Aerodynamic support platform for multicopter

Abstract

FIELD: unmanned aerial vehicles.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to unmanned aerial vehicles – multicopters. The supporting aerodynamic platform for a multicopter contains supporting frame (1) with consoles (2) fixed in it in a fan-like manner. The free ends of consoles (2) are equipped with end bearing platform (3) with holes for attaching the multicopter traction screws. Aerodynamic wings (5) are mounted symmetrically to each other on opposite sides of support frame (1) and perpendicular to its axis on the drive shaft. The shaft is mounted in plain bearings of box-type suspension (8), mounted on the bottom side of frame (1).EFFECT: increase in their gliding, carrying and manoeuvring capabilities.7 cl, 19 dwg

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of multicopters / B64U 10 / 11 / , specifically to a supporting aerodynamic platform / B64U 10 / 13 / for a multicopter.

[0002] Technology Level

[0003] Known are support aerodynamic platforms for a multicopter / EP 2802952, US 11583782, US 2018002004, US 2020023946, CN107839875, CA 2979607, RU 235722, 2843705, RU 2849221, RU 230282, RU 222496 / , containing a support frame of the aerodynamic wing type with consoles for electromechanical control of the direction of thrust of the multicopter's rotors, as well as with suspensions for video surveillance equipment, remote flight control and delivery of payloads.

[0004] The advantageous properties of these platforms are their enhanced gliding capabilities, which provide a longer flight range for the multicopter on a single battery charge. The disadvantage is their reduced maneuverability, as well as problems with takeoff and landing, which are associated with the increased area of ​​the supporting wing and the increased inertia of the platform's electromechanical control of the direction of thrust of the multicopter's rotors.

[0005] Support aerodynamic platforms for a multicopter are known / RU 2847839, RU 2848822, RU 2847839, RU 219395, RU 219920, RU 229812, RU 237330, RU 240658 / , containing a support frame with consoles fixed in a fan-shaped manner in it, the free ends of which are provided with an end bearing platform with holes for fastening the bearing screws of the multicopter to it.

[0006] The useful properties of these platforms are increased maneuverability and the absence of problems with takeoff and landing, associated with the relatively low area of ​​​​the platform's resistance to oncoming air during takeoff and landing, and the disadvantage is the increased load on the electric motors of the multicopter's rotors, increased energy consumption of batteries (AKB), and a reduction in the platform's continuous flight distance associated with its reduced gliding ability.

[0007] It is desirable to create a supporting aerodynamic platform for a multicopter that combines the beneficial properties of the above types of platforms, while simultaneously reducing their disadvantages.

[0008] Such support aerodynamic platforms for multicopters have not been identified in the prior art.

[0009] Problem and technical result

[0010] The problem of the invention is the creation of a supporting aerodynamic platform for a multicopter that resolves the contradiction between its aeroplaning and maneuvering capabilities, and the technical result is the expansion of the arsenal of supporting aerodynamic platforms (SAP) for a multicopter, as well as an increase in their gliding, load-bearing and maneuvering capabilities.

[0011] The essence of the invention.

[0012] The solution to the stated problem and, as a consequence, the achievement of the claimed technical result is ensured by the fact that the supporting aerodynamic platform for a multicopter comprises a supporting frame 1 with consoles 2 fixed thereto in a fan-shaped manner. The free ends of the consoles 2 are provided with an end bearing platform 3 with openings 4 for fastening the corresponding supporting rotors of the multicopter to it. At least two aerodynamic wings 5 ​​are also fixed to the frame 1 so as to be able to rotate in the vertical plane. The wings are mounted symmetrically to each other on opposite lateral sides of the supporting frame 1 and perpendicular to its axis on a drive shaft 6. The shaft 6 is mounted horizontally in plain bearings of a box-shaped suspension mounted on the underside of the frame 1.

