Multicopter Propeller Guard with Dynamic Angular Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multicopter propeller guard systems do not dynamically adjust their angular position in response to flight conditions, such as collisions or vertical movements, which can lead to inadequate protection of propellers during crashes or encounters with obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A propeller guard system with a chassis, guards, and a rotation mechanism that allows for dynamic control of the angular position of the guards relative to the chassis, utilizing connectors and a servomotor to adjust the guards' position in real-time based on flight data from sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and collision detection systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If propeller guards are fixed in position, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the protection effectiveness is insufficient during collisions or vertical movements
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller guard system transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The guard can rotate between a first angular position (providing lateral protection during collisions) and a second angular position (providing vertical protection during descents), allowing the system to adapt to different flight conditions and collision scenarios, thereby improving protection effectiveness without requiring multiple separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The single propeller guard structure is designed to perform multiple protective functions by changing its angular position. It can protect against lateral collisions when in the first angular position and protect against vertical impacts during descents when in the second angular position, eliminating the need for separate landing gear or multiple fixed guards, thus reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability
2Reliability
If separate landing gear are added, then vertical descent protection is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller guard is designed as a multi-functional component that serves both as a collision protector and as a landing gear substitute. By rotating to the second angular position during vertical descents, the guard provides impact absorption and structural support, eliminating the need for separate landing gear assemblies and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of propeller protection and landing gear are merged into a single component - the propeller guard. This consolidation reduces the number of parts, simplifies the overall structure, and decreases weight while maintaining both protective functions through dynamic repositioning of the guard
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 system effectively protects propellers by dynamically adjusting their position to mitigate collision damage and can function as landing gear during vertical descents, reducing the need for separate landing gear and enhancing the multicopter's safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing connectors and a servomotor to adjust the guards' position in real-time
Implementation Method 2
flight data from sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and collision detection systems
Implementation Method 3
flight data from sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and collision detection systems
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments relate to an apparatus for controlling the angular position of propeller guards of a multicopter. The apparatus includes a chassis having at least three sides, including first and second sides meeting at a first vertex and second and third sides meeting at a second vertex. Each side is in communication with at least one propeller. At least one guard is in communication with the chassis. Each guard corresponds to a respective side, and each guard has oppositely disposed first and second terminals. The apparatus further includes a rotation mechanism in communication with the at least one guard to control an angular position of at least one guard relative to the chassis. The angular position is controlled in real time to mitigate damage with regard to an approaching or potential obstacle.