Helicopter Battery Abnormality Detection and Generator Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helicopters with multiple rotors face challenges in noise and exhaust reduction due to engine-driven main rotors, and lack effective countermeasures for power source abnormalities, which can lead to unsafe power loss and accidents.
Innovation Solution
A helicopter configuration with electrically operated rotors, including electric motors, batteries, generators, and abnormality detecting sections, where the generator supplies power to motors if battery abnormalities occur, and includes airbags and parachutes for emergency landings, allowing for safe operation and damage reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If engine-driven main rotors are used, then long-time continuous navigation is achieved, but noise and exhaust are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the engine-mechanical transmission system with an electric motor system. The main rotors are driven by electric motors powered by a battery, substituting the combustion engine and mechanical gearbox with electromagnetic propulsion. This eliminates exhaust emissions and significantly reduces noise while maintaining the ability for continuous navigation through battery power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power source parameter from combustion-based (engine) to electrochemical-based (battery). This fundamental parameter change transforms the propulsion mechanism from thermal-to-mechanical energy conversion to electrochemical-to-electrical-to-mechanical energy conversion, thereby eliminating exhaust and reducing noise while preserving continuous operation capability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If battery is used as main power source, then noise and exhaust are reduced, but reliability is decreased due to battery abnormalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a detection mechanism that monitors battery status beforehand to identify abnormalities such as overheating or voltage drops. When anomalies are detected, the system proactively switches to the generator-powered mode before complete power failure occurs, cushioning against the potential reliability issue and preventing unsafe power loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dual power source system where the generator acts as an intermediary backup. When the battery (primary power source) exhibits abnormalities, the generator (secondary power source) mediates by taking over power supply to the electric motors, ensuring continuous and reliable operation without direct impact from battery failures.
3Reliability
If dual power source system is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the generator to serve multiple functions: it can charge the battery during normal operation and simultaneously serve as an alternative power source when the battery fails. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated backup systems, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the charging function and backup power supply function into a single generator system. Instead of having separate charging equipment and backup power sources, the generator combines both roles, reducing the overall number of components and simplifying the power source configuration while maintaining reliability through redundancy.
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
The solution reduces noise and exhaust by using electric motors, ensures safe landing through alternative power sources, and minimizes damage during emergency landings by selecting appropriate landing modes based on detected abnormalities.
Implementation Method 1
a first battery that supplies the electric power with the electric motors
Implementation Method 2
a generator that supplies the electric power with the electric motors when the battery abnormality detecting section detects abnormality of the battery; the engine drives the generator
Data Source
AI summary
A multicopter having a plurality of propellers is configured to be electrically operated. The multicopter is provided with electric motors, at least one main battery, a generator, an engine, and a battery condition detecting section. The electric motors drive the propellers. The main battery is a first electric power source that supplies the electric power to the electric motors. The generator is a second electric power source that supplies the electric power to the electric motors. The engine drives the generator. The battery condition detecting section detects abnormality of the main battery. When the battery condition detecting section detects the abnormality of the main battery, the generator supplies the electric power that has been converted from motive power from the engine directly to the electric motors.