Deployable UAV Airfoils With Resilient Control Surface Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerial vehicle flight control systems, particularly for UAVs, face challenges in efficiently utilizing control surfaces to achieve precise control and stability, especially in varying flight conditions, due to limitations in the design and actuation of ailerons and rudders.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a fuselage-mounted effector and airfoils with resiliently mounted control surfaces that are actuated via extendible horns, allowing for angular rotation and deflection based on command signals, with a tapered aft portion of the fuselage facilitating the engagement and operation of these surfaces, enabling cooperative movement and enhanced control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If control surfaces are rigidly mounted to airfoils, then structural strength is improved, but control precision and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control surfaces are mounted resiliently rather than rigidly, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position relative to the airfoil based on aerodynamic forces and actuator commands. This dynamic mounting enables precise control while maintaining structural integrity through the resilient connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient mounting allows control surfaces to change their effective position and orientation parameters in response to flight conditions and actuator input, providing adaptability and control precision while the overall structural strength is maintained through the resilient connection mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extendible horns are used to actuate control surfaces, then control adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extendible horns provide dynamic actuation capability, allowing the control system to adapt to different flight conditions by varying the extent of horn deployment. This dynamic adjustment enhances control adaptability while the horn mechanism itself remains a relatively simple extendible structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation system is segmented into extendible horn components that can be independently controlled, allowing for flexible and adaptive control surface actuation. This segmentation enables complex control behaviors through simpler, modular components.
3Ease of operation
If control surfaces are resiliently mounted, then control precision is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient mounting creates a dynamic system where control surfaces can precisely respond to actuator commands while the resilience itself provides damping and stability. The system achieves both precision and stability through its dynamic, compliant connection rather than rigid fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient mounting allows controlled changes in the position and orientation parameters of control surfaces while maintaining overall structural stability through the elastic properties of the mounting mechanism. The stability is maintained through the controlled compliance of the resilient connection.
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
This configuration enhances the aerial vehicle's ability to maintain stability and control during flight by allowing precise deflection and rotation of control surfaces, improving yaw control and overall flight dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
a first airfoil comprising a first control surface resiliently mounted to the first airfoil, that may be a trailing edge of the first airfoil articulated at a lineal joint about the first airfoil
Implementation Method 2
a first airfoil comprising a first control surface resiliently mounted to the first airfoil
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising an aerial vehicle or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) including: a fuselage; a first pair of airfoils rotatable between a retracted position and a deployed position, the deployed position extending out from the fuselage and the retracted position extending substantially along a first portion on an exterior of the fuselage; a second pair of airfoils rotatable between a second retracted position and a second deployed position, the second deployed position extending out from the fuselage and the second retracted position extending substantially along the first portion on the exterior of the fuselage; and a rudder foldable against the fuselage in a pre-deployment position.