Hybrid Flying Body Control Modes for Propulsion Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multicopters with only hover mode operation have low machine body efficiency, high energy expenditure, limited flight velocity and distance, and are prone to malfunction due to reliance on electric motors for propulsion and power generation, lacking a hybrid configuration for optimal safety, noise, comfort, and controllability.
Innovation Solution
A flying body with a hybrid configuration featuring a first propeller for propulsion and a second propeller for floatation, equipped with an engine, motor generator, clutch, and control section that selects operational modes to optimize engine and motor generator usage for safety, noise reduction, comfort, and cost-effectiveness, allowing for various control modes and redundancy in case of malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a multicopter uses only electric motors for propulsion and power generation, then controllability and noise reduction are improved, but energy efficiency and flight distance are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an internal combustion engine and an electric motor into a hybrid propulsion system. The engine drives a generator to produce electricity, which powers the electric motor for propulsion. This merging allows the system to leverage the high energy efficiency of the engine while maintaining the controllability and low noise characteristics of electric motors during flight operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal combustion engine serves multiple functions: it directly drives the propeller for propulsion and simultaneously powers the generator to produce electrical energy. This multi-functionality allows the single engine to replace what would traditionally require separate engine and generator components, improving overall system efficiency while maintaining the ability to control propulsion through electric motor regulation.
2Device complexity
If a multicopter uses only electric motors for propulsion, then operational simplicity is improved, but flight velocity and distance are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the engine and generator into an integrated hybrid propulsion system where the engine provides mechanical power that is converted to electrical power by the generator. This combination enables higher flight velocities by utilizing the engine's high power output capability while maintaining relatively simple operational control through the electric motor's electronic control system.
3Device complexity
If a multicopter relies on a single electric motor system, then system simplicity is improved, but reliability is worsened due to potential motor malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating functional redundancy within the propulsion system. The hybrid configuration with both engine-mechanical drive and engine-generator-electric motor pathways provides alternative operational modes. If the electric motor fails, the system can switch to direct engine propulsion, and if the engine fails, the electric motor can continue operation using battery power, thereby improving reliability without dramatically increasing overall system complexity.
4Quantity of substance
If a multicopter uses a power generator to charge a main battery from engine output, then energy storage capability is improved, but energy conversion efficiency is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power generation and propulsion functions into a single integrated system. The engine simultaneously drives the propeller for propulsion and powers the generator to charge the battery. This merging eliminates the need for a separate power generation system, reducing overall energy losses. The direct mechanical coupling allows the engine's mechanical energy to be efficiently converted to electrical energy for storage while maintaining propulsion function.
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 flying body achieves high control adaptability and efficiency in various situations with reduced noise and power consumption, ensuring safe and cost-effective operation by dynamically switching between engine and motor generator as drive sources, and managing power distribution for extended flight capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a motor generator connected to the first propeller
Implementation Method 2
an engine; a motor generator connected to the first propeller
Data Source
AI summary
In a flying object, a PCU has a plurality of operation modes in which an engine and/or a motor generator is used as a driving source for a pusher propeller. In accordance with the state of the flying object, the PCU controls the engine, a clutch, and the motor generator in one of the operation modes.