Ducted Rotor Drone with Expandable Landing Gear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Drones face limitations in dependability and maneuverability, especially in adverse weather conditions and emergency scenarios, where their size and communication capabilities restrict their effectiveness in data gathering and interaction with personnel or other devices.

Innovation Solution

A drone system with ducted rotors, adjustable rotor arms, and an expandable landing mechanism, equipped with audio communication devices that can adapt shape and communicate effectively in emergency situations, allowing real-time configuration and communication with personnel or other devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the drone size is reduced to improve maneuverability in tight spaces, then the ability to navigate through narrow openings is enhanced, but the communication capabilities and data gathering functionality are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidcommunication capabilities

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by placing the communication device inside the housing that is integrated into the drone body. The housing contains the communication device, allowing it to be compact yet functional. This nested arrangement enables the drone to maintain communication capabilities while keeping the overall size reduced for better maneuverability in tight spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Power

If the drone is equipped with larger rotors to improve lift and propulsion, then flight performance is enhanced, but the ability to fit through narrow spaces is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelift and propulsionVSAvoidrotor size

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible ducts that can expand and contract to accommodate the rotors. The ducts are made of flexible material allowing them to be compressed during storage or transport when rotors are retracted, and expanded during operation when rotors are extended. This flexibility enables the drone to have large rotors for adequate lift and propulsion while maintaining a compact form factor for navigating narrow spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the drone structure is made more robust to withstand mechanical failures, then dependability is improved, but the weight and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedependabilityVSAvoiddrone weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning through the flexible duct design that can absorb mechanical shocks and stresses. The ducts are designed to withstand pressure differentials and mechanical failures without compromising the entire drone structure. This protective design enhances dependability by preventing catastrophic failures while maintaining a lightweight structure, as the cushioning is integrated into the existing ducts rather than adding separate heavy protective elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the housing is made larger to accommodate communication devices and other components, then communication effectiveness is improved, but the drone's ability to navigate tight spaces is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication effectivenessVSAvoidhousing volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the housing to serve multiple functions: it protects the communication device, provides structural support, and integrates with the drone's aerodynamic design. The housing is not merely a protective case but an multi-functional component that enables communication effectiveness while maintaining a compact volume suitable for navigating tight spaces during emergency response operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances the drone's ability to navigate through tight spaces, withstand mechanical failures, and communicate effectively in emergency scenarios, improving its dependability and maneuverability in adverse conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a first rotor system located within the first duct, wherein the first rotor system provides lift and propulsion for flight of the drone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLift:

Implementation Method 2

a first rotor system located within the first duct, wherein the first rotor system provides lift and propulsion for flight of the drone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPropulsion:

Data Source

PatentUS11591087B2Unmanned aerial vehicle with ducted rotors

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 CHALKER DONALD LEE

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a system and device for drones with ducted rotors. In some aspects, drones may comprise one or more systems of ducted rotors. In some embodiments, ducted rotors may increase the durability of the drone, limiting exposure of the rotors to external conditions and objects. In some aspects, a drone with ducted rotors may comprise a control vane or cone that may direct airflow within the drone as a mechanism to control flight path. In some implementations, a drone may comprise expandable landing gear than may allow for controlled landing, even in the event of rotor failure. In some aspects, a drone may comprise rotatable ducted rotors.