Modular UAV Airframe With Integrated Yoke for Adaptable Payloads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airframes for fixed wing and rotary model aircraft, including drones, are limited in their ability to carry payloads, adapt to different environments, and require fixed component parts, limiting customization and usability.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a transverse rigid frame yoke member with detachable components such as wings, tail sections, and modular payload assemblies, allowing for customizable configurations and adaptable flight surfaces, including a detachable tail boom and tail assembly with servo motors, and a payload section with interchangeable batteries and cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a standard fuselage is used for all circumstances, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different missions and environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The airframe is divided into modular components including a fuselage, interchangeable wing assemblies, and a detachable tail section. Each component can be independently manufactured and assembled, allowing the same basic fuselage design to support multiple mission types by swapping wing and tail configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized fuselage design incorporates universal mounting structures and attachment mechanisms that can accommodate different wing assemblies and tail sections. This multi-functionality allows a single fuselage platform to serve various purposes such as photography, surveying, and research by simply changing the attached components.
2Strength
If fixed component parts are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but ability to customize and replace parts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft is segmented into major assemblies (fuselage, wings, tail) that can be independently replaced. Connection points are designed with standardized interfaces that maintain structural integrity during flight while enabling easy replacement in the field without requiring specialized tools or facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a completely fixed structure to a dynamic configuration where components can be changed based on mission requirements. The attachment mechanisms provide secure connection during operation but allow rapid disassembly and reconfiguration when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with detachable components is implemented, then adaptability and customization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By establishing universal attachment mechanisms and standardized mounting interfaces, the design reduces the variety of connection types needed. This universality simplifies the overall system despite the modular architecture, as the same interface standards apply across different component assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements are merged into integrated assemblies such as the wing-root connection structure and tail section mounting. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and connection points, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining modularity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed here are unmanned aerial vehicle embodiments including some embodiments having a fuselage, tail, and wings including example embodiments with an adaptable payload section, alternatively or additionally, modular flight surfaces including tail, wings and motor, alternatively or additionally the vehicle configured for short landings with reversible thrust, alternatively or additionally, the unmanned aerial vehicle configured with direct connection to moveable flight control surfaces.