of a satellite vehicle according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a side view of a satellite vehicle according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 8 is an illustration which shows a front view of a traditional fixed-wing aircraft, and its resultant bending moment across the wing.

[0041] FIG. 9 is an illustration which shows how centrifugal stiffening alleviates a bending moment across the structural member of a wing according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the interacting forces transmitted by the tether between the satellite vehicle and the passive central hub according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a satellite vehicle with additional vertical and horizontal control surfaces according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a satellite vehicle with a gimbal or articulated propulsion unit according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of a satellite vehicle utilizing differential thrust for yaw control according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of a satellite vehicle utilizing differential thrust for pitch control according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of a satellite vehicle utilizing differential thrust for roll control according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 16 is a front view of a satellite vehicle with a plurality of propulsion units distributed across the wingspan according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with the references made to the drawings below. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the components of the present invention. Moreover, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts through the several views in the drawings.

[0050] According to selected embodiments, the tethered uni-rotor network is an aerial system that has a central hub, with multiple tethers that radiate outwards in a hub-and spoke arrangement, where the outboard portion of each tether attaches to the inboard portion of a satellite vehicle. Each satellite vehicle resembles a small aircraft system which includes: a fuselages containing avionic components, an airfoil lifting section, propulsion units, stabilizers, and control surfaces. Embodiments of the aerial system herein, operate in a perpetual state of rotation during flight. The rotation is driven by the propulsion units on each of the satellite vehicle. As the system spins, centrifugal forces keep the tethers taught, and places the structural members under tension. Furthermore, as the system spins, each satellite vehicle moves through the air, which generates lift on the winged airfoil sections. The amount of lift generated counteracts the weight of the satellite vehicle and a distributed portion of the weight of the central hub.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, FIG. 2 is a side view, and FIG. 3 is a top view, of a tethered uni-rotor network aircraft according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. The tethered uni-rotor network aircraft 10 includes multiple satellite vehicles 20, in this view four satellite vehicles 20, which are each connected to the central hub 30 via their own tether 40. The satellite vehicles 20 rotate around the central hub 30,

[0052] FIG. 4 is a perspective view, FIG. 5 is a top view, FIG. 6 is a front view, and FIG. 7 is a side view, of a satellite vehicle according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. The satellite vehicle 20 has fuselages 21, in this embodiment there is one, which has a propulsion unit 22, in this embodiment it is a propeller, to generate thrust. A lifting surface 23, such as a wing, provides lift, which is a generally upward force. A tail boom 24, extending aft of the fuselage, secures a horizontal stabilizer with an elevator 25, which provides pitch control for the satellite vehicle 20. As shown in FIG. 4-7, the satellite vehicle employs an asymmetrical mono-wing design, with a prop located on the outboard wingtip, and control surfaces located within the prop wash. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other positions, locations, orientations, or geometries of the lifting surfaces, stabilizers, control surfaces, or propulsion units, may be used to control the satellite vehicles.

[0053] The satellite vehicle configuration depicted within FIG. 4-7 is considered to be the ideal embodiment of the current disclosure. A single propulsion unit on each satellite system is the minimum number needed to overcome aerodynamic drag. Mounting the propulsion unit on the outboard wingtip provides the most centrifugal benefit, but inboard or middle placements are conceivable as well. Since each tether ann is subjected to centrifugal force, the roll and yaw axes of each satellite vehicle are asymptotically stable. Thus, a single horizontal stabilizer with elevator control surface, is the bare minimum needed to provide active pitch control and stabilization. Later paragraphs will outline how additional stabilizers and control surfaces may be utilized within the design.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a diagram which illustrates the bending moment within traditional fixed-wing aircraft. A traditional aircraft 50 has a weight force 51 located at the center of gravity, and a lift force 52 distributed across its wing. These forces tend to deflect the wing and its structural members, which puts the bottom surface under tension 54 while the top surface is subjected to compression 55. Many materials, especially those utilizing carbon fiber composites, perform significantly better under tension than under compression. As such, the wing root 56, which s the connection point between the wing and the fuselage, requires additional structural material, and the wing profile 57 must have a suitable thickness to overcome this compression force arising from the bending moment.

