Motor Hub Skid Surface for Propeller Strike Shaft Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) without sufficient landing gear or with propellers that strike the ground during landing often suffer damage to the engine compartment and propeller.
Innovation Solution
A motor apparatus with a hub having a circumferential skid surface that contacts the motor casing when a bending moment is applied, limiting shaft deformation and protecting the engine compartment from damage during propeller strikes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the UAV uses a simple landing gear configuration or no landing gear, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of protecting the engine compartment from propeller strike damage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning a skid surface on the hub that contacts the motor casing before excessive bending moments can damage the shaft. This protective contact occurs during landing strikes, absorbing impact forces and preventing damage to critical components without requiring complex landing gear systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing the skid surface as a mediating element between the propeller hub and the motor casing. This skid surface acts as a protective interface that transfers impact forces safely to the motor casing, preventing direct damage to the shaft and internal components during ground strikes.
2Productivity
If the propeller is positioned closer to the ground for better performance, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of propeller strike damage to the engine compartment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The skid surface provides beforehand cushioning by being positioned to contact the motor casing before excessive forces can transmit to the shaft. This allows the propeller to operate at lower positions for improved performance while the skid surface absorbs ground strike impacts, preventing damage to the engine compartment.
3Strength
If the shaft is made more rigid to withstand bending moments, then the strength is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The skid surface serves as an intermediary protective element that prevents excessive bending moments from reaching the shaft during ground strikes. This allows the shaft to maintain its original design without requiring additional reinforcement, complex structures, or increased weight, while still being protected against damage.
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 solution effectively reduces the risk of engine compartment damage by absorbing bending moments through the reinforcing contact between the motor casing and the circumferential skid surface of the hub, thereby protecting the rotatable shaft and motor components.
Implementation Method 1
A bending moment applied to the shaft through the hub may result in the circumferential skid surface contacting the motor casing
Data Source
AI summary
A motor assembly that includes a motor having a motor casing, a rotatable shaft extending from said motor casing to a shaft length and a hub coupled to said rotatable shaft, the hub having a circumferential skid surface disposed immediately proximal to the motor casing and having a channel configured to seat a propeller, when a propeller is present, wherein a bending moment applied to the shaft through the hub results in the circumferential skid surface contacting said motor casing.