Resilient Elevon Control Surfaces for Precise UAV Flight Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerial vehicle flight control systems, particularly for UAVs, face challenges in efficiently and effectively utilizing control surfaces to manage flight dynamics, especially in terms of aileron control, which can be complex due to the need for precise actuation and coordination of multiple control surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a fuselage-mounted effector and airfoils with resiliently mounted control surfaces that are actuated via extendible horns, allowing for angular rotation and deflection based on command signals, enabling cooperative movement of airfoils to enhance flight control, particularly in UAVs with tapered aft portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If control surfaces are resiliently mounted to airfoils with extendible fuselage-mounted effectors, then flight control precision and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into modular components: resiliently mounted control surfaces on airfoils, extendible fuselage-mounted effectors, and rotatably attached airfoils. Each component can be independently controlled and adjusted, allowing precise flight control while maintaining manageable system complexity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control mechanisms including resilient mounting that allows controlled deflection, extendible effectors that can adjust length, and rotatably attached airfoils that can change orientation. These dynamic features enable adaptive flight control responses while the coordinated operation of multiple dynamic elements manages overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple airfoils with control surfaces are deployed for enhanced flight control, then flight dynamics control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple airfoils are equipped with similar control surface mechanisms (resilient mounting, extendible effectors, rotational attachment), creating universal multi-functional units. Each airfoil assembly can perform multiple flight control functions, increasing overall system adaptability while using standardized components that reduce design and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system employs nested structural relationships where control surfaces are mounted on airfoils, which are themselves rotatably attached to the fuselage, which contains extendible effectors. This nested arrangement allows compact storage and streamlined configuration while enabling complex flight dynamics control when deployed.
3Ease of operation
If control surfaces are resiliently mounted to allow deflection, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient mounting system allows control surfaces to deflect through controlled parameter changes in their mounting characteristics. By designing the resilient mounting with specific stiffness and deflection parameters, the system achieves ease of operation for flight control while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized resilient element specifications and controlled deflection ranges.
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 improves the control and stability of aerial vehicles by allowing for precise actuation of control surfaces, enhancing flight dynamics and yaw control, and enabling efficient deployment and retraction of control surfaces for storage and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first control surface resiliently mounted to the first airfoil
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising an aerial vehicle or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to control pitch, roll, and/or yaw via airfoils having resiliently mounted trailing edges opposed by fuselage-house deflecting actuator horns. Embodiments include one or more rudder elements which may be rotatably attached and actuated by an effector member disposed within the fuselage housing and extendible in part to engage the one or more rudder elements.