Foldable Wing UAV Air-Launch Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have limited travel time and storage constraints due to their fixed wing configuration, which restricts their distance and operational conditions, and existing launch methods do not efficiently deploy UAVs from air-launched canisters to maximize flight duration and minimize damage.

Innovation Solution

A wing design for UAVs featuring pivotally coupled main bodies with joints, including pin and hinge joints, and a locking mechanism that allows the wings to fold and unfold automatically during deployment, enabling storage in a compact form and efficient air-launch from canisters using a drogue chute and stabilizing drag surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the UAV uses a fixed wing configuration, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the storage space requirement increases and flight duration is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidstorage space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wing is divided into multiple segments (first wing member and second wing member) that can be folded relative to each other about a hinge joint, allowing the wing to be compacted for storage while maintaining the simplicity of individual wing components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wing transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic folded configuration through the hinge joint, enabling the wing to adapt its shape between deployment and storage states, thereby reducing storage volume while maintaining flight capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the UAV uses a fixed wing configuration, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the flight duration and operational distance are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidflight duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wing is segmented into multiple members that can be folded, allowing for extended wingspan and surface area when deployed, which increases lift and flight duration while keeping each segment relatively simple to manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wing utilizes a third dimension (vertical folding) to achieve a larger deployed wingspan without proportionally increasing the storage footprint, effectively extending operational capability without complex manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the UAV is launched from an air-launched canister, then the deployment flexibility is improved, but the risk of damage during deployment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment flexibilityVSAvoiddamage risk during deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wing is pre-configured in a folded position that fits within the canister, and the hinge joint is pre-positioned to enable automatic unfolding upon deployment, reducing the complexity and risk of manual deployment operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge joint enables the wing to automatically unfold itself during deployment from the canister without requiring external actuators or complex mechanical systems, thereby reducing deployment complexity and minimizing damage risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Volume of moving object

If the wing is folded for storage, then the storage efficiency is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wing is divided into two main segments (first and second wing members) connected by a single hinge joint, achieving foldability and compact storage while maintaining relatively simple structural components compared to more complex folding mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 wing design enhances UAV storage and deployment efficiency, allowing for longer flight durations and reduced damage by enabling automatic unfolding during descent, thus overcoming the limitations of existing UAV designs and launch methods.

Implementation Method 1

slowing the descent of the canister with inserted UAV. Slowing the descent may include deploying a drogue chute attached to an aft-end of the canister

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic drag: Drag

Implementation Method 2

deploying stabilizing drag surfaces at an aft end of the canister

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic drag: Drag

Data Source

PatentUS12139257B2Air-launched unmanned aerial vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.11.12 SIERRA NEVADA CORP

AI summary

Various embodiments are described of an unmanned aerial vehicle having a wing. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes a first body of the wing with a first end proximate a body of the vehicle. A second end is opposite the first end. A first joint is on the first end of the first main body of the wing. The joint rotatably couples the wing to the vehicle. A second joint is on the second end of the vehicle. A second body of the wing is rotatably coupled to the first body via the second joint.