Unmanned helicopter variable diameter rotor structure
By designing a variable diameter rotor structure, the adaptability and maneuverability problems of traditional tandem unmanned helicopter rotor systems have been solved. The rotor diameter can be dynamically adjusted, improving flight efficiency and mission execution capabilities, expanding application scenarios, simplifying the structure, and reducing system weight and vibration.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NANJING AEROSPACE GUOQI INTELLIGENT EQUIP CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
AI Technical Summary
Traditional tandem unmanned helicopter rotor systems are complex in structure and heavy in weight. The rotor diameter is fixed and cannot be dynamically adjusted, which limits their adaptability and maneuverability in multi-mission scenarios. In particular, their flight efficiency decreases and energy consumption increases when transporting materials of different weights, and their mission execution capability is limited in special environments.
Design a variable diameter rotor structure for unmanned helicopters. The rotor diameter can be dynamically adjusted by using telescopic webbing and drive motor through independent or coordinated changes of the front and rear rotor systems. The structure includes telescopic webbing fixing clamps, variable diameter limiters and drive motors, all integrated inside the rotor shaft system to avoid external attachment mechanisms.
It has enabled multimodal flight capabilities of unmanned helicopters in different mission scenarios, improved lift and efficiency, reduced system weight and vibration, expanded application scenarios, and improved the reliability and stability of the transmission system.
Smart Images

Figure CN224546337U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of unmanned helicopter technology, specifically to a variable diameter rotor structure for unmanned helicopters. Background Technology
[0002] Tandem rotor unmanned helicopters are widely used in tactical transport, medical rescue, precision spraying, and other fields due to their advantages such as counter-rotating rotors that can counteract torque, high hovering efficiency, strong payload capacity, and good crosswind resistance. However, traditional tandem helicopter rotor systems are complex in structure, heavy, and have a fixed rotor diameter, making it impossible to dynamically adjust the rotor disk load according to mission requirements, which limits their adaptability and maneuverability in multi-mission scenarios.
[0003] Especially when transporting goods of varying weights, fixed-diameter rotors struggle to provide variable lift, leading to decreased flight efficiency and increased energy consumption. Furthermore, in special environments such as shipboard deployments, takeoffs and landings in confined spaces, and operations on sloping terrain, the inability to adjust the rotor diameter severely restricts mission capabilities. Therefore, a variable-diameter rotor system is urgently needed to achieve dynamic adjustment of the rotor diameter, thereby enhancing the mission adaptability and overall performance of unmanned helicopters. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a variable diameter rotor structure for unmanned helicopters to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0006] A technical solution for a variable diameter rotor structure for an unmanned helicopter includes:
[0007] The front rotor system and the rear rotor system are at different heights to avoid interference between the front and rear rotor blades;
[0008] The rotor system includes a rotor shaft, a central component, a journal, a rotor clip, and at least two rotor blades;
[0009] The blade is equipped with a telescopic webbing and a telescopic webbing fixing clamp;
[0010] The upper end face of the propeller clamp is provided with a variable diameter limiter, and the propeller blade cooperates with the variable diameter limiter to slide in the groove on the upper end face of the propeller clamp;
[0011] The telescopic webbing passes through the journal and the paddle clamp, goes around the telescopic webbing limiting bolt, and is connected to the telescopic webbing winch rotating shaft.
[0012] The telescopic webbing winch rotating shaft is driven by a drive motor, which is mounted on the drive component turntable and fixed by a drive motor fixing bracket.
[0013] As a preferred technical solution, there are two drive motors, which independently control the telescopic webbing of the front and rear rotor systems to achieve independent or coordinated changes in the diameter of the front and rear rotors.
[0014] As a preferred technical solution, the telescopic webbing is a high-strength woven webbing with telescopic properties, and its length can be adjusted by a winch mechanism.
[0015] As a preferred technical solution, the variable diameter limiter is used to limit the maximum and minimum extension positions of the blades, ensuring that the range of rotor diameter variation is controllable.
[0016] As a preferred technical solution, the drive component with turntable is located above the rotor shaft and connected to the propeller clamp, with a compact overall structure and no external attachment mechanism.
[0017] As a preferred technical solution, the rotor system can automatically adjust its diameter according to the flight status, including multiple modes such as takeoff, cruise, hovering, and landing.
