Elevon and Rudder Actuation for Precise UAV Yaw Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerial vehicle flight control systems, particularly for UAVs, face challenges in efficiently integrating and controlling multiple control surfaces such as ailerons, elevons, and rudders to achieve stable and precise flight maneuvers, especially in varying flight conditions.
Innovation Solution
The system employs 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, enabling cooperative movement of airfoils and rudder surfaces to enhance yaw control and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control surfaces (ailerons, elevons, rudders) are integrated into a unified flight control system, then flight maneuverability and stability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control surfaces (ailerons, elevons, rudders) into a unified flight control system where a single effector can actuate multiple control surfaces through a common mechanical linkage system, resolving the contradiction by integrating separate control functions into one coordinated system
Solution Approach 2:
The effector is designed with multi-functionality to actuate different control surfaces (ailerons, elevons, rudders) depending on the flight condition and command signals, allowing a single component to perform multiple control functions rather than requiring separate actuators for each surface
2Manufacturing precision
If control surfaces are resiliently mounted to allow angular rotation, then flight stability and precision are improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control surfaces are resiliently mounted to allow angular rotation about a hinge line, transitioning from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic structure that can adapt its angle relative to the airfoil, thereby improving control precision while maintaining structural integrity through the resilient connection
Solution Approach 2:
The control surface is divided into a main body and a deflectable portion that can rotate independently about a hinge line, allowing precise angular deflection while simplifying the overall structural design by separating the rotation function from the main airfoil structure
3Speed
If extendible horns are used to actuate control surfaces, then flight control responsiveness is improved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extendible horn is positioned in advance within the fuselage and can be rapidly extended to engage the control surface, allowing the system to prepare for control actions beforehand and execute them quickly when commanded, thereby improving responsiveness without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms
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 improves the UAV's ability to maintain stability and control during flight by allowing for precise actuation of control surfaces, enhancing yaw control and overall flight precision and maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
a first control surface resiliently mounted to the first airfoil... deflecting the first resiliently mounted control surface via the first fuselage-mounted actuator horn
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising an aerial vehicle or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to control pitch, roll, and/or yaw via airfoils having resiliently mounted trailing edges opposed by fuselage-house deflecting actuator horns. Embodiments include one or more rudder elements which may be rotatably attached and actuated by an effector member disposed within the fuselage housing and extendible in part to engage the one or more rudder elements.