Offset Support Boom Layout for Hybrid VTOL UAV Endurance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are limited by their range and efficiency, particularly in commercial applications, due to the constraints of existing propulsion systems and aerodynamic designs.
Innovation Solution
The development of a multi-rotor UAV equipped with a hybrid propulsion system that combines a combustion engine with electric motors and rotors, featuring a unique aerodynamic fairing design and support boom configuration for enhanced efficiency and extended flight duration, allowing for vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a hybrid propulsion system combining combustion engine and electric motors is used, then flight duration and range are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a combustion engine and electric motors into a hybrid propulsion system where the combustion engine drives a generator that powers the electric motors, which in turn drive the rotors. This merging of power sources enables extended flight duration by allowing the combustion engine to handle long-duration power needs while electric motors provide precise control and instantaneous torque.
2Productivity
If support booms extend outwardly from opposing longitudinal sides, then rotor spacing and aerodynamic efficiency are improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support boom structure is segmented into multiple booms extending from different longitudinal positions on the vehicle body. Each boom carries specific rotors at defined offsets, creating a modular configuration that optimizes aerodynamic efficiency by spacing rotors to minimize interference while maintaining structural manageability.
3Ease of operation
If multiple electric motors are positioned on support booms with offset rotation axes, then thrust distribution and control precision are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of electric motors on the support booms, with rotation axes offset in the transverse direction from adjacent motors. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes thrust distribution and control precision by creating deliberate imbalances that can be compensated through control algorithms, while the offset distances are designed to be manufacturable within standard tolerances.
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 significantly improves the range and endurance of the UAV, enabling it to perform missions beyond the capabilities of existing multi-rotor systems, with extended flight times and increased payload capacity, while minimizing drag and vibration through advanced aerodynamics and vibration isolation.
Implementation Method 1
an electric generator positioned within the internal cavity of the body
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of electric motors, each of the plurality of electric motors electrically coupled to the electrical bus; and a plurality of rotors, each of the plurality of rotors being operably coupled to a respective one of the plurality of electric motors
Implementation Method 3
at least one fairing rotatably coupled to each at least one support boom
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle capable of VTOL operation can include: a vehicle body defining longitudinal and transverse directions and opposing longitudinal sides; a first support boom coupled to the vehicle body at a first transverse axis and extending outwardly from the opposing longitudinal sides; a second support boom coupled to the vehicle body at a second transverse axis positioned rearward from the first transverse axis and extending outwardly from the opposing longitudinal sides; a plurality of electric motors coupled to a one of the first and second support booms, at least two electric motors of the plurality of electric motors positioned on each of the first and second support booms, a rotation axis of each of the at least two electric motors coupled to the second support boom offset in a transverse direction from a rotation axis of each of the at least two adjacent electric motors coupled to the first support boom; a plurality of rotors; and a propulsion system.