Urban Air Mobility (UAM) has garnered significant global attention due to its potential to revolutionize transportation. The utilization of Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles in urban areas offers a promising solution for alleviating ground-level traffic congestion. This paper focuses on the design and study of a manned eVTOL with foldable wings, aiming to address the space limitation problem that arises in daily use scenarios. By integrating collapsible wings into the design, the eVTOL can significantly mitigate the constraints imposed by spatial and dimensional limitations, thereby enhancing its adaptability to existing transportation infrastructure. The mechanism design of these foldable wings is crucial for ensuring efficient operation and maneuverability. Through meticulous analysis and simulation, this paper examines various factors such as force distribution, center of mass positioning, and overall performance. Utilizing software like SolidWorks enables seamless integration of essential components like lifting mechanisms, retractable wings, and propellers into the vehicle's trunk based on a pickup truck model. To validate the feasibility and performance of this designed eVTOL with foldable wings, simulation analysis is conducted using ADAMS simulation software. This allows comprehensive testing under different scenarios while obtaining valuable data curves that provide insights into its capabilities. The findings from this research contribute towards advancing UAM technology by addressing practical challenges associated with space limitations in urban environments. The integration of foldable wing technology not only enhances operational efficiency but also opens up new possibilities for aerial transportation systems in densely populated areas. In conclusion, this paper presents an innovative approach towards developing a manned electric VTOL aircraft capable of efficiently navigating three-dimensional airspace while mitigating ground-level traffic congestion.

Yixu Chu, Junying Lin, Kun Li. Design and Simulation of Foldable Wing eVTOL UAV. Academic Journal of Engineering and Technology Science (2024) Vol. 7, Issue 4: 136-143. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJETS.2024.070420.

[1] Raigoza K, Chadwick A, Kishore C. Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) Vehicle Reliability and Safety Analysis[C]//ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2022, 86717: V009T14A036.

[2] Xu J, Yu J, Lu X, et al. Aerodynamic Performance and Numerical Analysis of the Coaxial Contra-Rotating Propeller Lift System in eVTOL Vehicles[J]. Mathematics, 2024, 12(7): 1056.

[3] Alsalem A, Zohdy M. A Review on Civil Applications of Vertical Take-Off and Landing Vehicles[C]//2023 IEEE Conference on Technologies for Sustainability (SusTech). IEEE, 2023: 130-137.

[4] Mohsan S A H, Othman N Q H, Li Y, et al. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs): Practical aspects, applications, open challenges, security issues, and future trends[J]. Intelligent Service Robotics, 2023, 16(1): 109-137.

[5] Holmes B J, Durham M H, Tarry S E. Small aircraft transportation system concept and technologies [J]. Journal of Aircraft, 2004, 41(1): 26-35.

[6] Sochor J, Arby H, Karlsson I C M A, et al. A topological approach to Mobility as a Service: A proposed tool for understanding requirements and effects, and for aiding the integration of societal goals [J]. Research in Transportation Business & Management, 2018, 27: 3-14.

[7] Wei H, Lou B, Zhang Z, et al. Autonomous navigation for eVTOL: Review and future perspectives[J]. IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Vehicles, 2024.

[8] Ahmed S S, Hulme K F, Fountas G, et al. The flying car—challenges and strategies toward future adoption [J]. Frontiers in Built Environment, 2020, 6: 106.

[9] Piao J, McDonald M. Advanced driver assistance systems from autonomous to cooperative approach [J]. Transport reviews, 2008, 28(5): 659-684.

[10] Bravo Gutierrez B. Mechanical design and analysis of a portable crane unit[D]. Tampere University of technology, 2017.

[11] Kretov A, Tiniakov D. Evaluation of the mass and aerodynamic efficiency of a high aspect ratio wing for prospective passenger aircraft[J]. Aerospace, 2022, 9(9): 497.

[12] Wei L, Justin C Y, Briceno S I, et al. Door-to-door travel time comparative assessment for conventional transportation methods and short takeoff and landing on demand mobility concepts[C]//2018 Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations Conference. 2018: 3055.

[13] De Simone M C, Veneziano S, Guida D. Design of a non-back-drivable screw jack mechanism for the hitch lifting arms of electric-powered tractors[C]//Actuators. MDPI, 2022, 11(12): 358.

[14] Manzetti S, Mariasiu F. Electric vehicle battery technologies: From present state to future systems [J]. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2015, 51: 1004-1012.