Gimballed Propeller Control for High-Angle Fixed-Wing UAV Maneuvers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed-wing UAVs are limited by their lack of maneuverability in high-density obstacle environments and inability to perform vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) operations, restricting their use in complex scenarios like forests and urban areas.
Innovation Solution
A fixed-wing UAV design incorporating a gimballed propeller for thrust generation and a control surface assembly, controlled by a nonlinear model predictive control system, enabling high-angle-of-attack maneuvers and VTOL capabilities through real-time trajectory adjustments and propeller angle changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a fixed-wing UAV design is used, then speed and endurance are improved, but maneuverability in high-density obstacle environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a gimballed propeller system that allows dynamic adjustment of thrust vector orientation during flight. The propeller can pivot relative to the fuselage, enabling the UAV to change its thrust direction without changing the orientation of the fixed wings, thus achieving enhanced maneuverability while maintaining fixed-wing flight characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by allowing variable propeller angle relative to the fuselage axis. This parameter change enables the UAV to achieve different flight attitudes and maneuvering capabilities, including high-angle-of-attack flight and vertical takeoff, while maintaining the fixed-wing configuration for efficient forward flight
2Use of energy by moving object
If a fixed-wing UAV design is used, then flight efficiency is improved, but ability to perform vertical takeoff and landing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gimballed propeller system enables dynamic reorientation of the thrust vector. During vertical takeoff and landing operations, the propeller can be positioned at high angles relative to the fuselage axis, directing thrust vertically while the fixed wings remain in their efficient aerodynamic configuration for forward flight
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed-wing UAV with gimballed propeller achieves multi-functionality by combining the efficient forward flight capability of fixed-wing design with the vertical takeoff and landing capability typically associated with rotary-wing vehicles. The single propeller serves multiple functions through angular adjustment
3Adaptability or versatility
If propeller angle is changed for high-angle-of-attack maneuvers, then maneuverability is improved, but flight stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors flight parameters and adjusts the propeller gimbal angle and fixed-wing control surfaces in real-time to maintain flight stability during high-angle-of-attack maneuvers. This feedback control compensates for the inherent instability introduced by operating outside the normal flight envelope
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
Enhances maneuverability and VTOL functionality, allowing the UAV to navigate complex environments and perform tasks typically reserved for rotary-wing UAVs, such as tight turns and precision landings, while maintaining speed and endurance advantages.
Implementation Method 1
a propeller configured to rotate about a propeller axis, and a motor operably coupled to the propeller and configured to rotate the propeller at a controlled rotational speed to generate thrust
Implementation Method 2
a propeller gimbal operably coupled to the body at the forward end. The propeller gimbal may be configured to pivot the propeller about a gimbal pivot axis to change a propeller angle
Implementation Method 3
a control surface assembly operably coupled to the body, and a controller configured to control an attitude of flight of the UAV by controlling operation of the motor, the propeller gimbal, and the control surface assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a propeller gimbal operably coupled to the body of the UAV at the forward end and the propeller gimbal is configured to pivot the propeller about a gimbal pivot axis to change a propeller angle. A controller of the UAV may be configured to control an attitude of flight of the UAV by controlling operation of the motor, the propeller gimbal, and the control surface assembly. The controller may be further configured to determine in-flight trajectory modifications that may require high maneuverability via high angle-of-attack attitudes of flight that are implemented via the propeller gimbal and trajectories determined from a dynamics model of the fixed-wing UAV.