Gimbaled Thruster Configuration for UAV Tilt-Rotor Mechanisms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing UAV tilt-rotor mechanisms face challenges in achieving a large range of motion while being durable, lightweight, and minimizing power consumption, often resulting in complex designs with numerous parts that are prone to failure and high torque loads.

Innovation Solution

A gimbaled thruster configuration that directly connects a servo system to the thrust motor assembly and aircraft structure, aligning the thrust line with the hinge point to reduce torque and using robust servo components to support both load-bearing and servo functions, allowing for a wide range of tilting motion without restrictive control linkages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If prior art attempts use numerous small parts to achieve large range of motion, then the range of motion is improved, but weight increases, cost increases, manufacturing complexity increases, and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of motionVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the servo system and thrust motor assembly into a single integrated gimbaled thruster unit, eliminating the need for numerous separate parts and connecting linkages. This merging achieves large range of motion while reducing part count, weight, and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The servo system is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both the rotational actuation for range of motion and simultaneously serves as the load-bearing support structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structural components, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If prior art attempts use numerous small parts to achieve large range of motion, then the range of motion is improved, but durability decreases due to more potential failure points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of motionVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the servo system and thrust motor assembly into a unified structure with fewer discrete parts and connections, the patent reduces the number of potential failure points while maintaining large range of motion capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If prior art attempts focus on durability with robust components, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The servo system is designed to simultaneously support structural loads and provide actuation, eliminating the need for separate heavy structural components. This reduces overall system weight and the power required to move the system while maintaining durability through proper load distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If prior art uses connecting linkages to allow rotation, then range of motion is achieved, but the linkages are prone to fail, break, or stress-out under torque loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of motionVSAvoidresistance to torque failure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates separate connecting linkages by integrating the thrust motor assembly directly to the servo system. This unified structure eliminates weak linkage points that would be subject to torque loads, while maintaining full range of motion through the servo's direct rotational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables a novel larger range of tilting motion, increases durability, reduces power consumption, and minimizes the number of parts, thereby enhancing the holistic performance of the tilt-rotor mechanism while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

the thrust motor assembly and the servo system are rigidly connected together and are further configured to rotate together with respect to the aircraft structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Implementation Method 2

a motor configured to rotate a bladed component and provide thrust

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10589867B2Gimbaled thruster configuration for use with unmanned aerial vehicle

Publication Date: 2020.03.17 UAVPATENT CORP

AI summary

A vectored thrust control module for an aircraft that includes a servo system that couples to the aircraft structure at an output shaft connection point. A thrust motor assembly is fully supported by the servo system and rotates a bladed component to provide thrust to the aircraft. Further, the thrust motor assembly is rigidly connected with the servo system to rotate together about a longitudinal axis thrust line with respect to the aircraft structure. The bladed component and the thrust motor assembly generate a line of thrust that extends through the connection point of the servo system to the aircraft structure.