[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0019] This invention relates to a variable-diameter rotor structure for unmanned helicopters. Through a variable-diameter rotor system, it achieves "one aircraft, multiple modes" capability. The diameter is increased to enhance lift during heavy-load takeoff and hovering in confined spaces (such as canyons or urban ruins); the diameter is decreased to reduce drag during high-speed forward cruising; and differential adjustment of the front and rear rotors can be performed in scenarios requiring asymmetric lift, such as sloping terrain. A single helicopter platform can cover a wide range of missions, from precision spraying to emergency delivery, greatly expanding the application scenarios of tandem unmanned helicopters.
[0020] This invention highly integrates the variable diameter drive mechanism (drive motor, winch shaft, etc.) within the rotor shaft system, avoiding complex external mechanisms and simplifying the transmission path. This design effectively reduces the number of parts, lightens the overall system weight, and reduces vibration, thereby significantly improving the reliability, stability, and maintainability of the transmission system. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a variable diameter rotor for an unmanned helicopter.
[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an initial model of a variable diameter rotor structure for an unmanned helicopter.
[0023] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the initial prototype blade of a variable diameter rotor structure for an unmanned helicopter;
[0024] Figure 4A schematic diagram of a variable diameter rotor structure for an unmanned helicopter;
[0025] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a variable diameter rotor blade for an unmanned helicopter.
[0026] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the blades of a variable diameter rotor structure for an unmanned helicopter;
[0027] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a retractable braided strap fixing clamp inside the rotor blade of a variable diameter rotor structure for an unmanned helicopter;
[0028] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a variable diameter drive component for a variable diameter rotor structure of an unmanned helicopter;
[0029] Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of the telescopic webbing variation of a variable diameter rotor structure for an unmanned helicopter;
[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the drive arrangement of a variable diameter rotor structure for an unmanned helicopter.
[0031] In the attached diagram, the following are the reference numerals: 1. Telescopic webbing fixing clamp; 2. Blade; 3. Telescopic webbing; 4. Variable diameter limiter; 5. Rotor shaft; 6. Central component; 7. Journal; 8. Paddle clamp; 9. Telescopic webbing limiting bolt; 10. Drive unit with turntable; 11. Drive motor; 12. Telescopic webbing winch rotating shaft; 13. Drive motor fixing bracket. Detailed Implementation
[0032] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of this utility model will now be described in detail. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, will provide a further detailed description. For those skilled in the art, this utility model can be implemented without some of these specific details. The following description of the embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of this utility model by illustrating examples.
[0033] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, this utility model provides a technical solution for a variable diameter rotor structure for unmanned helicopters:
[0034] It includes a front rotor system and a rear rotor system. These two rotor systems are at different heights, and the design differences are intended to avoid interference between the front and rear blades during rotation, ensuring flight stability and safety.
[0035] Each rotor system includes a rotor shaft 5, a central component 6, a journal 7, a blade clamp 8, and at least two blades 2. The blades 2 are internally equipped with telescopic webbing 3 and telescopic webbing fixing clamps 1; these designs are key components for achieving changes in rotor diameter.
[0036] A variable diameter limiter 4 is installed on the upper end face of the propeller clamp 8. The propeller blade 2 cooperates with the variable diameter limiter 4 and can slide smoothly in the groove on the upper end face of the propeller clamp 8. This design allows the propeller blade 2 to maintain stable and controlled movement during diameter changes.
[0037] The telescopic webbing 3 passes through the journal 7 and the rotor clamp 8, bypasses the telescopic webbing limiting bolt 9, and finally connects to the telescopic webbing winch rotating shaft 12. The telescopic webbing winch rotating shaft 12 is driven by a drive motor 11, which is mounted on the drive component turntable 10 and fixed by the drive motor mounting bracket 13. This design ensures that the telescopic webbing 3 can be precisely and quickly adjusted in length, thereby achieving changes in the rotor diameter.
[0038] As a preferred implementation, we employ two drive motors 11, each independently controlling the telescopic webbing 3 of the front and rear rotor systems. This design allows the diameters of the front and rear rotors to change independently or collaboratively, providing greater flexibility and adaptability for the unmanned helicopter.
