Multi-rotor Rotorcraft Segmented Access Door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-rotor rotorcraft designs face challenges in efficient loading and unloading of cargo or passengers due to limited access and spacing between rotor assemblies, which affects maneuverability, stability, and safety during these operations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a fuselage with at least four rotor assemblies spaced around it, optimized elongate support arms, and a two-part access door that opens wide to provide ample space for cargo or passenger access, along with various configurations of rotor guards for visibility and safety, and a skid gear for ground support, allowing for safe and efficient loading/unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If rotor assemblies are spaced closely to reduce vehicle size, then device complexity and weight are reduced, but access for loading and unloading cargo becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle body is segmented into modular components including a fuselage, elongate support arms, and rotor assemblies that can be independently configured. The access door is divided into two parts that can open in opposite directions, creating separate loading and unloading pathways that do not interfere with rotor operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by positioning rotor assemblies at different locations around the fuselage (forward, aft, left, right) and configuring support arms with specific geometries. The access door opens in multiple directions to create volumetric access pathways that bypass the rotor assemblies, effectively using vertical and lateral dimensions to resolve the access conflict.
2Ease of operation
If rotor assemblies are spaced widely to improve access, then loading and unloading becomes easier, but vehicle size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms are configured with dynamic geometries that optimize spacing between rotor assemblies. The arms can be positioned at various angles and lengths to accommodate different operational requirements, allowing the vehicle to adapt its configuration for either compact storage or expanded access during loading operations.
3Ease of operation
If access door opens widely to provide ample space, then cargo access is improved, but vehicle stability during operation may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The access door is segmented into two independent parts that can open in opposite directions. This segmentation allows one side to remain closed for stability while the other provides access, or both can open simultaneously when the vehicle is stationary for loading operations.
4Weight of moving object
If rotor assemblies are positioned close to reduce weight, then weight profile is reduced, but visibility and safety around rotors deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Rotor guards are introduced as intermediary protective structures positioned between the rotor assemblies and the vehicle environment. These guards provide physical protection and visual indication of rotor boundaries while maintaining the compact configuration, serving as a mediator that preserves both weight efficiency and safety.
Data Source
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AI summary
Multi-rotor rotorcraft (10) comprise a fuselage (12), and at least four rotor assemblies (14) operatively supported by and spaced-around the fuselage (12). Each of the at least four rotor assemblies (14) defines a spin volume (24) and a spin diameter (26). Some multi-rotor rotorcraft (10) further comprise at least one rotor guard (50) that is fixed relative to the fuselage (12), that borders the spin volume (24) of at least one of the at least four rotor assemblies (14), and that is configured to provide a visual indication of the spin volume (24) of the at least one of the at least four rotor assemblies (14). Various configurations of rotor guards (50) are disclosed.