[0013] Proof of achievement of the declared technical result

[0014] The provision of a support aerodynamic platform (SAP) with fan-shaped consoles attached to it, as well as the provision of a supporting platform with openings at the free ends of the consoles for attaching and engaging the multicopter's rotors, as well as the attachment to the frame on two opposite lateral sides of at least two symmetrically located aerodynamic wings capable of rotating in the vertical plane on a drive shaft 6, which is mounted horizontally in plain bearings of a box-shaped suspension mounted on the underside of frame 1, allows for the rapid lift of the platform into the air while simultaneously setting the aerodynamic wings to a vertical position and engaging the multicopter's rotors. This is achieved by reducing the drag of the SAP's aerodynamic wings, oriented in the direction of platform takeoff.After takeoff at a predetermined altitude, the aerofoil wings can be rotated horizontally, reducing the weight load on the multicopter's rotors, dramatically reducing battery drain, and, consequently, dramatically increasing the UAV's range and payload delivery. At the same time, the UAV's vertical aerofoil wings allow for rapid changes in flight altitude, easy maneuverability around uneven terrain, and a significant increase in speed when the wing angle matches the UAV's rotor angle of attack. This, in turn, increases the UAV's maneuverability and, along with terrain-following capabilities, reduces the UAV's detection and interception by enemy air defense systems.

[0015] The stated design features of the proposed UAP resolve the contradictions between the platform's aeroplaning and maneuvering capabilities. This results in the achievement of the stated technical result, which consists of creating a previously unknown design and expanding the range of support aerodynamic platforms (SAPs) for multicopters, as well as increasing the gliding, lifting, and maneuvering capabilities of the SAP.

[0016] Link to drawings

[0017] The claimed invention is illustrated by figures:

[0018] Fig. 1 - general view of the support aerodynamic platform (SAP);

[0019] Fig. 2 - general view of the OAP support frame;

[0020] Fig. 3 - view of the OAP from the top;

[0021] Fig. 4 - view of the OAP from the bottom;

[0022] Fig. 5 - view of the OAP from the rear side;

[0023] Fig. 6 – general view of the box suspension (BS) with rotating consoles;

[0024] Fig. 7 – view of the control unit from the top;

[0025] Fig. 8 – side view of the gearbox;

[0026] Fig. 9 – diagram of the connection of the aerodynamic wing (AW) with the rotating console (RC);

[0027] Fig.10 – side view of the PC;

[0028] Fig.11 – side view of the PC;

[0029] Fig.12 – view of the PC from the end side;

[0030] Fig. 13 – general view of the AEC;

[0031] Fig. 14 – view of the AEC from the front side;

[0032] Fig. 15 – view of the AEC from the outer end side;

[0033] Fig. 16 – view of the upper plate of the OAP support frame;

[0034] Fig. 17 – view of the lower plate of the OAP support frame;

[0035] Fig. 18 – view of the middle plate of the OAP support frame;

[0036] Fig. 19 – view of the multicopter traction propeller mounting console.

[0037] In Fig. 1…18 positions are designated:

[0038] 1 - supporting frame of OAP elements;

[0039] 2 – console for attaching the multicopter traction propellers to the support frame 1;

[0040] 3 – end bearing platform (EBP) of console 2;

[0041] 4 – holes for bolting the multicopter traction screws to the PCN 3;

[0042] 5 - aerodynamic wings (AEK);

[0043] 6 - drive shaft AEK 5;

[0044] 7 – electromechanical drive (EMD) for rotation of shaft 6;

[0045] 8 - box-type suspension (BT) for accommodating an autopilot with electromechanical drives for rotating the wings and propeller, onboard video surveillance equipment and communication equipment for remote flight control;

[0046] 9 – cargo basket;

[0047] 10, 11, 12 – upper, middle and lower plate of frame 1, respectively;

[0048] 13 - drive console (PC);

[0049] 14 – aeroplane blade;

[0050] 15 - console boss 13.

