Magnetic Multi-Monocopter Coupling for Passive Flight Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial robots, particularly monocopters, lack the capability to efficiently switch between cooperative and individual flight modes without the need for dedicated separating actuators.
Innovation Solution
A multi-monocopter system with magnetic connectors and a flight controller that allows monocopters to connect and disconnect via magnetic forces, enabling cooperative and individual flight modes by controlling rotational speed to exceed magnetic forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic connectors are used to enable cooperative flight mode, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical separating actuators with magnetic connectors that use magnetic forces to maintain cooperative flight mode. The magnetic connectors are equipped with magnets that attract to each other when in close proximity, passively holding multiple monocopters together without requiring active mechanical fastening mechanisms. This substitution of mechanical actuation with magnetic field interaction simplifies the overall system structure while improving ease of operation for mode transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connectors enable the monocopters to automatically connect and disconnect based on their relative positions and velocities. When monocopters approach each other at appropriate speeds, the magnetic attraction automatically engages to form cooperative groups. Conversely, when centrifugal forces from rotation exceed the magnetic attraction, the connectors automatically disconnect. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for dedicated controlling actuators, reducing device complexity while maintaining operational ease.
2Reliability
If dedicated separating actuators are used to switch between flight modes, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the separating function from dedicated actuators and integrates it into the magnetic connector design. The magnetic connector inherently provides both connection and separation capabilities through its magnetic field interaction. When the centrifugal force generated by monocopter rotation exceeds the magnetic attraction force, the connectors automatically separate. This extraction of the separating function eliminates the need for additional dedicated separating actuators, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable mode switching through the natural balance of forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the magnetic force interaction to achieve reliable mode switching. The magnetic attraction force remains relatively constant, while the centrifugal force varies with the rotational speed of the monocopters. By controlling the rotational speed parameter, the system can reliably transition between connected and separated states. When rotational speed increases, centrifugal force exceeds magnetic attraction, causing automatic separation. This parameter-based control mechanism provides reliable mode switching without requiring complex actuator systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If magnetic force is used to connect monocopters, then ease of manufacture is improved, but force holding capability becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates magnetic elements into the connector structure during the manufacturing process, before the actual flight operation. The magnetic connectors are pre-assembled with magnets positioned and secured in their respective housings. This preliminary action of pre-assembling the magnetic components simplifies the manufacturing process, as the magnetic connectors can be produced as standardized modules and then integrated into the monocopter airframes. The magnetic holding force limitation is acceptable because the connectors only need to maintain connection during low-speed cooperative flight, not during high-speed separation maneuvers.
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
Enables efficient conversion between cooperative and individual flight modes passively, enhancing operational flexibility and stability without additional actuators.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic connector coupled to the housing member so as to extend from a second side thereof, the second side being at least substantially opposite to the first side of the housing member, the magnetic connector being configured to be connectable to one or more corresponding magnetic connectors of other one or more monocopters of the plurality of monocopters via a magnetic force
Implementation Method 2
the flight controller is operable to control a rotational speed of the plurality of monocopters collectively to produce a centrifugal force that exceed said magnetic force for separating the plurality of monocopters connected via said magnetic force
Implementation Method 3
a wing member coupled to the housing member so as to extend from a first side thereof, the wing member being configured to produce an aerodynamic force when the monocopter is rotating
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-monocopter system is provided, including a plurality of monocopters. Each monocopter includes: a flight controller, disposed on a housing member, operable to control a flight of the monocopter in an individual flight mode and a flight of the plurality of monocopters collectively in a cooperative flight mode; a wing member; a thrust unit; and a magnetic connector coupled to the housing member. The magnetic connector is configured to be connectable to corresponding magnetic connectors of other monocopters of the plurality of monocopters via a magnetic force to operate in the cooperative flight mode. When in the cooperative flight mode during flight, the flight controller is operable to control a rotational speed of the plurality of monocopters collectively to produce a centrifugal force that exceeds the magnetic force for separating the plurality of monocopters connected via the magnetic force to convert the cooperative flight mode to the individual flight mode.