Deployable UAV Wing Structure for Compact Storage and Long Endurance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current compact unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configurations are limited in flight range, endurance, and payload capacity, which restricts their deployment options and mission capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The development of an unmanned aerial vehicle with deployable components (UAVDC) featuring a telescoping wing system, deployable stabilizers, and a modular payload, allowing for configuration changes between compact, deployed, and expanded arrangements to enhance aerodynamic efficiency, flight endurance, and payload capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If compact configuration is used, then portability and deployment options are improved, but flight range, endurance, and payload capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The aerial vehicle employs dynamically reconfigurable components including telescoping wings that can extend from a compact stored position to a larger flight position, and stabilizers that pivot between stowed and deployed configurations. This dynamic transformation allows the vehicle to optimize its volume for portability during transport and expand for enhanced flight endurance and performance during operation.
2Volume of moving object
If compact configuration is used, then portability is improved, but payload capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The aerial vehicle features a modular payload compartment that can be segmented and reconfigured. The payload bay is designed with expandable walls and adjustable dividers that allow optimization of payload capacity based on mission requirements. This segmentation enables the vehicle to maintain compact configuration for portability while providing flexible payload accommodation when deployed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If deployable components are added, then aerodynamic efficiency and flight performance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aerial vehicle integrates multiple functions into unified structures. The wing assembly combines telescoping mechanism, aerodynamic surfaces, and control surfaces into a single integrated component. The stabilizers merge pitch and roll control functions while sharing common mounting structures and actuation systems. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure despite the deployable functionality.
4Length of moving object
If telescoping wing system is implemented, then wingspan and aerodynamic performance are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping wing system employs a nested doll configuration where inner wing sections are housed within outer wing sections. The wings are constructed with nested tubular structures that slide relative to each other along guide rails. This nesting approach allows the variable wingspan functionality to be achieved using standardized tube and connector components, simplifying manufacturing compared to custom mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle with deployable components (UAVDC) is disclosed. The UAVDC may comprise a fuselage, at least one wing, and at least one control surface. In some embodiments, the UAVDC may further comprise a propulsion means and/or a modular payload. The UAVDC may be configured in a plurality of arrangements. For example, in a compact arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing stowed against the fuselage and the at least one control surface stowed against the fuselage. In a deployed arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing deployed from the fuselage and the least one control surface deployed from the fuselage. In an expanded arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing telescoped to increase a wingspan of the deployed arrangement.