Multicopter Propeller Segmentation for Lift and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multicopter designs face challenges in scaling up due to slow response times of large motors, significant propeller and motor weights, and inertia issues, which hinder agile maneuvering and control, especially in larger vehicles requiring quick changes in propeller motor operation for tasks like hovering and sharp turns.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a chassis with larger lift propellers and smaller control propellers, all oriented in parallel planes, allowing for independent control of propeller speeds to manage lift and spatial orientation, with a computer system managing motor operations and load balancing to enhance maneuverability and payload capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If large motors and propellers are used to increase lifting capacity, then lifting power is improved, but response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the propeller system into two distinct segments: large lift propellers for generating lifting power and small control propellers for maneuvering. This segmentation allows each type of propeller to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between lifting power and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the system have different properties: lift propellers are large with high power for lifting, while control propellers are small with quick response for maneuvering. This local differentiation of qualities allows the system to simultaneously achieve both high lifting capacity and agile control.
2Power
If motor size is increased to handle larger payloads, then lifting capacity is improved, but maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments control functions by assigning different propellers to different tasks: large lift propellers handle payload lifting while small control propellers handle maneuvering. This segmentation maintains ease of operation despite increased lifting capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The small control propellers serve multiple functions: they enable agile maneuvering and also assist in fine-tuning position during hovering. This multi-functionality maintains maneuverability while the system handles larger payloads.
3Power
If propeller length is increased to improve lift, then lifting power is improved, but control responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the propeller system into long lift propellers and short control propellers. The long propellers provide lifting power while the short propellers provide rapid control response, eliminating the trade-off between lift and responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different propellers have different local qualities: long propellers for lift generation and short propellers for quick response. This local quality differentiation allows the system to have both high lifting power and fast control response simultaneously.
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
This configuration enables multicopters to achieve high lifting power while maintaining easy control and quick spatial position changes, addressing the scaling issues by optimizing propeller size and motor control for efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a group of propellers for lifting the multicopter body and a group of propellers for controlling the spatial orientation of the multicopter body
Implementation Method 2
the at least two mounted lift motors each having a lift propeller, the at least four mounted control motors each having a control propeller
Data Source
AI summary
Described here are multicopter systems and methods of operating multicopter systems, including those with a chassis with at least two mounted lift motors and at least four mounted control motors mounted within the chassis, wherein, the at least two mounted lift motors each having a lift propeller, the at least four mounted control motors each having a control propeller, wherein the lift propellers and the control propellers are in parallel planes or coplanar, a computer mounted on the chassis, the computer in communication with the control motors, an electric power source mounted on the chassis, the electric power source connected to the control motors, and an antennae mounted on the chassis, in communication with the computer. In some examples, the control systems are encrypted.