Gimbaled Thruster Configuration for UAV Tilt-Rotor Torque Reduction
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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 power-efficient, often resulting in complex designs with high manufacturing costs and potential component failure due to high torque loads.
Innovation Solution
A gimbaled thruster configuration that directly connects a rotary servo to both the thrusting device and the aircraft structure, minimizing parts and aligning the thrust line with the hinge point to reduce torque and power consumption, and utilizing bearings capable of carrying radial and longitudinal loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional tilt-rotor mechanisms use numerous small parts to achieve large range of motion, then the range of motion is improved, but the device complexity, weight, manufacturing complexity, and potential for failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the servo system and thrusting device into a single integrated gimbaled thruster assembly, eliminating the need for separate control linkages, connecting rods, and multiple small parts. The servo directly controls the thrusting device's angle, simplifying the mechanism while maintaining large range of motion capability
Solution Approach 2:
The gimbaled thruster assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thrust generation, attitude control, and range of motion adjustment through a single integrated structure, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate components and mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If traditional tilt-rotor mechanisms use complex control linkages to achieve tilting motion, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex control linkages from the system, relying instead on the servo's direct control capability and the gimbaled structure's inherent stability to achieve precise tilting motion control without additional mechanical complexity
3Reliability
If traditional tilt-rotor mechanisms use durable construction with many components to handle high torque loads, then the reliability is improved, but the weight and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the servo and thrusting device into a single gimbaled assembly allows the structure to efficiently handle torque loads through direct load paths, eliminating the need for additional reinforcing components and reducing overall weight while maintaining durability
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
Enables a novel larger range of tilting motion, increasing durability and reducing power consumption, while eliminating the need for complex control linkages and minimizing the risk of component failure.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing bearings capable of carrying radial and longitudinal loads
Implementation Method 2
utilizing bearings capable of carrying radial and longitudinal loads
Implementation Method 3
aligning the thrust line with the hinge point to reduce torque and power consumption
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
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.