Foldable Rotor Frame Layout for Compact UAV Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

The rotor frame of existing unmanned aircraft is not sufficiently optimized, leading to potential strength reduction and increased transportation costs due to bulky size.

Innovation Solution

Aircraft with a rotor frame that includes a first and second frame portion connected by a contact point, featuring a movable pivot to allow folding, reducing load concentration and enabling compact transportation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the rotor frame is designed with a fixed non-folding structure, then the structural strength and load distribution are maintained, but the transportation size becomes bulky and transportation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidtransportation size

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor frame is divided into multiple frame portions that can be folded relative to each other around a contact point, transforming a monolithic structure into segmented movable parts that reduce transportation volume while maintaining structural integrity during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotor frame transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic folding structure that can change its configuration between operational and transportation states, allowing volume reduction without compromising strength when deployed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If the rotor frame is designed with a folding structure, then the transportation size is reduced and costs decrease, but load concentration may occur at the contact point

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransportation sizeVSAvoidload concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The contact point is specifically designed with load-distributing features that prevent excessive stress concentration before damage can occur, cushioning the structural impact of folding while maintaining strength during both folded and operational states

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If the rotor frame uses a bulky non-folding design, then manufacturing and assembly are simpler, but transportation costs increase and storage efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidtransportation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the rotor frame into foldable portions connected at a contact point, the design achieves compact transportation volume while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes through modular construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4671123A1Flying body, folding method, and arrangement method

Publication Date: 2025.12.31 SKYDRIVE INC

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AI summary

[Problem] To provide a flying body having a rotor frame that is more optimized than in the past, a folding method for the rotor frame, and an arrangement method for the rotor frame, etc. [Solution] One aspect of the present invention provides a flying body. The flying body comprises a fuselage, a rotor frame, and rotors. The fuselage supports the rotor frame. The rotor frame supports the rotors. Each rotor is configured to be capable of rotating in the position in which the rotor is supported by the rotor frame. The rotor frame includes a first frame part, a second frame part, and a contact point portion constituting a point of contact between the first frame part and the second frame part. The rotor frame is configured to be capable of being folded such that a free end of the first frame part and a free end of the second frame part approach one another.