Concentric Lift Generator Layout for Compact Multicopters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multicopters face challenges in achieving a compact design, efficient energy consumption, and improved speed and acceleration performance, particularly in the fore and aft direction, due to isotropic machine body designs that result in increased energy consumption and hindered occupant access.
Innovation Solution
A multicopter design featuring first and second lift generators arranged in concentric circles around the gravitational center, with a larger diameter second lift generators positioned along the central axial line, providing bilateral symmetry and V-shaped arm support for enhanced structural efficiency and reduced size, allowing for improved pitch sensitivity and reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If all lift generators are positioned in the front and rear parts of the machine body within the lateral expanse of the machine body, then the machine body can be compact in lateral width, but the fore and aft length of the machine body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional arrangement where all lift generators are confined within the lateral expanse of the machine body to a configuration where lift generators are positioned outside the lateral expanse. Specifically, the front lift generators are arranged with their rotation axes extending laterally beyond the machine body's lateral width, and the rear lift generators are similarly positioned outside the lateral expanse. This dimensional repositioning allows the machine body to maintain a compact lateral width while reducing the fore and aft length required for lift generator placement.
2Device complexity
If the machine body is isotropic on a horizontal project plane, then the design is symmetric and simple, but the air resistance to flight in the lateral direction is not different from the forward direction causing excessive energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the horizontal projection of the machine body by positioning the front lift generators and rear lift generators such that their rotation axes extend beyond the lateral expanse of the machine body. This creates an anisotropic configuration where the fore and aft direction has a smaller projected area than the lateral direction. Consequently, when the multicopter flies in the fore and aft direction, it encounters less air resistance compared to lateral flight, thereby reducing energy consumption for forward flight while maintaining structural simplicity through bilateral symmetry of the asymmetric arrangement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a plurality of lift generators are arranged immediately around the central part of the machine body, then the lift distribution is balanced, but an occupant may be hindered by the lift generators in reaching the central part of the machine body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lift generator arrangement into distinct front and rear groups positioned outside the lateral expanse of the machine body, rather than having all lift generators clustered around the central part. The front lift generators are positioned with their rotation axes extending laterally beyond the machine body in the front region, while the rear lift generators are similarly positioned in the rear region. This segmentation creates clear spatial zones that separate the lift generation functions from the central occupant area, allowing occupants to access the central part of the machine body without interference from lift generators, while still maintaining balanced lift distribution through the symmetric bilateral arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a multicopter providing a high level of freedom in compact design, and consuming a relatively small amount of energy. The multicopter (10) includes a machine body (12), an N number of first lift generators (30) arranged on a first concentric circle (C1) centered substantially around a gravitational center (G) of the machine body (12) and in a front part and a rear part of the machine body in a bilateral symmetry, and an M number of second lift generators (70) arranged on a second concentric circle (C2) centered substantially around the gravitational center (G) of the machine body (12) and having a larger diameter than the first concentric circle (C1), and in a front part and a rear part of the machine body (12) on a central axial line (X) extending in a fore and aft direction of the machine body (12), N being greater than M.