Resilient Elevon Control Surfaces for Integrated UAV Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerial vehicle flight control systems, particularly for UAVs, face challenges in efficiently integrating and controlling multiple control surfaces such as elevators, ailerons, and rudders to achieve stable and precise flight maneuvers, especially in complex flight modes like terminal homing and surveillance.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a fuselage-mounted effector and airfoil configuration with resiliently mounted control surfaces that can be actuated via extendible horns to engage and rotate the airfoils, allowing for coordinated control of elevons, ailerons, and rudders, enabling angular rotation and lateral translation to manage pitching, yawing, and rolling motions effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control surfaces (elevators, ailerons, rudders) are integrated into a unified control system, then flight maneuverability and control precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control surfaces (elevators, ailerons, rudders) into a unified control system where a single effector can coordinate all control surfaces. This merging approach improves flight maneuverability by enabling integrated control while managing system complexity through shared actuation mechanisms and coordinated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The effector is designed as a universal control element that can actuate multiple different control surfaces (elevators, ailerons, rudders) through a single actuation mechanism. This multi-functionality allows one component to perform multiple control functions, improving versatility while reducing the number of separate actuation systems needed.
2Ease of operation
If resiliently mounted control surfaces are used to enable flexible actuation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may deteriorate due to potential mounting failures
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient mounting incorporates elastic elements that provide inherent compliance and shock absorption. This beforehand cushioning protects the mounting connection from stress concentrations and impact loads, preventing premature failure while maintaining the flexibility needed for easy control surface actuation.
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 enhances the stability and control of aerial vehicles by allowing for precise deflection and rotation of control surfaces based on command signals, improving flight control and maneuverability, especially in transitioning between different flight modes.
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.