Resilient Elevon Control Surfaces for Precise UAV Yaw Control
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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 of ailerons, elevons, and rudders.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a fuselage-mounted effector and airfoils with resiliently mounted control surfaces that are actuated by extendible horns, allowing for angular rotation and deflection based on command signals, with a tapered aft portion of the fuselage facilitating the engagement and operation of these control surfaces, enabling cooperative movement and enhanced yaw control.
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 resiliently mounted to allow angular deflection from a neutral position, changing the parameter of control surface angle to enable adaptive control in varying flight conditions while maintaining structural integrity through the resilient mounting mechanism
2Measurement precision
If multiple control surfaces are added to improve control precision, then flight control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control surfaces (first control surface on first airfoil, second control surface on second airfoil, third control surface on third airfoil) are coordinated through a unified control system with effector members that can engage different airfoils, merging control functions to achieve precise flight control while managing system complexity through integrated actuation
3Ease of operation
If control surfaces are made extendible for engagement, then control effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The effector members are configured to be extendible and retractable, dynamically engaging with control surfaces during flight operations and retracting when not needed, allowing control effectiveness to be activated only when required while managing complexity through conditional engagement mechanisms
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 aerial vehicle's ability to achieve precise control and stability by allowing for coordinated movement of control surfaces, improving yaw control and overall flight dynamics, and enabling efficient deployment and storage of control surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a first control surface resiliently mounted to the first airfoil, wherein the first control surface is opposed by the first fuselage-mounted effector
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.