Coaxial Rotor UAV Backbone Layout Without Mechanical Shafting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary wing vehicles face challenges in power transmission efficiency and mechanical complexity, particularly in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which affect their performance and manufacturability.
Innovation Solution
A rotary wing vehicle design featuring a counter-rotating coaxial rotor system with separate motors and electrical power transmission through a non-rotating tubular backbone, eliminating mechanical shafting and incorporating a modular structure for easy assembly and reduced drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If mechanical shafting is used for power transmission in rotary wing vehicles, then structural integrity is maintained, but mechanical complexity increases and power transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical shafting with electrical wiring for power transmission between the power source and rotor motors. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical connections, reduces power loss through friction and mechanical inefficiencies, and simplifies the overall drivetrain architecture while maintaining structural integrity through the tubular backbone structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If a non-rotating tubular backbone structure is used, then aerodynamic drag is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but structural support for rotating components must be alternative
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the airframe into modular segments including a non-rotating tubular backbone and separate rotating rotor assemblies. This segmentation allows the backbone to be manufactured independently with simplified processes, while the rotating components can be independently assembled and maintained, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the need for alternative structural support solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces bearing assemblies as intermediary components that connect the rotating rotor systems to the non-rotating tubular backbone. These bearings serve as mediators that transmit rotational motion and loads from the rotors to the fixed backbone structure, enabling the backbone to remain non-rotating while still providing structural support for rotating components.
3Measurement precision
If counter-rotating coaxial rotor system with separate motors is used, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electrical wiring and electronic control systems to coordinate the two separate motors driving the counter-rotating coaxial rotors. This electrical control system provides precise independent control of each motor's speed and torque, enabling sophisticated flight control maneuvers while avoiding the mechanical complexity of gear systems or mechanical linkages that would be needed to synchronize mechanically-coupled rotors.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary wing vehicle includes a body structure having an elongated tubular backbone or core, and a counter-rotating coaxial rotor system having rotors with each rotor having a separate motor to drive the rotors about a common rotor axis of rotation. The rotor system is used to move the rotary wing vehicle in directional flight.