Amphibious UAV With Water Propulsion For Triphibian Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing VTOL UAVs cannot take off and land vertically in water areas or navigate in all environments, lacking the capability for triphibian operation.
Innovation Solution
A UAV design featuring lift propellers, a water propulsion system with a motor and propeller, and a rudder for water navigation, along with detachable cabins and floating devices for amphibious functionality, enabling vertical takeoff and landing on land, water, and air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a UAV uses flight power as the waterborne power source, then it can operate in air, but it cannot effectively propel in water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by equipping the UAV with both aerial propulsion systems (rotors/propellers for flight) and waterborne propulsion systems (water propellers for water travel), allowing the same vehicle to effectively operate in both air and water environments. The power system is designed to provide different propulsion modes depending on the operating medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the propulsion system adjustable and reconfigurable. The UAV can switch between different propulsion modes (aerial vs. waterborne) and adjust propeller configurations based on the operating environment. The water propellers can be deployed or retracted, and their pitch angles can be adjusted to optimize performance in different media.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing seaplanes adopt water taxiing mode, then they can operate on water, but they require large water area and cannot perform VTOL
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating VTOL capability with waterborne operation. The UAV possesses both vertical takeoff and landing systems (rotors for hovering and vertical movement) and water propellers for water travel, enabling it to perform VTOL in water areas and also navigate using water taxiing mode when needed, thus providing operational flexibility across different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the vehicle configuration adjustable. The UAV can switch between VTOL mode (using rotors for vertical movement) and water taxiing mode (using water propellers for horizontal movement on water). The system can also adjust propeller pitch angles and deployment configurations to optimize performance for different operational requirements.
3Speed
If existing VTOL UAV takes off on land, then it can achieve vertical takeoff, but it cannot take off in water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by equipping the UAV with both aerial propulsion systems (for VTOL on land) and waterborne propulsion systems (for VTOL and navigation in water). The vehicle can perform vertical takeoff from both land and water surfaces, and the power system adapts to provide appropriate propulsion based on the operating medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the propulsion system reconfigurable for different takeoff environments. The UAV can adjust propeller configurations, deploy water propellers when operating from water, and switch between different propulsion modes to optimize takeoff performance whether starting from land or water surfaces.
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
Enables seamless navigation and operation in all environments, including water, land, and air, with enhanced adaptability and mobility through modular design and integrated propulsion systems.
Implementation Method 1
a water propulsion system engaged with the cabin to push the cabin in a forward direction when the cabin is at least partially immersed in water
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of lift propellers; A cabin engaged with a plurality of lift propellers
Implementation Method 3
the floating device comprises a long strip structure capable of inflation and deflation... to allow the cabin to float on the water
Data Source
AI summary
A UAV with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) function having a plurality of lift propellers; a cabin engaged with a plurality of lift propellers; a water propulsion system engaged with the cabin to push the cabin in a forward direction when the cabin is at least partially immersed in water; at least one water inlet engaged with the water propulsion system; the cabin is a cargo hold or a passenger cabin. The UAV provided by the disclosure can realize vertical takeoff and landing in the water area, and fly, drive and navigate freely in the whole area.