Foldable Flying Wing UAV for Storm Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting meteorological data in severe storms, such as hurricanes, rely on expendable dropsondes that provide limited data collection time and are not recoverable, while existing UAV technologies do not offer a compact, disposable, and efficiently deployable solution for flying through storms.
Innovation Solution
A foldable flying wing UAV with asymmetric wings that can be compactly stored and launched from an aircraft, featuring resilient mechanisms for wing deployment, integrated sensors for data collection, and a control system for following a predetermined flight path, allowing for extended data collection and potential recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional fixed-wing UAV is used for storm data collection, then it can provide extended flight duration and recoverability, but it cannot be compactly stored or launched from a carrier aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV wing is divided into multiple segments (root portion and tip portion) that can independently fold and deploy. The tip portion folds backward relative to the root portion, enabling compact storage while maintaining full wingspan for flight. This segmentation allows the wing to transition between compact and functional states without requiring complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing structure transitions from a static fixed-wing design to a dynamic foldable design. The wing includes hinges and resilient mechanisms that allow it to change configuration between folded (for storage/launch) and deployed (for flight) states. This dynamic capability enables the UAV to meet both compact storage requirements and full-performance flight requirements.
2Duration of action of moving object
If an expendable dropsonde is used for storm data collection, then the system is simple and disposable, but the data collection time is limited to 3-5 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV is designed as a disposable system similar to the dropsonde, but with enhanced capabilities. After completing its data collection mission in the storm, the UAV can be recovered from the ocean surface using its floating mechanism and onboard locator beacon. This allows for potential reuse or detailed post-mission analysis, extending the value beyond the initial 3-5 minute dropsonde deployment.
3Reliability
If a recoverable UAV is used for storm missions, then extended data collection is possible, but the device cannot be compactly launched from a carrier aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV structure is segmented into foldable wing portions that can be compacted for storage within the carrier aircraft's sonotube or container. The root and tip portions of the wings can fold backward, reducing the overall length and volume of the UAV to fit within constrained launch compartments while maintaining full size for flight operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV incorporates dynamic deployment mechanisms including hinges and resilient elements that allow the wings to automatically or actively deploy from a compact folded state to a full operational state after launch. This enables transition from a compact deployable form factor to a full-sized functional configuration.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the wing thickness is increased to house batteries and systems, then the UAV can support extended operations, but the folded volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing wing thickness to accommodate batteries and systems, the design utilizes the spanwise dimension by positioning components along the wing span rather than through the thickness. The asymmetric wing design with varying thickness distribution allows strategic placement of systems in areas that minimize the increase in folded volume while providing adequate space for energy storage and electronics.
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
Enables efficient and extended meteorological data collection in severe storms with a compact, disposable, and recoverable UAV solution, enhancing data accuracy and availability for weather predictions.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient mechanism is disposed within the root portion and is engaged with the tip portion. The resilient mechanism motivates the tip portion to the deployed position from the folded position.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable aerial vehicle may take the form of a flying wing. The flying wing includes port and starboard wings having port and starboard root and tip portions. The port and starboard root and tip portions are hinged one to another so that the span axes of all of the root and tip portions are parallel in the stowed condition and so that the tip portions are separated by the root portions in the deployed condition to define the flying wing. The wings are not symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, with the span axes of the root and tip portions being stepped from one wing tip to the other. Folding winglets are disposed on opposing wing tips, with the higher winglet extending in an upward direction and the lower winglet extending in the downward direction.