Hybrid Drone Propulsion With Planetary Gears for Range and Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Drones with purely electrical propulsion systems are limited by battery energy density, restricting their range and requiring separate systems for propulsion and electric current generation, which are inefficient and lack redundancy.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid propulsion system combining combustion engines with electric motors/generators, integrated via planetary gears, providing continuous variable transmission for drones and other transport modes, enabling redundancy and efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If purely electrical propulsion systems are used in drones, then efficiency of energy utilization is improved, but range and lifting capacity are limited due to low battery energy density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a combustion engine system and an electric motor system into a single hybrid propulsion system. The combustion engine serves as a range extender to generate electricity that charges the battery, while the electric motor provides propulsion. This merging allows the drone to extend its range beyond what a battery alone could provide, directly resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and range limitation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate systems for propulsion and electric current generation are used, then system functionality is achieved, but device complexity and inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The combustion engine in the hybrid system serves multiple functions: it can directly drive the propeller for propulsion, generate electricity to charge the battery, or provide auxiliary power. The electric motor similarly can function as a motor for propulsion or as a generator to recover energy during descent. This multi-functionality reduces the need for completely separate systems while maintaining versatility, thereby reducing complexity without sacrificing functionality.
3Duration of action of moving object
If combustion engines are used to extend range, then range and lifting capacity are improved, but system complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the combustion engine and electric motor into a unified hybrid propulsion system where both power sources work together through a shared transmission system. The combustion engine acts as a range extender that generates electricity to supplement the battery, extending the drone's operational range without requiring completely separate propulsion systems. This merging approach manages integration complexity while achieving range extension.
4Ease of operation
If electric motors are used for precise control, then maneuverability is improved, but redundancy and backup capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid system incorporates the combustion engine as a backup power source that can take over or supplement the electric motor if it fails. This beforehand cushioning approach ensures that the drone has redundant propulsion capability, maintaining reliability while the electric motor provides precise control during normal operation. The combustion engine serves as a safety net, preparing backup capacity in advance.
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 hybrid system enhances range and lifting capacity while ensuring precise control and maneuverability, with electric motors providing backup and efficient energy management.
Implementation Method 1
one or more combustion engines can be used in conjunction with one or more electric motors/generators for propulsion
Implementation Method 2
one or more combustion engines can be used in conjunction with one or more electric motors/generators for propulsion, or where one or more combustion engines can be used in conjunction with one or more electric motors/generators for both propulsion and charging a battery/batteries
Implementation Method 3
one or more combustion engines, in conjunction with one or more electric motors/generators, will be an integral part of a propulsion system whereby each is connected to and drives its own driving pinion in one or more planetary gears
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid system for drones and other modes of transport. A combustion engine provides range and/or lifting capacity for drones while electric motors/generators provide both control and maneuverability. One or more combustion engines, in conjunction with one or more electric motors/generators form a propulsion system whereby each is connected to and drives its own driving pinion in one or more planetary gear sets, and provide continuously variable transmission for driving propellers or driveshafts. The combustion engine may be connected directly to one of the planetary gear's driving pinions, or can drive one of the planetary gear's driving pinions. If the propellers are only driven by either a combustion engine, or an electric motor/generator, the other engine/motor will be kept at rest by a braking device for a combustion engine or a braking device for an electric motor/generator.