Ring-Wing UAV Layout for Six-DOF VTOL and Forward Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are typically designed for either agility or efficiency but not both, and they operate with only four degrees of freedom, limiting their versatility and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
Aerial vehicles equipped with a ring wing and six propulsion mechanisms that can operate in vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) orientation, allowing independent movement in six degrees of freedom, including pitch, yaw, roll, surge, heave, and sway, with the ring wing providing lift and protection during horizontal flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-rotor configuration is used to achieve six degrees of freedom motion, then versatility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring wing structure serves multiple functions: it provides aerodynamic lift during horizontal flight, acts as a structural framework for mounting propulsion mechanisms, and enables both VTOL and horizontal flight modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing complexity while achieving six degrees of freedom capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerial vehicle employs adjustable pitch angles for propulsion mechanisms and variable geometry ring wing configurations that can be modified during flight. This dynamic adaptability allows the same basic structure to optimize performance across different flight regimes (VTOL, horizontal flight, maneuvering), reducing the need for multiple fixed-configuration systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a ring wing structure is added to provide lift during horizontal flight, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ring wing is integrated with the propulsion mechanism mounting structure, combining the lift-generating surface with the structural framework. This merging eliminates the need for separate wing attachments and structural supports, reducing overall complexity while providing both horizontal flight capability and propulsion mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring wing structure simultaneously provides aerodynamic lift for horizontal flight, serves as a structural framework for mounting propulsion mechanisms, and contributes to vehicle stability. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating the need for separate specialized components.
3Device complexity
If propulsion mechanisms are mounted on the ring wing structure, then device complexity is reduced, but the structural strength requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ring wing structure utilizes composite materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling the structure to withstand the loads from mounted propulsion mechanisms while maintaining lightweight construction. The composite materials allow the ring wing to serve both as a structural framework and lift-generating surface without excessive weight or complexity.
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
The design enables efficient transition between VTOL and horizontal flight, enhancing maneuverability and stability, while the ring wing provides both lift and protection, enabling versatile operations in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a ring wing that surrounds the propulsion mechanisms and provides lift to the aerial vehicle when the aerial vehicle is operating in the horizontal flight orientation
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of propulsion mechanisms that enable the aerial vehicle to move in any of the six degrees of freedom
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is an apparatus and method of an aerial vehicle, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle ("UAV") that can operate in either a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) orientation or a horizontal flight orientation. The aerial vehicle includes a plurality of propulsion mechanisms that enable the aerial vehicle to move in any of the six degrees of freedom (surge, sway, heave, pitch, yaw, and roll) when in the VTOL orientation. The aerial vehicle also includes a ring wing that surrounds the propulsion mechanisms and provides lift to the aerial vehicle when the aerial vehicle is operating in the horizontal flight orientation.