Foldable Propeller Blade Locking Against Forward Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compact configurations of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are limited in flight range, endurance, and payload capacity.
Innovation Solution
The UAVs feature deployable components such as telescoping wings, deployable stabilizers, and foldable propeller blades, allowing for configurations that optimize aerodynamic efficiency and payload capacity, including a telescoping wing system with a belt mechanism, pivoting stabilizers, and a locking mechanism for propeller blades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If propeller blades are made foldable to enable compact storage, then the UAV can achieve compact configurations for reduced space, but the structural complexity increases due to hinges and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller blades are designed to fold and nest against the fuselage in a compact arrangement, with each blade capable of rotating about a hinge to position its leading edge against the fuselage. This nesting configuration reduces the overall volume of the UAV when stored or transported.
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller blades incorporate movable hinges that allow dynamic transition between folded and deployed configurations. The blades can rotate about the hinge axis to achieve compact storage positioning, and then deploy to operational positions when needed, providing adaptability for different mission requirements.
2Volume of moving object
If propeller blades are made foldable to enable compact configurations, then space is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to potential failure of folding mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the propeller blade reaches its deployed position, with the tab inserting into the slot and the spring applying pre-loaded force to secure the blade. This preliminary action ensures the blade is reliably locked before operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded locking mechanism is self-actuating, using the motion of the blade itself to compress the spring and engage the tab with the slot. The mechanism automatically locks the blade in the deployed position without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, improving reliability.
3Productivity
If telescoping wings are deployed to increase wingspan, then aerodynamic efficiency and payload capacity improve, but the device complexity increases due to telescoping mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The wing structure comprises nested sections where an inner wing section can be inserted into or extended from an outer wing section. This telescoping design allows the wings to achieve a larger spans for improved aerodynamic efficiency and payload capacity while maintaining a more compact configuration when retracted.
4Duration of action of moving object
If telescoping wings are deployed to increase wingspan, then flight range and endurance improve, but the device complexity increases due to telescoping mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The wing structure comprises nested sections where an inner wing section can be inserted into or extended from an outer wing section. This telescoping design allows the wings to achieve a larger spans for improved aerodynamic efficiency and payload capacity while maintaining a more compact configuration when retracted.
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle with deployable components (UAVDC) may comprise a foldable propeller blade with a locking mechanism. Foldable propeller blades may have a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration relative to the UAVDC, and the foldable propeller blades may pivot about a hinge to move between configurations. In the deployed configuration, the foldable propellor may experience forward folding forces acting upon it. The locking mechanism may lock the foldable propeller blade in the deployed configuration. The locking mechanism may keep the foldable propeller locked into place to prevent forward folding tendency.