Deployable UAV Wing Gearbox for Compact Launch and Long-Endurance Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compact configurations of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are limited in flight range, endurance, and payload capacity, hindering their effectiveness in various missions.
Innovation Solution
The UAV design features deployable components such as telescoping wings, pivotable stabilizers, and modular payloads, along with a configurable gearbox that allows for transitions between compact, deployed, and expanded configurations, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and flight capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the UAV uses a compact configuration with wings and stabilizers stowed against the fuselage, then the UAV achieves small size and portability, but the flight range, endurance, and payload capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV employs dynamically reconfigurable wings that can transition between stowed and deployed configurations. The wings are hinged to the fuselage and can be rotated between a first position (stowed) and a second position (deployed), allowing the aircraft to adapt its volume and surface area based on operational requirements. This dynamic transformation enables the UAV to achieve both compact storage and extended flight capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV is divided into modular components including a fuselage, deployable wings, and stabilizers that can be independently configured. The wings are segmented into portions that can be deployed or stowed relative to the fuselage, and the stabilizers can be positioned in different orientations. This segmentation allows for flexible reconfiguration of the aircraft's aerodynamic surface area without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Length of moving object
If the UAV transitions from compact to deployed configuration, then the flight range and aerodynamic efficiency improve, but the device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV includes a controller that is pre-programmed with deployment sequences and configuration parameters. Before flight, the controller stores the necessary commands to deploy wings and stabilizers at appropriate times. During operation, the controller automatically manages the transition from compact to deployed configuration based on pre-set criteria, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying the control burden on the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV employs automatic deployment mechanisms where the wings and stabilizers can be deployed through predetermined mechanical or actuated systems without requiring complex manual control. The controller automatically determines when deployment is appropriate and executes the configuration changes based on stored programs, allowing the system to self-manage its transformation while maintaining simplicity in operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stabilizer is deployed at a fixed angle, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different flight conditions and missions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be rotated between a first position (stowed against the fuselage) and a second position (deployed for flight). The stabilizer can be rotated about a hinge axis and locked in different angular positions, enabling adaptation to various flight conditions and mission requirements. This dynamic configuration provides versatility while maintaining relatively simple mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer system is segmented into a stabilizer body, a hinge mechanism, and positioning components that allow independent adjustment of the stabilizer angle. This segmentation enables the stabilizer to be positioned at different angles relative to the fuselage without requiring complete structural redesign, providing adaptability while keeping the overall mechanism simple and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle with deployable components (UAVDC) is disclosed. The system may include a sweeping gearbox designed to deploy at least one wing from a compact to a deployed arrangement. A controller may be configured to detect launch conditions, monitor for conditions, and trigger the gearbox upon condition fulfillment. Activation of the sweeping gearbox may result in wing deployment, adapted to the detected conditions. The method may involve deploying wings using the sweeping gearbox, launching detection, monitoring for conditions, and activating the gearbox for wing deployment upon condition detection.