[0055] FIG. 9 is a diagram which illustrates how the tethered uni-rotor network system, disclosed herein, utilizes the same beneficial centrifugal stiffening as a traditional helicopter rotor, to overcome the structural problems inherent within fixed-wing aircraft. Inboard sections are comprised of a thin tether filament, which eliminates an underutilized structure from a helicopter design. Because the satellite wingtip is free to pivot about the tether connection point 64, there is no detrimental bending moment which is typically found at the wing root of fixed-wing aircraft designs. Weight 61 still acts downward, and the lift force 62 is still distributed across the wing 23, but with the tethered uni-rotor network approach, there is also centrifugal force putting the wing under tension. As such, the centrifugal stiffening within each satellite vehicle can offset the compression loads and place the entire structural member under tension. This reduces the total mass of the structural member, allows for much greater aspect ratios than can be attained by a traditional tube-and-wing style aircraft, and permits thin-thickness, high-camber airfoils 67 with much better lift-to-drag ratios than standard practice.

[0056] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the interacting forces transmitted through the tether between the satellite vehicle and the central hub according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. As the system operates in a persistent state of rotation, three components of a force vector act at the connection point on the central hub. A vertical force counteracts the weight of the central hub, a lateral force arises from the aerodynamic drag pulling on the tether, and a radial force arises from the centrifugal forces present from the rotation of the system. These three forces are present even during the hover operation of the tethered uni-rotor network system. However, altering the relative position of a satellite vehicle with respect to the central hub, will also alter the magnitude of the component forces acting on the central hub anchor point. As the satellite vehicle 20 moves away from the central hub 30, the satellite vehicle 20 pulls on the tether 40, which in turn increases the magnitude of the radial force on the central hub 30. Similarly, moving inward decreases the magnitude of the vector. As the satellite vehicle 20 moves upward with respect to the central hub 30, the satellite vehicle 20 pulls upward on the tether 40, which in turn increases the magnitude of the vertical force on the central hub 30. Similarly, moving downward decreases the magnitude of the vector. As the satellite vehicle 20 moves forward with respect to the central hub 30, the satellite vehicle 20 pulls forward on the tether 40, which in turn increases the magnitude of the lateral force on the central hub 30. Similarly, moving backward decreases the magnitude of the vector. As long as there is tension within the tether, these forces are transferred to the hub, subject to drag and other frictional losses. Although the central hub has no active controls of its own, navigating the tethered uni-rotor network can be accomplished through coordinated flight maneuvers, which impart the desired forces on the central hub, such that the entire system achieves translation.

[0057] While a single propulsion unit and a single elevator is sufficient to achieve the coordinated maneuvers needed by the central hub, FIG. 11 illustrates how additional stabilizers and control surfaces may be employed by the tethered uni-rotor network. A horizontal control surface 26 mounted on the fuselage and aligned with the quarter chord of the wing, would provide a vertical force on the satellite vehicle. This control input could independently adjust the relative vertical position of the satellite vehicle without altering its pitch angle. Similarly, a vertical control surface 27 mounted on the fuselage and aligned with the quarter chord of the wing, would provide a radial three which increases or decreases the tension on the tether. When applied cyclically, this control input could induce horizontal translation within the central hub, without requiring cyclic throttle commands for an advancing/retreating rotor blade control approach. Similarly, angle stabilizers and control surfaces may be used to reduce the number of surfaces, but will generally require a more complicated control mixing strategy.

