Gimbaled UAV Propulsion Units With Variable Pitch for Thrust Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) lack the ability to selectively control the direction and magnitude of thrust or lift while managing sound emissions, as existing propulsion units do not adjust gimbal angles or propeller blade shapes during operation.
Innovation Solution
The integration of linear actuators into propulsion units allows for independent adjustment of gimbal angles and blade pitch, along with variable motor speeds and blade shapes, enabling precise control over thrust direction and magnitude, as well as sound pressure levels and frequency spectrums.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If propulsion units use fixed gimbal angles and fixed propeller blade shapes, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the ability to control thrust direction and magnitude selectively is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the gimbal angle adjustable rather than fixed. The propulsion unit incorporates a gimbal mechanism that allows the propeller shaft to rotate about a transverse axis, enabling dynamic adjustment of the thrust direction. This dynamic capability allows selective control of thrust direction and magnitude while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If motor speed is varied within safe operating range, then thrust magnitude can be modified, but sound pressure levels and frequency spectrums cannot be independently controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the propeller blade pitch angle adjustable during operation. A pitch control mechanism allows dynamic variation of the blade pitch angle, which independently affects the sound characteristics generated by the propeller. This enables selective control of sound pressure levels and frequency spectrums while maintaining thrust requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the blade pitch angle as a controllable parameter. By adjusting the pitch angle of the propeller blades, the aerodynamic characteristics change, which directly influences the sound emissions. This parameter adjustment allows independent control of sound characteristics while maintaining thrust output.
3Ease of operation
If propulsion units cannot adjust gimbal angles or blade shapes, then manufacturing and operation are simpler, but maneuverability and fuel efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating adjustable gimbal angles and variable blade pitch capabilities. The gimbal mechanism allows the propulsion unit to tilt in different directions, while the pitch control system adjusts blade angles dynamically. These dynamic adjustments enable precise control of thrust vectoring, significantly improving maneuverability and fuel efficiency.
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 solution enables UAVs to generate specific forces and control sound emissions, improving maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and reducing noise pollution by dynamically adjusting propulsion unit parameters in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
The motors and propellers may be provided in propulsion units or modules that are physically joined to a frame or other structure of an unmanned aerial vehicle... The net effects of the operation of such propulsion units cause an unmanned aerial vehicle to travel in one or more directions and/or be held aloft thereby
Implementation Method 2
Sound may be further generated in response to vibrations caused by fluid flow over one or more bodies. In essence, any movement of molecules, or contact between molecules, that causes a vibration may result in the emission of sound at a pressure level or intensity
Data Source
AI summary
Aerial vehicles may include propulsion units having motors with drive shafts that may be aligned at a variety of orientations, propellers with variable pitch blades, and common operators for aligning the drive shafts at one or more orientations and for varying the pitch angles of the blades. The common operators may include plate elements to which a propeller hub is rotatably joined, and which may be supported by one or more linear actuators that may extend or retract to vary both the orientations of the drive shafts and the pitch angles of the blades. Operating the motors and propellers at varying speeds, gimbal angles or pitch angles enables the motors to generate forces in any number of directions and at any magnitudes. Attributes of the propulsion units may be selected in order to shape or control the noise generated thereby.