Air-Ground Transport With Modular Propulsion Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) propulsion and control systems face limitations in scalability, modularity, energy efficiency, and maintenance, hindering extended missions and dynamic operational needs.
Innovation Solution
A transportation system featuring a body with an interior space, multiple propulsion units with thrust-generating mechanisms and power sources, and a control unit to manage propulsion forces, allowing for modular, detachable, and autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional UAV propulsion systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but scalability and modularity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is divided into multiple independent propulsion units, each capable of functioning autonomously. This segmentation enables modular configuration where units can be added, removed, or replaced independently, directly improving scalability and modularity while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized interfaces
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated power sources are provided for each propulsion unit, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal power source design is implemented that can serve multiple propulsion units simultaneously. The power source is configured with standardized output interfaces and control protocols that allow it to power any combination of propulsion units, providing operational flexibility without requiring dedicated power sources for each unit
3Ease of operation
If propulsion units are permanently attached to the body, then structural stability is maintained, but operational flexibility and maintenance ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between propulsion units and the body is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. Attachment mechanisms allow units to be securely connected during operation for stability, and easily detached for maintenance or reconfiguration, providing both structural stability and maintenance ease through conditional connection states
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system is optimized solely for aerial movement, then aerial performance is improved, but integrated air-ground mobility capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is segmented into independent units that can be selectively activated based on operational requirements. For aerial operations, all units operate in coordinated fashion to maintain optimal aerial performance. For ground operations or transitions, subsets of units can be activated independently, enabling adapted performance across different operational domains without compromising reliability in either mode
Data Source
AI summary
A transportation system includes a body, a plurality of propulsion units, and a control unit. The body defines an interior space. The plurality of propulsion units are mounted on the body. Each of the plurality of propulsion units includes a thrust-generating mechanism and a power source. The thrust-generating mechanism is configured to produce a propulsion force. The control unit is operatively coupled to each of the plurality of propulsion units. The transportation system further includes a housing unit or a pilot attachment disposed within the interior space. The housing unit or the pilot attachment is suspended by at least one connecting element or a suspension mechanism which is configured to dampen and/or stabilize and/or actively adjust movement relative to the body.