Foldable Propeller Blade Locking Mechanism for UAV Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compact configurations of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are limited in flight range, endurance, and payload capacity, which restricts their mission capabilities and deployment options.
Innovation Solution
The development of an unmanned aerial vehicle with deployable components (UAVDC) featuring a telescoping wing system, pivotable stabilizers, and a modular payload, allowing for configuration changes between compact, deployed, and expanded arrangements to enhance aerodynamic efficiency, payload capacity, and mission versatility.
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 be stored in compact configurations, but the propeller blades may inadvertently fold forward due to aerodynamic forces during flight
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism applies a preliminary counteracting force to prevent the harmful forward folding motion before it can occur. The spring-loaded locking engagement creates a pre-positioned restraint that counteracts aerodynamic forces attempting to fold the propeller blade forward during flight operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded locking mechanism converts the potential harmful effect of aerodynamic forces into a beneficial self-latching action. When the propeller blade experiences forward folding pressure, the spring mechanism responds by engaging the locking feature more firmly, transforming the harmful force into a self-reinforcing lock that secures the blade in its operational position.
2Volume of moving object
If current compact configurations are used, then storage space is reduced, but flight range, endurance, and payload capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV system transitions from a static compact configuration to a dynamic deployed configuration. The propeller blades are designed to be movable between folded and unfolded positions, allowing the system to adapt its geometry based on operational requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the UAV to optimize its aerodynamic properties for extended flight missions while maintaining compact storage capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller assembly is segmented into individual foldable blades that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the blades to be folded for compact storage and then deployed to full span for flight operations, effectively separating the storage requirement from the operational requirement and enabling both compactness and full mission capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle with deployable components (UAVDC) is disclosed. The UAVDC may comprise a fuselage, at least one wing, and at least one control surface. In some embodiments, the UAVDC may further comprise a propulsion means and/or a modular payload. The UAVDC may be configured in a plurality of arrangements. For example, in a compact arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing stowed against the fuselage and the at least one control surface stowed against the fuselage. In a deployed arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing deployed from the fuselage and the least one control surface deployed from the fuselage. In an expanded arrangement, the UAVDC may comprise the at least one wing telescoped to increase a wingspan of the deployed arrangement. The UAVDC may also comprise a foldable propeller blade with a locking mechanism. Foldable propeller blades may have a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, and the foldable propeller blades may pivot about a hinge to move between configurations. A foldable propeller blade in a deployed configuration may experience forward folding motion due to forces acting upon it. A locking mechanism—for example, a ratchet and pawl—may lock a foldable propeller blade into a configuration. In a locked arrangement, a UAVDC may comprise at least one foldable propeller that locks into place to prevent forward folding tendency.