Reconfigurable UAV Body Layout for Agility-Efficiency Switching

Solution Overview

Problem

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) typically face a trade-off between agility and efficiency, as they are designed for either maneuverability or power conservation, but not both, limiting their versatility in various operational scenarios.

Innovation Solution

The UAV system incorporates a configuration that allows for reconfiguration during flight by using a combination of lifting motors and propellers for efficiency and maneuverability motors and propellers for agility, with adjustable propeller positions and motor arms to optimize for different flight profiles, enabling the UAV to switch between compact and expanded configurations as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the UAV is designed for agility with maneuverability motors and propellers, then maneuverability is improved, but power efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidpower efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the motor arm configuration adjustable during flight. The motor arms can be repositioned between a first configuration optimized for maneuverability (with maneuverability motors/propellers) and a second configuration optimized for power efficiency (with lifting motors/propellers). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the UAV to adapt its propulsion system to different flight phases, resolving the contradiction between maneuverability and power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the UAV is designed for power conservation with lifting motors and propellers, then power efficiency is improved, but agility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidagility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the motor arm configuration adjustable during flight. The motor arms can be repositioned between a first configuration optimized for maneuverability (with maneuverability motors/propellers) and a second configuration optimized for power efficiency (with lifting motors/propellers). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the UAV to adapt its propulsion system to different flight phases, resolving the contradiction between maneuverability and power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the UAV uses adjustable body portions and reconfiguration during flight, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the UAV into modular components: a body with fixed portions and adjustable portions, multiple motor arms that can be repositioned, and different types of motors/propellers (lifting vs. maneuverability). This modular segmentation enables the system to achieve high adaptability through reconfiguration while managing complexity through standardized modular interfaces and independent functional units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11584533B1Adjustable unmanned aerial vehicles with adjustable body portions

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

This disclosure describes an unmanned aerial vehicle that may be configured during flight to optimize for agility or efficiency.