Foldable Drone Frame Architecture for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer drones require efficient, safe, small, and lightweight designs to be successful, but existing solutions fail to provide a compact and protective framework for efficient flight and storage.
Innovation Solution
A foldable drone architecture with a frame assembly that includes twin rotor assemblies coupled to a body via hinges, allowing for compact storage and deployment, along with a propeller guard system for protection during flight, and a lift assembly with oblique shafts for stability and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drone uses a fixed rigid frame structure, then flight stability and protection are improved, but portability and storage efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a foldable frame structure that transitions from a static rigid configuration during flight to a compact folded configuration for storage. The rotor assemblies are mounted on hinges that allow them to pivot and fold against the fuselage, transforming the overall structure from extended to compact form. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the drone to maintain structural integrity and protection during operation while achieving reduced volume for portable storage.
2Volume of moving object
If the drone uses a foldable structure, then portability is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the frame into modular components: the fuselage, multiple rotor assemblies, and hinge mechanisms. Each rotor assembly is a separate unit that can independently fold and unfold, allowing the complex folding function to be broken down into manageable segments. This modular approach simplifies the overall design by making the complex structure composed of repeated, standardized units rather than a monolithic complex mechanism.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the drone uses protective propeller guards, then safety is improved, but weight and compactness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the propeller guard function with the rotor assembly structure itself. The protective guards are integrated into the rotor assembly housing rather than being separate components, combining the structural support function with the protection function. This integration eliminates the need for additional separate guard structures, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining safety.
4Ease of operation
If the drone uses oblique shaft assemblies, then flight maneuverability is improved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the shaft assemblies at oblique angles rather than perpendicular to the fuselage. This asymmetric angular arrangement allows the rotor thrust vectors to be optimized for directional control and maneuverability. The oblique configuration enables more efficient force distribution and control authority during flight operations, improving ease of operation despite the increased mechanical complexity of the angled mounting structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame assembly for an aerial system includes a body and first and second rotor assemblies. The first and second rotor assemblies are coupled to the body by respective hinges. The first and second rotor assemblies are movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. Each rotor assembly includes a shaft assembly coupled to the hinge at one end and having a rotor assembly mounted to an opposite end. A rotary actuator is coupled between the rotor assembly and the shaft assembly and is configured to controllably rotate the rotor assembly relative to the shaft assembly.