Angled Spring Probe Mechanism for Stable UAV Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles face instability and control challenges when probes contact targets due to reaction forces, with compression springs increasing length and mass, and requiring space, while setting spring constants for gradual force changes complicates contact management.
Innovation Solution
A floating moving object with a base member and shaft connected by a spring, where the spring's central axis is angled to the shaft's, allowing for controlled contact and separation forces through nonlinear reaction force adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a compression spring is used to alleviate impact and maintain contact, then the stability of contact is improved, but the overall length and mass of the probe increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is arranged at an angle (specifically 45 degrees) to the shaft rather than parallel to it. This angular arrangement allows the spring to provide the necessary reaction force while occupying less axial space, thereby reducing the overall probe length while maintaining contact stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the spring arrangement from parallel to angular (45 degrees). This parameter change allows the spring to generate the required reaction force with a shorter axial projection, reducing the probe length while maintaining the stabilizing effect during contact.
2Ease of operation
If the spring constant is set low for gradual force change, then control stability is improved, but the ability to push back the airframe when too close is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static spring constant to a dynamic reaction force system. As the shaft moves forward and the spring compresses, the reaction force increases progressively. The angular arrangement ensures that even with a moderate spring constant, the force component along the shaft axis increases sufficiently to push back the airframe when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging the spring at an angle, the system utilizes the geometric relationship between spring compression and axial force. The angular configuration creates a mechanical advantage where moderate spring compression generates sufficient axial reaction force to push back the airframe while maintaining gradual force increase for control stability.
3Device complexity
If the probe is fixed to the drone body, then the structure is simplified, but the airframe becomes unstable due to reaction forces
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is made movable relative to the base member through the spring mechanism, allowing the probe to dynamically adjust its position during contact. This dynamic arrangement isolates the reaction forces to the movable shaft while keeping the base member and airframe stable, solving the stability issue without requiring complex structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is segmented into a movable shaft portion and a fixed base member portion. The shaft can move independently along the central axis to absorb contact forces, while the base member remains fixed to the base. This segmentation isolates the reaction forces to the shaft, preventing airframe instability while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 stable contact with targets using appropriate pressure, maintaining control and preventing unwanted collisions by adjusting reaction forces nonlinearly, reducing mass and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a base member (11) to which one end of a spring (13) is connected; and a shaft (12) to which the other end of the spring is connected, the shaft being configured to move relative to the base member in a direction of a central axis of the shaft when the shaft comes into contact with a target object
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a base member 11 to which one end of a spring 13 is connected, and a shaft 12 to which the other end of the spring 13 is connected, and which is configured to move relative to the base member in a direction of a central axis of the shaft when the shaft comes into contact with a target object, wherein the spring 13 is arranged such that a center axis of the spring 13 is at an angle to the center axis of the shaft.