Foldable Drone Arm with Compressible Gripper for Drag Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with robotic arms and end effectors face challenges such as increased weight, drag, and power consumption, which hinder their efficiency and maneuverability.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a mechanism for a UAV that includes a landing gear, storage system, robotic arm housing, counterweight housing, a movable robotic arm, an actuator, and an end effector with a gripper. This configuration allows the robotic arm to retract within the housing, reducing drag and weight, and utilizes a counterweight to maintain stability during arm movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a robotic arm and end effector are added to the UAV, then the UAV's task capabilities are enhanced, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask capabilitiesVSAvoidUAV weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic arm is designed to nest within the robotic arm housing when retracted, with the arm segments folding into each other similar to nested dolls. This nesting approach minimizes the external dimensions and weight of the mechanism when not in use, while still providing full robotic arm functionality when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a robotic arm and end effector are added to the UAV, then the UAV's task capabilities are enhanced, but the drag increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask capabilitiesVSAvoiddrag

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic arm is designed to be dynamically retractable, transitioning between extended and retracted positions. When not performing tasks, the arm retracts into a streamlined housing that minimizes aerodynamic drag. This dynamic configuration allows the UAV to optimize its aerodynamic profile during flight while maintaining full operational capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a robotic arm and end effector are added to the UAV, then the UAV's task capabilities are enhanced, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask capabilitiesVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A counterweight mechanism is incorporated into the robotic arm assembly to balance the weight of the arm and end effector. This counterbalancing reduces the power required by the actuators to move and position the robotic arm, thereby lowering overall power consumption while maintaining full task capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

4Ease of operation

If the robotic arm is extended, then the gripping capability is improved, but the drag increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping capabilityVSAvoiddrag

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic arm implements dynamic extension and retraction capabilities, allowing it to extend only when gripping or manipulating objects are required. During normal flight phases, the arm remains retracted to minimize drag, and extends temporarily only when task execution is needed, thus balancing gripping capability with aerodynamic efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution enhances the UAV's capabilities by minimizing weight, drag, and power consumption while maintaining the functionality of the robotic arm and end effector, thereby improving the UAV's efficiency and maneuverability.

Implementation Method 1

at least one rotor coupled to the body. The rotor is configured to generate lift in an upward direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLift generation: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

The end effector includes a gripper with a pair of opposing compressible elements for gripping an object between the pair of compressible elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS20250026006A1Drone mechanism including foldable arm and compressible gripper

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY

AI summary

An unmanned aerial vehicle includes a body. The body has an upper side and a lower side opposite the upper side. At least one rotor is coupled to the body to generate lift in an upward direction. A mechanism is mounted to the lower side of the body. The mechanism includes a landing gear, a storage system, a robotic arm housing, a counterweight housing, a robotic arm, an actuator, and an end effector. The actuator is coupled to the robotic arm to move the robotic arm between a retracted position and an extended position. The end effector is coupled to the distal end of the robotic arm. The end effector includes a gripper with a pair of opposing compressible elements for gripping an object between the pair of compressible elements.