[0058] Each satellite vehicle needs a propulsion unit, which counteracts aerodynamic drag acting on the body, while keeping the tethered uni-rotor network aircraft in a state of rotation. A preferred embodiment uses fixed pitch propellers with brushless electric motor systems, because of its simplicity. Other means of propulsion units are also acceptable. Variable pitch propellers could replace or compliment fixed pitch propellers, to provide a faster dynamic response. Various fuel sources; like heavy fuel, fuel cells, or hybrid systems; could replace or compliment an electric power supply. Or a propeller methodology could be completely omitted, and jet or rocket systems could he elected to provide thrust for each satellite vehicle.

[0059] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a satellite vehicle with a gimbal or articulated propulsion unit according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. The fuselage 21 includes a gimbal or joint 28 that supports the propulsion unit 22, in this embodiment it is a propeller. The propulsion unit 22 rotates in various directions and in one or more axes 29 relative to the satellite vehicle 20 via the gimbal or joint 28. The various directions of the propulsion unit alters the direction of thrust which acts on the satellite vehicle 20, and produces a moment that can be used as a control input. Additional degrees of freedom within the propulsion unit mechanism may be used to reduce the number of stabilizers, control surfaces, or both.

[0060] The next three figures showcase the application of differential thrust according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. Differential thrust is a control mixing strategy which adjusts multiple motors off of their nominal control inputs, to impart a moment on the system while maintaining the same net force between all the propulsion units. This technique can be used to reduce the number of control surfaces needed. FIG. 13 has two propulsion units 22, mounted on both wingtips of a satellite vehicle, such that simultaneously increasing/decreasing these two motors produces a yaw moment. FIG. 14 has two propulsion units 22, both located at the outboard wingtip, with one above and one below the wing plane, such that simultaneously increasing/decreasing these two motors produces a pitch moment. FIG. 15 shows a pair of coaxial propulsion units 22, both located at the outboard wingtip, but spinning in opposite directions, such that simultaneously increasing/decreasing these two motors changes the resultant motor torques, and produces a roll moment on the satellite vehicle. Implementing differential thrust does not require pairs of exactly two propulsion units. Those skilled in the art, will appreciate that suitable control mixing can achieve similar results from any number of multiple propulsion units within a wide variety of arrangements.

[0061] FIG. 16 is a front view of a satellite vehicle with a plurality of propulsion units according to selected. embodiments of the current disclosure. Many propulsion units 22 mounted onto their respective fuselages 21 are distributed across the leading edge of the winged lifting surface 23 of the satellite vehicle 20. This configuration applies forced air over the airfoil which may lead to better laminar flow over the wing surface. However, these additional propulsion units represent an engineering tradeoff that must be evaluated against any extra weight and manufacturing complexity.

[0062] Embodiments of the current disclosure provide for an aerial system with multiple tether arms. One arm is not a valid configuration because there is no means of counter balancing the rotation. Two arms are able to counter balance one another, but the central hub is free to swing like a hammock. Thus, this configuration should only be used as a means of recovering a vehicle, should the other tether arms become disabled, or as part of a system that constrains the central hub in other ways, like the primary tether on an airborne wind energy device. Three arms are the minimum number needed to achieve stability within the central hub, and is a preferable number in terms of aerodynamic efficiency, because it provides the most concentrated weight to provide the most centrifugal force per satellite vehicle. The disadvantage is that, for an odd number of tether arms, horizontal translation is more difficult to control because pairs of tether arms are not directly opposite one another. Four arms have slightly less ideal centrifugal stiffening than three arms, but it is easier to implement horizontal translation because pairs of tethers are directly opposed to one another. Five or more arms are all physically possible, and could be used to carry larger payloads within the central hub, or to add redundancy and robustness to the system as a safety measure, but adding more arms increases complexity and compromises the amount of centrifugal stiffening within each tether arm.

[0063] It should be understood that while the preferred embodiments of the invention are described in some detail herein, the present disclosure is made by way of example only. Variations and changes thereto are possible without departing from the subject matter coming within the scope of the following claims, and a reasonable equivalency thereof, which claims I regard as my invention.

[0064] All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.