[0039] The telescopic webbing 3 is made of high-strength braided tape, offering excellent stretchability and durability. Through the winch mechanism, the length of the telescopic webbing 3 can be precisely adjusted, thereby achieving precise control over the rotor diameter.
[0040] The variable diameter limiter 4 plays a crucial role in the structure, limiting the maximum and minimum extension positions of the blade 2. This design ensures that the range of rotor diameter variation remains within a controllable range, avoiding flight instability or safety issues caused by excessive or insufficient diameter changes.
[0041] The drive unit with turntable 10 is located above rotor shaft 5 and is tightly connected to rotor clip 8. This compact structural design avoids complex external attachment mechanisms, making the overall structure simpler and more efficient.
[0042] Furthermore, this rotor system has the ability to automatically adjust its diameter based on flight conditions. Whether taking off, cruising, hovering, or landing, the rotor system can automatically adjust its diameter according to actual needs to optimize flight performance and efficiency.
[0043] In summary, this invention achieves "multi-modal" capability for unmanned helicopters through the design of a variable-diameter rotor structure. In scenarios such as heavy-load takeoff and hovering in confined spaces, the rotor diameter is increased to enhance lift; during high-speed forward cruising, the rotor diameter is decreased to reduce drag; and in scenarios requiring asymmetric lift, such as sloping terrain, differential adjustment of the front and rear rotors can be performed. This design significantly expands the application scenarios and mission range of tandem unmanned helicopters. Simultaneously, the design of highly integrating the variable-diameter drive mechanism within the rotor shaft system effectively reduces the number of parts, lightens the overall system weight, and lowers vibration, thereby significantly improving the reliability, stability, and maintainability of the transmission system.
[0044] The working principle and usage process of this utility model: After assembling the various components of this solution in sequence, work according to the above implementation methods according to actual needs to complete all working steps.
[0045] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0046] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "coaxial", "bottom", "one end", "top", "middle", "other end", "upper", "side", "top", "inner", "front", "center", "both ends", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0047] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "setting", "connection", "fixing", "screw connection", etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Unless otherwise explicitly limited, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0048] The embodiments described above are not exhaustive, nor do they limit the invention to specific implementations. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the above description. These embodiments are selected and specifically described in this specification to better explain the principles and practical applications of the invention, enabling those skilled in the art to effectively utilize the invention and its modifications. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the invention should be included within the protection scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A variable diameter rotor structure for an unmanned helicopter, characterized in that, include: The front rotor system and the rear rotor system are at different heights to avoid interference between the front and rear rotor blades; The rotor system includes a rotor shaft (5), a central component (6), a journal (7), a rotor clip (8), and at least two rotor blades (2); The blade (2) is provided with a telescopic webbing (3) and a telescopic webbing fixing clamp (1) inside; The upper end face of the propeller clamp (8) is provided with a variable diameter limiter (4), and the propeller blade (2) cooperates with the variable diameter limiter (4) and can slide in the groove on the upper end face of the propeller clamp (8); The telescopic webbing (3) passes through the journal (7) and the paddle clamp (8), goes around the telescopic webbing limiting bolt (9), and is connected to the telescopic webbing winch rotating shaft (12); The telescopic webbing winch rotating shaft (12) is driven by a drive motor (11), which is mounted on the drive component turntable (10) and fixed by a drive motor fixing bracket (13).
2. The variable diameter rotor structure for an unmanned helicopter according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are two drive motors (11), which independently control the telescopic webbing (3) of the front and rear rotor systems to achieve independent or coordinated changes in the diameter of the front and rear rotors.
3. The variable diameter rotor structure for an unmanned helicopter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The telescopic webbing (3) is a high-strength woven webbing with telescopic properties, and its length can be adjusted by a winch mechanism.
4. The variable diameter rotor structure for an unmanned helicopter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The variable diameter limiter (4) is used to limit the maximum and minimum extension positions of the blade (2) to ensure that the range of rotor diameter variation is controllable.
5. The variable diameter rotor structure for an unmanned helicopter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive unit with turntable (10) is located above rotor shaft (5) and connected to propeller clip (8). The overall structure is compact and has no external attachment mechanism.
6. The variable diameter rotor structure for an unmanned helicopter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotor system can automatically adjust its diameter according to the flight status, including multiple modes such as takeoff, cruise, hovering, and landing.