Hybrid-Powered Unmanned Aircraft for Payload and Flight Duration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles face limitations in maximum payload capacity and flight duration, particularly in agricultural applications.
Innovation Solution
The unmanned aerial vehicle incorporates a combination of electric motors and an internal combustion engine to drive rotors, with a power control system that adjusts power generation and distribution based on flight conditions and work content, using a battery and electric generator to enhance power supply efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery-powered electric motor system is used, then the unmanned aerial vehicle can operate with clean energy and precise control, but the payload capacity and flight duration are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a battery-powered electric motor system with a fuel tank and internal combustion engine system into a hybrid configuration. The electric motor drives the rotor directly while the internal combustion engine serves as a range extender, allowing the UAV to achieve both precise control and extended flight duration by merging two power systems with complementary characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The power system is designed to provide multiple functions: the battery provides clean energy for precise control operations, while the fuel tank and internal combustion engine provide extended range capability. This multi-functional power system allows the UAV to adapt to different mission requirements, achieving both reliability and extended duration.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the battery capacity is increased to extend flight duration, then the flight duration increases, but the weight of the unmanned aerial vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying solely on a larger battery, the patent merges the battery system with a fuel tank and internal combustion engine system. This combination allows the UAV to extend flight duration through the fuel-based range extender rather than proportionally increasing battery capacity, thereby avoiding excessive weight gain while achieving the desired flight duration extension.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a larger fuel tank is added to extend range, then the flight duration increases, but the weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fuel tank and internal combustion engine into an unified power system with the battery and electric motor. This merging approach, while adding components, creates a coordinated hybrid system where the internal combustion engine functions as a range extender that charges the battery or directly drives the rotor, managing complexity through systematic integration rather than adding independent subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal combustion engine serves multiple functions: it can directly drive the rotor for extended flight duration, or it can generate electricity to charge the battery for later use. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, thereby managing device complexity while achieving extended range.
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 allows for increased payload and extended flight duration, enabling various agricultural operations by supporting larger and more functional implements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one second rotor included in the plurality of rotors; an internal combustion engine to drive the at least one second rotor
Implementation Method 2
an electric generator that is driven by the internal combustion engine to generate second electric power
Implementation Method 3
a battery to store first electric power
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle includes: a plurality of rotors, a power source; and a power supply that supplies external power from the power source to an implement.