Hybrid UAV Adjustable Wing Angle-of-Attack Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face limitations in combining the maneuverability of multicopters with the operational range and payload capacity of fixed-wing aircraft, as multicopters are limited by battery life and payload, while fixed-wing UAVs lack agility.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid UAV with a multicopter frame, airframe body, and interchangeable wings that can adjust angle-of-attack to switch between multicopter and fixed-wing modes, using a wing control system with stepper motors and inertial measurement units for optimal lift and drag management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a multicopter configuration is used, then vertical take-off and landing capability and maneuverability are improved, but operational range and payload capacity are limited by battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wing angle adjustable during flight. The wing control means allows the wings to be repositioned between a first angle (for multicopter mode with minimal drag) and a second angle (for fixed-wing mode with optimal lift), enabling the vehicle to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements and extend operational range.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid UAV combines both multicopter and fixed-wing capabilities in a single vehicle. The multicopter frame provides vertical take-off and landing, while the adjustable wings enable fixed-wing cruise flight, giving the vehicle universal functionality to operate in multiple flight modes and thereby extending operational range beyond what a pure multicopter can achieve.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a fixed-wing configuration is used, then operational range and payload capacity are improved, but agility and maneuverability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wing control means enables dynamic adjustment of wing angle, allowing the vehicle to switch between fixed-wing mode (for extended range) and multicopter mode (for agile maneuvering). This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction by allowing the vehicle to have both capabilities sequentially rather than being fixed in one configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid design provides universality by integrating both fixed-wing and multicopter functionalities. The vehicle can operate as a fixed-wing aircraft for long-range missions and switch to multicopter mode for agile maneuvers, combining the advantages of both configurations in a single versatile platform.
3Productivity
If wing angle is adjusted to optimize lift, then fixed-wing flight efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics through the wing control means that adjusts the wing angle between two primary positions (first angle for multicopter mode, second angle for fixed-wing mode). This dynamic adjustment optimizes flight efficiency in each mode while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple by focusing on angle adjustment rather than complex wing morphing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies parameter changes by adjusting the wing angle parameter to optimize performance. The wing control means changes the angular parameter of the wings relative to the airframe body, allowing optimization of lift and drag characteristics without requiring complex structural modifications to the wings themselves.
4Productivity
If wing angle is adjusted to minimize drag, then multicopter mode performance is improved, but control mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wing control means provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the wings to be positioned at a first angle optimized for multicopter mode (minimizing drag) and a second angle optimized for fixed-wing mode (maximizing lift). This single dynamic control mechanism serves dual purposes, improving performance in both modes without requiring separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing control means is a universal component that serves multiple functions: it optimizes drag reduction in multicopter mode and lift generation in fixed-wing mode. This multi-functional control mechanism improves overall vehicle performance across different flight modes while avoiding the need for mode-specific control systems.
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 UAV achieves vertical take-off and landing capabilities, improved agility, and extended operational range by optimizing lift and drag, allowing for both agile multicopter and efficient fixed-wing flight modes.
Implementation Method 1
in a second wing condition, the angle-of-attack of the pair of wings is alterable with respect to the relative airflow so as to produce an optimum or near optimum lift
Implementation Method 2
multicopters, which have a plurality of multicopter propulsion units having rotors which achieve lift in a manner similar to helicopter blades
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle (10) is provided which comprises a multicopter frame (14) having a plurality of operable multicopter propulsion units (22) thereon, and an airframe body (16) which is connected to the multicopter frame (14). There is also a pair of wings (34) positioned on opposite sides of the airframe body (16) and a wing control means for manipulating the pair of wings (34) with respect to the airframe body (16) to alter an angle-of-attack of the pair of wings (34). In a first wing condition, the angle-of-attack of the pair of wings (34) is alterable with respect to a relative airflow so as to produce zero lift, and, in a second wing condition, the angle-of-attack of the pair of wings (34) is alterable with respect to the relative airflow so as to produce an optimum or near optimum lift. A method of improving the manoeuvrability of the hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle (10) is also provided, as is a method of improving the operational range of unmanned aerial vehicles.