Foldable UAV Arm Design for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rotor unmanned aerial vehicles are not easily compacted due to their folding structures, which do not sufficiently reduce the vehicle's size in all dimensions, making them difficult to carry.
Innovation Solution
A foldable arm design for unmanned aerial vehicles, comprising a principal arm mounted on the vehicle body that can rotate, with auxiliary arms that can also rotate relative to the principal arm, allowing for a compact structure when folded. This design includes a limiting structure and elastic parts at joints to facilitate folding, and a spring lock for secure locking, enabling the vehicle to be compact and easy to carry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If rotor arms are simply bent for folding, then the structure is simple, but the size is not reduced in all dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor arm is divided into a principal arm and multiple auxiliary arms that can be independently folded. The auxiliary arms are connected to the principal arm through connectors, allowing each segment to be folded separately to achieve compact dimensions in all directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary arms are designed to overlap and nest against the principal arm when folded. The connectors allow the auxiliary arms to be positioned along the length of the principal arm, creating a nested configuration that minimizes the overall volume.
2Volume of moving object
If auxiliary arms are added to create compact folding, then the volume is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors serve multiple functions: they hinge the auxiliary arms to the principal arm, provide limiting structures to control folding angles, incorporate elastic parts for cushioning, and include spring locks for securing the folded position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting structure and elastic part are integrated into the connector assembly. The spring lock mechanism is combined with the hinge connection, merging multiple functional elements into a single integrated component that reduces overall structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If limiting structures and elastic parts are added to joints, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic parts automatically cushion the folding action without requiring external intervention. The spring locks engage automatically when the auxiliary arms are folded to the predetermined angle, providing self-locking functionality that simplifies operation while integrating the locking mechanism into the existing joint structure.
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
The foldable arm design allows the unmanned aerial vehicle to be compact in structure and small in volume when folded, making it easier to carry and reducing the risk of damage during transport, while maintaining functionality during flight.
Implementation Method 1
a limiting structure and an elastic part are disposed at a joint between the principal arm and the vehicle body
Implementation Method 2
a spring lock is disposed at a joint between the principal arm and the auxiliary arm
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of air vehicle technologies and provides an arm, a power assembly and an unmanned aerial vehicle. The arm includes a principal arm and an auxiliary arm. The principal arm is mounted on the vehicle body and the principal arm can rotate relative to the vehicle body. One end of the auxiliary arm is connected to the principal arm. The auxiliary arm can rotate relative to the principal arm. In the foregoing manner, an unmanned aerial vehicle having the arm is compact in structure, small in volume and easy to carry after being folded.