Multirotor Frame Design for Vibration Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multirotor aircraft are inherently unstable, causing oscillations and vibrations that affect image acquisition during flight, especially in windy conditions, due to their design, which positions video acquisition means far from the center of mass, leading to microblur and rolling shutter effects, and existing solutions like servo-assisted gimbals are too heavy for small aircraft to comply with weight regulations.
Innovation Solution
A frame design for multirotor aircraft with a central portion and non-coplanar peripheral portions, each equipped with motors, positions the video acquisition means closer to the center of mass, reducing oscillations and vibrations, and uses lightweight materials like carbon fiber or metallic components to minimize weight and motor power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If video acquisition means are positioned at the edge of the frame far from the center of mass, then the visual field is not obstructed by rotors and frame parts, but the amplitude of oscillations and vibrations increases causing microblur and rolling shutter effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar frame structure to a three-dimensional configuration where the video acquisition means are positioned in a different spatial plane (z-axis direction) rather than simply moving them along the edge of the frame. This dimensional change allows the camera to be closer to the center of mass while maintaining an unobstructed visual field by positioning it above or below the rotor plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the frame structure itself as a counterbalancing element, positioning the video acquisition means on the central portion of the frame which acts as a counterweight to balance the distribution of mass. This reduces the oscillation amplitude by minimizing the moment arm between the center of mass and the video acquisition means, thereby reducing microblur and rolling shutter effects.
2Manufacturing precision
If servo-assisted cardan support (gimbal) is used to correct orientation during oscillations, then image acquisition stability improves, but the weight of the aircraft increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vibration isolation function from the complex servo-assisted gimbal system and implements it through a simplified passive isolation mechanism using elastic elements (springs or rubber dampers) that isolate the video acquisition means from frame vibrations without requiring motors or active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical servo-assisted gimbal system with a simpler passive isolation system using elastic elements. This substitution maintains image stability by mechanically absorbing vibrations while significantly reducing the weight and complexity of the support system.
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials are used to minimize aircraft weight, then compliance with weight regulations is achieved, but the structural strength and vibration damping capacity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials for the frame construction that combine lightweight properties with high strength-to-weight ratio. The frame is designed to provide both structural integrity and vibration damping capabilities while maintaining minimal weight, using materials that offer both stiffness and elastic properties for natural vibration isolation.
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 design significantly reduces the amplitude of vibrations and oscillations affecting video acquisition, improving image stability and compliance with weight regulations by centralizing the center of mass and minimizing the weight of the aircraft, thus enhancing image quality in challenging flight conditions.
Implementation Method 1
said video acquisition means being isolated from vibrations and oscillations of said frame by means of elastic elements (springs or rubber dampers)
Implementation Method 2
said video acquisition means being isolated from vibrations and oscillations of said frame by means of elastic elements (springs or rubber dampers)
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely controlled multirotor aircraft having a frame that includes a first and a second peripheral portions, to which at least one first and one second motor can be respectively coupled, and a central portion including a first end and a second end, to which the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion are respectively coupled, so that the first peripheral portion develops in a plane that is different from that in which the second peripheral portion develops; furthermore, the central portion also includes a coupling mechanism allowing the coupling between the central portion and a mobile device having video acquisition ability.