Propeller Alignment Devices Using Magnetic Bias
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial vehicles, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, face inefficiencies due to propellers not under power creating aerodynamic drag when not in use, which affects flight efficiency and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A propeller alignment device using a magnetic circuit with opposing magnets in stationary and rotating retainers to automatically align propellers in a predetermined orientation that minimizes airflow drag, utilizing a magnetic force to hold the propeller in place when the motor is off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If propellers are left stationary when not in use, then the aerial vehicle structure remains simple, but aerodynamic drag increases and flight efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active mechanical alignment mechanisms with a passive magnetic alignment system. Magnets embedded in the motor assembly create a magnetic field that automatically orients the propeller to a drag-minimized position when the motor is not running, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuators or sensors while reducing aerodynamic drag during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic alignment system enables the propeller to self-align to the optimal orientation without external control. The magnetic field interact ion between the motor's magnets and the propeller's magnetic components automatically positions the propeller to minimize drag, allowing the system to service itself during idle periods without consuming additional energy or requiring active control
2Loss of energy
If active alignment mechanisms are used to position propellers, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with a magnetic field-based solution. The magnets integrated into the motor assembly create a magnetic field that passively aligns the propeller, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, actuators, or control electronics while achieving the same drag reduction effect
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic components serve dual functions: they enable motor operation during flight and provide passive alignment during idle periods. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate alignment mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining drag reduction benefits
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 alignment device effectively reduces airflow drag on propellers when they are not in use, enhancing flight efficiency and energy management by passively orienting propellers to align with airflow directions, thereby minimizing drag and optimizing energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
the first set of stator magnets and the first set of rotor magnets magnetically bias the propeller into a predetermined orientation about the rotation axis with respect to the stator
Data Source
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AI summary
A propeller alignment device (102) is described. The propeller alignment device (102) can include a second retainer attached to a propeller (112) and a motor (104). The propeller alignment device (102) can also include a first retainer (114) that does not rotate, but that is aligned with the second retainer (116). The first retainer (114) can include two or more magnets (120A,120B) oppositely orientated relative to each other. The second retainer (116) can also include two or more magnets (118A,118B) oppositely orientated relative to each other. As the second retainer (116) rotates relative to the first retainer (114), the magnets may altematingly align with each other. In the absence of a current applied to the motor (104), the magnets may magnetically bias the second retainer (116) into a predetermined orientation relative to the first retainer (114). The predetermined orientation can be predetermined to correspond to an alignment of the propeller (112) that is desirable (e.g., that minimizes aerodynamic drag on the propeller).