Multicopter Segmented Base Body for Energy Storage Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multicopters face limitations in electrical flight performance due to low energy density of energy storage devices and the use of costly and environmentally damaging materials like CFRP and GFRP, while maintaining stable flight characteristics and ease of maintenance is challenging.

Innovation Solution

A multicopter design with a base body divided into segments by inner and outer side walls, where energy storage devices are positioned centrally within these segments, allowing for unobstructed airflow and easy access, using a skeletal structure with support structures projecting outwards from the center, enabling interchangeable energy storage units and modular design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If energy storage devices with higher energy density are used, then electrical flight performance is improved, but currently such devices are not yet available

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflight timeVSAvoidenergy storage device availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base body is divided into multiple segments (first segment, second segment, third segment) with each segment capable of receiving energy storage devices. This modular segmentation allows flexible configuration of energy storage capacity while maintaining structural integrity and enabling incremental upgrades as higher density devices become available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Weight of moving object

If fiber-reinforced composites such as CFRP and GFRP are used to make multicopters lightweight, then flight performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and environmental damage occurs due to difficulty in recycling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulticopter weightVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and recyclability
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material construction for the base body segments, utilizing materials that balance lightweight properties with manufacturability and recyclability. The segmented design allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Use of energy by moving object

If the area around the rotor units is kept unobstructed for efficient airflow, then rotor efficiency is improved, but space for mounting energy storage devices is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotor efficiencyVSAvoidspace for energy storage devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Energy storage devices are positioned in the vertical dimension within the base body segments, below the rotor units. This vertical arrangement preserves the horizontal clearance around rotors for optimal airflow while utilizing the vertical space within the base body for energy storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the main mass of the multicopter is located centrally, then flight stability is improved and energy consumption is reduced, but access for maintenance becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflight stabilityVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The base body is segmented into multiple accessible sections (first segment, second segment, third segment) that can be independently opened or accessed. This segmentation maintains central mass distribution for flight stability while providing multiple access points for maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

5Ease of repair

If a modular design with interchangeable energy storage units is implemented, then ease of maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage device replaceabilityVSAvoidbase body structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base body is divided into distinct segments (first segment, second segment, third segment) with defined receiving devices for energy storage devices. This segmentation creates a modular architecture that simplifies maintenance operations while the standardized receiving device design across segments reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple segments are equipped with similar receiving device structures, creating a universal interface for energy storage devices throughout the base body. This universality simplifies maintenance procedures and reduces the variety of components that must be managed, offsetting the apparent complexity with standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Improves electrical flight performance by optimizing energy storage placement, reduces energy consumption, and enhances maintenance ease with a cost-effective, modular, and stable skeletal structure.

Implementation Method 1

several rotors arranged on the base body, which are coupled to at least one drive and generate lift and thrust by rotating the rotors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic lift: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentEP4326612B1Multicopter
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 STARCOPTER GMBH
  • EP4326612B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4326612B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP4326612B1 patent drawingFigure 6~10

AI summary

The invention relates to a multicopter comprising a main part (10) and multiple rotors (22) which are arranged on the main part (10) and which are coupled to at least one drive (24) and generate lift and propulsion by rotating, wherein a. each rotor (22) is secured to a support structure (30) which protrudes outwards from the center (11) of the main part (10) and b. the main part (10) is equipped with at least one receiving device (16) for an energy storage device (40), via which the drive is supplied with energy. The main part (10) is divided into segments (12) which are enclosed by lateral walls (13, 14); the segments (12) form the receiving devices (16) or receive the receiving devices (16) and have an insertion opening (15) for the energy storage device(s) (40), said insertion opening being oriented in and/or opposite the lift direction; the lateral walls (13, 14) are aligned towards a center or a central body (19); and the support structures (30) are part of the lateral walls (13, 14) or form the lateral walls (13, 14).