Adjustable Propeller Blade Sound Flaps for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing presence of aerial vehicles, such as UAVs, in residential areas generates noise that can be disruptive, and existing solutions do not effectively mitigate this issue.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of actively adjustable propellers on aerial vehicles, which alter their shape and rotational speed to generate anti-sounds that cancel or reduce the noise produced, using sensors to measure sound and adjust propeller blades to produce counteracting frequencies and amplitudes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If propeller shape is made adjustable to generate anti-sounds, then noise reduction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller blade incorporates adjustable sound flaps that can dynamically change their position and angle during operation. These flaps are connected to actuators that can modify the blade's effective shape and surface area, allowing the propeller to generate different acoustic signatures and anti-sounds to cancel noise at various flight conditions and frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller blade is divided into multiple sections with independent sound flaps that can be adjusted separately. Each flap can be controlled independently to create specific acoustic patterns, allowing for more precise noise cancellation across different frequency ranges and directions without requiring complete redesign of the entire propeller structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sound flaps are added to propeller blades, then noise control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sound flaps are designed as movable components integrated into the propeller blade structure, allowing them to be adjusted during operation. This dynamic configuration enables noise control across multiple frequencies and flight conditions without requiring entirely separate propeller designs for each scenario, simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to creating multiple fixed-geometry propellers.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If propeller shape is altered to reduce noise, then sound control is improved, but aerodynamic performance may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The sound flaps are designed to be adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the system to optimize for noise reduction at specific moments while maintaining standard aerodynamic performance during normal flight. The flaps can be repositioned based on flight conditions, enabling the propeller to switch between noise cancellation mode and efficient propulsion mode as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound flaps are positioned at specific locations on the propeller blade where they can effectively influence acoustic generation without significantly disrupting the overall aerodynamic flow. By concentrating the noise control function in localized areas rather than modifying the entire blade structure, the design maintains good aerodynamic performance while achieving noise reduction at critical positions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively reduces the noise generated by aerial vehicles during operation, minimizing disturbance to residential areas by using adjustable propellers to create anti-sounds that counteract the noise, improving noise control and reducing disruption.
Implementation Method 1
alter their shape and rotational speed to generate anti-sounds that cancel or reduce the noise produced
Data Source
AI summary
Sounds are generated by an aerial vehicle during operation. For example, the motors and propellers of an aerial vehicle generate sounds during operation. Disclosed is an adjustable propeller that may alter shapes during operation or rotation of the propeller such that the sound generated by the rotation of the propeller changes. The propeller may include multiple sections and joints that allow movement of the sections in any direction. Likewise, the propeller may include one or more sound flaps that may be opened or closed to further alter the sound generated as the propeller rotates.