[0051] Example of design

[0052] According to Figs. 1...19, the supporting aerodynamic platform for a multicopter comprises a supporting frame 1 with consoles 2 fixed therein in a fan-shaped manner. The free ends of the consoles 2 are provided with an end bearing platform 3 with openings 4 for fastening the corresponding supporting rotors of the multicopter to it. At least two aerodynamic wings 5 ​​are also fixed to the frame 1 with the possibility of rotation in a vertical plane. The wings are mounted symmetrically to each other on opposite lateral sides of the supporting frame 1 and perpendicular to its axis on the rotation drive shaft 6. The shaft 6 is mounted horizontally in plain bearings of the box-shaped suspension 8 mounted on the underside of the frame 1. The frame 1 (Fig. 2) comprises upper 10, middle 11 and lower 12 plates (Figs. 16...18) between which consoles 2 are secured (Fig. 19). To reduce the weight, the plates 10...12 of the frame 1 are made in a shaped form and have cutouts (Fig.16...18) made of cold-worked aluminum-magnesium alloy (Amg3) 10 to 35 cm long, 5 to 10 cm wide and 2...4 mm thick. Frame 1 may contain 2 to 8 consoles for attaching the multicopter traction propellers. Consoles 2 (Fig. 19) are made in the form of plates made of cold-worked aluminum-magnesium alloy (Amg3) 30 to 50 cm long, 6 to 10 cm wide and 6...8 mm thick. A box-shaped suspension 8 (Fig. 6...8) is mounted on the lower side of the plates 12 of frame 1. The gimbal 8 is made of polyethylene terephthalate with the addition of glycol (PETG) or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastic on a Picaso Designer X 3D printer. It is rectangular in shape with two box-shaped compartments at the edges of the gimbal 8 and a friction bearing located in the middle part of the gimbal 8 in the horizontal plane and perpendicular to its axis. Aerodynamic wings (Fig.9...15) are made composite and comprise a drive console 13 with a boss 15 for fastening to a drive shaft 6 of a box-shaped suspension of a frame 1, as well as an aeroplaning blade 14 with a convex-concave profile, connected to the free end of the drive console by a tongue-and-groove joint with reinforcing pins. In this case, the total span of the aerodynamic wings is 0.3...2 m, and the area of ​​their blades is 0.03...0.9 m2. Drive consoles 13 and blades 14 are made of polyethylene terephthalate with the addition of glycol (PETG) or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastic on a Picaso Designer X 3D printer and are provided with internal stiffening ribs. The fastenings of plates 10...12, consoles 2 and hangers 8 and 9 to frame 1 can be made by welding, bolting and / or riveting.

[0053] Operation of the support aerodynamic platform (SAP)

[0054] The declared OAP as part of a quadcopter (multicopter with four supporting consoles 2) operates as follows.

[0055] To ensure the takeoff of the UAP, the operator - drone operator installs the traction propellers with electric drives for rotating their impellers on the landing places 3 of the consoles 2 of the UAP (Fig. 1). Then, in the corresponding compartments of the box-shaped suspension 8 (Figs. 6...8), he installs the electromechanical drive 7 for rotating the shaft 6, as well as the on-board apparatus, including the digital control unit (DCU), autopilot, altimeter, video camera, electric battery, navigation, communication and remote control means for the said quadcopter equipment (not shown in the figures). Next, after electrically connecting the said elements via signal and control links to each other, and via power supply - to the electric battery. Then the operator installs the assembled quadcopter on the launch stand and, using the radio-electronic control panel, enters the flight mission into the multicopter autopilot, including an electronic map of the terrain and the flight trajectory of the multicopter.Next, it activates the functional check of the assembled multicopter equipment. If the check results are positive, the operator presses the "Start" button. At this point, the control unit (CU) rotates shaft 6 and the associated aerodynamic wings (AW) according to the specified control program using electromechanical drive (EMD) 7 until the AW blades are vertical, ensuring minimal drag on the AW during vertical takeoff of the quadcopter. After the AW blades are vertical, the control unit (CU) activates the propellers mounted on consoles 2 of the AW and rotates their blades. Under the action of the aerodynamic lift of the rotating blades, the AW rises into the air at a pitch angle (ԑ) ԑ = 90° to the specified flight altitude of the AW.Upon reaching a predetermined altitude above the ground, monitored by the control unit (CU) using an altimeter (not shown in the figures), drive 6, under the control of the control unit, shifts the aeroplane blades 14 of wings 5 ​​to a horizontal position. During the process of shifting wings 5 ​​to a horizontal position, the control unit reduces the rotational speed of the propeller blades of the front consoles 2. Due to the specified rotational difference, the aperture of the supporting consoles 2 of the UAP (Fig. 1) with the traction propellers rotates in the direction of the quadcopter's movement. In this case, the pitch angle (ԑ) between the central axis X of the said UAP aperture and the horizon becomes ԑ < 90°, and the quadcopter switches to horizontal movement, compensating for the UAP's own weight and the force of its horizontal flight with the traction force of the propellers. Further, as the horizontal flight speed of the UAP increases, the convex-concave blades 13 of the wings 5, under the action of the oncoming air flow, gain lift and reduce the vertical weight load on the quadcopter propellers.Reducing the vertical load on the propellers increases the quadcopter's flight altitude, which is controlled by the control unit (CCU) via changes in altimeter data. This change in flight altitude is processed by the CCU by rotating the aperture of the aerofoil (AFO) to decrease its pitch angle, thereby further increasing the blade speed of the propellers on the rear consoles (2 AFO). Upon reaching cruising speed, the CCU transfers control to the autopilot. The autopilot uses not only altimeter data but also terrain camera data to follow the terrain. If a sharp maneuver in flight altitude and pitch is required, the aerofoil (AFO) 5 is additionally rotated. In this case, the CCU, in accordance with a preset control program, rotates shaft 6 and the associated aerofoil (AFO) 5 using electromechanical drive (EMD) 7 until the AFO blades are set to the desired angle of attack.

