Rotating Frame Mechanism for Aerial Drone Payload Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerial drones lack a flexible and modular payload delivery system that allows for efficient orientation and deployment of payloads in various directions, limiting their versatility and operational effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a rotating frame with a central passage that enables payloads to translate between stowed and deployed positions, allowing for 360-degree rotation around a horizontal axis and 180-degree rotation around a vertical axis, enabling payloads to be oriented within a hemispherical space below the drone, with a modular system accommodating different types and sizes of payloads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed payload mounting system is used, then the drone structure is simple, but the payload cannot be oriented in various directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a rotating frame mechanism that allows the payload to be dynamically reoriented in multiple directions. The frame can rotate around a first axis (vertical) and a second axis (horizontal), transforming the static payload mounting system into a dynamic one that adapts to different deployment requirements while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating frame mechanism is segmented into multiple independent rotational components: a vertical rotation mechanism around the first axis and a horizontal rotation mechanism around the second axis. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving complex payload orientation through coordinated operation of simpler subsystems.
2Productivity
If payloads are stored inside the drone body, then protection is provided, but quick deployment in any direction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the payload within the drone body in a stowed configuration that aligns with the central passage. The rotating frame is pre-configured with the payload in a ready state, allowing for rapid deployment in any direction once the rotation mechanisms are activated, rather than requiring complex real-time adjustments during deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static stowed position to a dynamic deployed position through coordinated rotation around two axes. The payload can be quickly oriented in any desired direction within the hemispherical space below the drone by activating the rotation mechanisms, enabling both fast deployment and directional flexibility.
3Ease of repair
If a modular payload system is implemented, then payload exchange is easier, but the mounting mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating frame mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the payload, enables orientation in multiple directions, and facilitates easy payload exchange through the standardized mounting interface at the bottom of the central passage. This universal design allows the same mechanism to handle various payload types without requiring complex specialized mounting systems for each payload type.
Data Source
AI summary
An aerial drone is provided with a central passage and a rotating frame. A payload moves within the central passage through the drone body into a deployed position. The payload engages with the rotating frame and can be rotated into a desired orientation below the drone.