Foldable UAV Wings for Compact Storage and Rapid Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV designs face challenges in reducing bulk and increasing portability while maintaining the ability for rapid flights and maneuvers, as existing foldable and collapsible solutions do not effectively accommodate wider wings and efficient deployment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates foldable wings, tail stabilizers, and propellers that can be manually or automatically deployed to form offset-X shapes, allowing for compact storage and rapid deployment, with coupling mechanisms to manage wing width beyond the fuselage diameter, enabling efficient flight control and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If foldable wings are designed to be wider than the fuselage diameter, then flight performance and maneuverability are improved, but storage bulk and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wings are designed to fold and nest within the fuselage diameter when not in use, allowing the UAV to be stored in compact containers while maintaining full wing span capability during flight operations
2Productivity
If rapid deployment mechanisms are added to enable quick wing extension, then flight readiness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wing deployment mechanism utilizes dynamic motion with multiple folding stages that can be rapidly actuated, transitioning the wings from a compact stored position to a fully deployed flight position through a sequence of controlled movements
3Volume of moving object
If multiple folding stages are implemented to accommodate wide wings, then storage compactness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wings are divided into multiple segment sections that can independently fold and articulate, allowing each segment to be manufactured separately and assembled through standardized hinge connections, thereby managing manufacturing complexity while achieving compact storage
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
This configuration allows for a lightweight, man-portable UAV that can perform rapid flights and maneuvers while being compactly stored, addressing the need for reduced bulk and enhanced portability with efficient deployment and control.
Implementation Method 1
the wings (20, 22, 24, 26) are foldable and having a hinge means (80, 81, 82, 83) for enabling the wings to move from an extended position to a retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned air vehicle (UAV) having a fuselage, a foldable propulsion means to generate thrust leading to the UAV movement, a driving means to drive the propulsion means and a plurality of flight control surfaces actuators are further included. The UAV further includes at least one pair of foldable wings where the rear portion of the wings is pivotally attached to the fuselage. The wings having at least one roll control surface hinged to at least one of the foldable wings. At least a pair of tail stabilizers having ruddervators flight control surfaces hinged to the tail stabilizers. In a fully extended position or in ready to fly state position, each of the foldable wings are deployed perpendicular to one another and perpendicular to the fuselage to form an offset-x shaped wings, and in a stowed position, each of the wings are positioned parallel to one another and positioned parallel to the fuselage.