Folding Heavy-Lift UAV Frame for Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional UAV frames are not conducive for heavy-lift applications due to vibrations caused by long booms and difficulties in securing and accessing batteries, which affect stability and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A heavy-lift UAV frame with a symmetrical central frame, pivotally connected boom arms that can retract for storage, and an enclosed battery compartment with a removable tray for easy access and protection from the elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If long booms are used to increase lifting capacity, then the UAV can carry heavier payloads, but vibrations increase during flight affecting stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the booms foldable rather than fixed. The booms can transition between extended and retracted positions, allowing the structure to adapt its configuration. When extended, they provide the necessary length for heavy-lift capacity; when retracted, they reduce the lever arm that causes vibrations, thereby improving flight stability without sacrificing lifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the boom structure into multiple segments that can move relative to each other. The boom is split into sections connected by joints, allowing independent movement of each segment. This segmentation enables the boom to extend to full length for lifting operations but also to fold back during flight to minimize vibration effects on stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If batteries are securely attached to the frame using physical couplers, then battery stability during flight is improved, but access to batteries becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the battery compartment from the main frame structure. The compartment is a distinct, removable module that can be easily detached as a complete unit. This allows batteries to be securely held within the compartment during flight while enabling quick access by simply removing the entire compartment without dealing with individual battery couplers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the extraction principle by creating a separate, removable battery compartment that can be easily detached from the main frame. Instead of securing individual batteries to the frame, the entire battery compartment is extracted as a single unit, providing both secure mounting during flight and easy accessibility during battery changes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If batteries are secured directly to the frame, then movement of batteries during flight is prevented, but batteries are exposed to elements reducing their lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by implementing an enclosed battery compartment with protective walls that shield the batteries from environmental elements. The compartment acts as a protective shell, preventing direct exposure to rain, snow, and other weather conditions while maintaining secure battery positioning through internal mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies nesting by placing the batteries inside a protective compartment that is itself part of the larger frame structure. The batteries are nested within the compartment, which provides both mechanical securing and environmental protection, creating a hierarchical protective structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A heavy-lift UAV frame includes a central frame portion having a symmetrical shape and forming a pocket area for receiving an avionics package. Top and bottom plates are secured to the central frame portion and include four corner members that extend diagonally outward therefrom. A plurality of boom arms are pivotally connected to the corner members and transition between an extended position for flight and a retracted position for storage and transport. Each boom arm includes a complementary dimension to one side of the central frame portion and is arranged parallel thereto when in the retracted position.