Resilient Elevon Control Surfaces for Precise UAV Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerial vehicle flight control systems, particularly for UAVs, face challenges in efficiently utilizing control surfaces to achieve precise control and stability, especially in varying flight conditions, due to limitations in the design and actuation mechanisms of ailerons, elevons, and rudders.
Innovation Solution
The design 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, with a focus on canted axes of rotation and lateral translation to enhance control surface interaction and cooperation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If control surfaces are rigidly mounted to airfoils, then structural strength is improved, but control precision and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control surfaces are mounted resiliently to the airfoils, allowing flexible deflection while maintaining structural integrity. This resilient mounting enables precise control surface movement in response to actuator commands while the airfoil itself remains structurally sound.
Solution Approach 2:
The control surfaces are designed to be dynamically deflectable relative to the airfoils through resilient mounting. This allows the control surfaces to move independently in response to flight conditions and actuator commands, improving control precision without compromising the static strength of the airfoil structure.
2Ease of operation
If control surfaces are resiliently mounted to airfoils, then control precision is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control surface assembly is segmented into distinct components: the airfoil, the resiliently mounted control surface, and the actuator system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the airfoil for strength, the control surface for precision, and the actuator for control authority.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient mounting acts as an intermediary between the control surface and the airfoil. It transmits control forces from the actuator to the control surface while allowing independent movement, and simultaneously transmits aerodynamic loads from the control surface to the airfoil structure, maintaining strength while enabling precision control.
3Force
If extendible horns are used for actuation, then control authority is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator horns are designed to be extendible rather than fixed, allowing the actuation mechanism to adapt its leverage and control authority based on flight conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability provides improved control authority while the mechanical extendible design keeps the complexity manageable through straightforward mechanical means.
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 aerial vehicle's ability to maintain stability and control during flight by enabling precise deflection and rotation of control surfaces, effectively addressing the limitations of existing systems by enhancing the interaction between control surfaces and actuators.
Implementation Method 1
a first airfoil comprising 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.