[0056] Industrial applicability

[0057] The OAP device has been developed at the prototype and flight test level.

[0058] Tests demonstrated the feasibility of creating a previously unknown aerodynamic support platform for a multicopter, resolving the contradiction between its aeroplaning and maneuvering capabilities. This resulted in a technical result that expands the range of aerodynamic support platforms (SAPs) for multicopters, as well as increasing gliding, lift, and maneuvering capabilities. Specifically, with a SAP with two supporting consoles measuring at least 40 cm in length, at least 8 cm in width, and 7 mm in thickness, and with wingspan dimensions of 0.4 m and a blade area of ​​0.05 m², a cruising speed of 250 km / h and a range of approximately 80 km were achieved. For comparison, the maximum speed of existing quadcopters is 120 km / h, and a range of 18 km.

Claims

1. A supporting aerodynamic platform for a multicopter, comprising a supporting frame with consoles fixed therein in a fan-shaped manner, the free ends of which are provided with an end bearing platform with openings for fastening the corresponding traction propellers of the multicopter to it, as well as at least two aerodynamic wings installed symmetrically to each other on opposite sides of the supporting frame and perpendicular to its axis on a drive shaft of rotation, characterized in that the shaft is installed in plain bearings of a box-shaped suspension mounted on the underside of the frame.

2. The supporting aerodynamic platform according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the box-shaped suspension is made of polyethylene terephthalate with the addition of glycol (PETG) or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastic on a rectangular 3D printer with two box-shaped compartments at the edges of the suspension and a friction bearing located in the middle part of the suspension in a horizontal plane and perpendicular to its axis.

3. The supporting aerodynamic platform according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the supporting frame is made of plates of cold-worked aluminum-magnesium alloy (AMg3) 10...35 cm long, 5...10 cm wide and 2...4 mm thick.

4. The supporting aerodynamic platform according to paragraph 1, characterized in that it contains from 2 to 8 consoles for fastening the multicopter rotors, wherein the consoles are made in the form of plates made of cold-worked aluminum-magnesium alloy (AMg3) 30...50 cm long, 6...10 cm wide and 6...8 mm thick.

5. The supporting aerodynamic platform according to claim 1, characterized in that the aerodynamic wings are made composite and contain a drive console with a boss for fastening to the drive shaft of the box-shaped frame suspension, as well as an aeroplaning blade with a convex-concave profile, connected to the free end of the drive console by a tongue-and-groove joint with reinforcing pins, wherein the total span of the wings is 0.3...2 m, and the area of ​​their blades is 0.03...0.9 m2 .

6. The supporting aerodynamic platform according to paragraph 5, characterized in that the drive console and blades are made of polyethylene terephthalate with the addition of glycol (PETG) or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastic using a 3D printer and are equipped with internal stiffening ribs.

7. The supporting aerodynamic platform according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the fastenings of the plates, consoles and brackets to the frame are made by welding, bolting and / or riveting.

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