Systems and methods for retracting lift propeller in eVTOL aircraft
US11827349B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 26, 2023 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 26, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U30/293
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A VTOL aircraft includes a lift propeller configured to provide lift during takeoff, landing and hover operations. The lift propeller is configured to be stowed close to a boom surface when not in use during, e.g., cruise flight, to minimize drag around propeller surfaces. The lift propeller may be displaced vertically with respect to the boom when switching to a lift configuration to provide greater separation from the boom to improve lift efficiency and reduce unwanted vibrations. The lift propeller may have a fail-safe configuration that allows the propeller to move passively between lift and stowed configurations, and to fully rotate even when fully retracted.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.