Reconfigurable Drone Modules for Stable Cargo Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drones experience instability and cargo damage due to inclination during directional changes, limiting their utility and efficiency, as they require separate designs for different cargo weights and movement directions.
Innovation Solution
A drone with reconfigurable unit module drones, each having a rectangular parallelepiped shape and propelling parts in six directions, allowing horizontal movement without rotation, enabling stable flight and flexible configuration for various shapes and cargo capacities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional drones change direction by inclining their body, then they can move in different directions, but the cargo becomes inclined and may be damaged or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The drone is divided into multiple independent propelling parts (at least two) that can generate thrust in different directions. Each propelling part can be independently controlled to adjust the overall thrust vector without requiring the entire drone body to incline, thereby maintaining cargo stability while achieving directional movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The propelling parts are designed to be dynamically adjustable in terms of thrust magnitude and direction. By varying the thrust output of individual propelling parts, the drone can change direction and maintain position in three-dimensional space without body inclination, ensuring cargo remains stable throughout maneuvers.
2Reliability
If separate drone designs are created for different cargo weights and purposes, then each drone is optimized for its specific use, but the number of drone types increases and utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The drone employs a universal modular architecture where multiple identical or similar propelling parts can be combined in different configurations to serve various purposes. The same basic drone unit can be adapted for different cargo weights and application scenarios by adjusting the number and arrangement of propelling parts, eliminating the need for completely separate drone designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone configuration is dynamically adaptable through the selective activation and arrangement of propelling parts. Depending on the cargo weight and mission requirements, the system can optimize its performance by utilizing different combinations of propelling parts, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed-design drone types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of drones are formed for different use purposes, then each drone is specialized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal drone platform is designed that can perform multiple specialized functions through configuration changes rather than requiring separate specialized drone types. The same basic drone structure with adjustable propelling parts can serve delivery, surveillance, transportation, and other purposes, significantly reducing the number of different drone types needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone system is segmented into standardized, interchangeable propelling parts that can be independently configured. This modular segmentation allows the same basic drone platform to be adapted for different uses by reconfiguring the propelling parts, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
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 drone achieves stable horizontal movement in six directions, preventing cargo inclination and allowing precise positioning, enhanced control, and efficient mass production with customizable shapes for different purposes and cargo sizes.
Implementation Method 1
propelling parts connected to the controlling part, formed in six directions, and generating thrusts in each of the six directions
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a drone having a reconfigurable shape, more specifically, a drone having a reconfigurable shape that is capable of being horizontally flown without a rotation motion of the drone by configuring unit module drones having a rectangular parallelepiped shape that may apply thrusts in six directions and is capable of being flown singly or flown in various shapes by forming an assembly drone by coupling between the unit module drones.