Modular Rotor Arm Assembly with Integrated Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are bulky and difficult to transport and store due to their complex structure, with numerous wires making disassembly inefficient, and require precise alignment of components for efficient payload carriage.
Innovation Solution
A modular construction method for UAV rotor arm assemblies that allows quick detachment and reattachment, featuring mechanical and electrical connectors with protective alignment protrusions and visual indicators, enabling compact storage and transportation, rapid assembly, and ease of maintenance, while allowing for interchangeable motor sizes to optimize lift efficiency and flight duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the UAV is assembled with all components permanently fixed, then structural rigidity and component alignment are maintained, but the UAV becomes bulky and difficult to transport and store
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV is divided into modular rotor arm assemblies that can be detached from the central body. Each rotor arm assembly includes the arm, motor, and associated components as an integrated module, allowing the UAV to be compacted for storage while maintaining ease of reassembly through standardized connectors.
2Manufacturing precision
If the UAV components are permanently assembled, then precise alignment of components is achieved, but disassembly becomes inefficient due to the multitude of wires
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are combined into integrated connector assemblies that simultaneously provide mechanical attachment, electrical connections, and alignment features. The connector assembly includes mating elements with alignment protrusions and recesses that ensure precise component alignment during attachment while enabling rapid disassembly of the entire rotor arm module without handling individual wires.
3Productivity
If the rotor arm assembly uses a simple connector, then rapid attachment and detachment is achieved, but rigid connection and precise alignment cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly incorporates asymmetric alignment features including protrusions on one connector and corresponding recesses on the mating connector. These asymmetric features guide precise alignment during attachment and maintain rigid connection, while the overall modular design enables rapid attachment and detachment of the entire rotor arm assembly.
4Ease of operation
If the electrical connection pins extend beyond the protective protrusions, then electrical connection is facilitated, but misalignment or damage to electrical pins may occur
Solution Approach 1:
Protective alignment protrusions extend further than the electrical connection pins to provide preliminary mechanical guidance and protection. The protrusions make initial contact and establish alignment before the more fragile electrical pins engage, preventing misalignment or damage to the electrical connections while ensuring reliable electrical contact.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotor arm assembly has a mechanical alignment and electrical connector for fitting to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV has a corresponding fitting for aligning the rotor arm assembly, making an electrical connection with it and retaining it in position. Such rotor arm assemblies are easily and quickly replaced due to their modular construction. UAVs with this construction are easily transported and stored.