Self-Folding Propeller Assembly for Compact UAV Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional propeller blades for unmanned aerial vehicles require human intervention to fold and unfold, leading to potential mechanical errors and increased storage space due to their extended configuration when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A self-folding propeller assembly with spring-loaded hinges and centrifugal force mechanisms that allow propeller blades to automatically transition between a folded state for storage and an extended flight state without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If propeller blades are extended for flight, then thrust performance is improved, but storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller blades are designed with dynamic capability to transition between extended and folded configurations. Hinge joints enable the blades to rotate and change orientation, allowing the system to adapt its geometry based on operational requirements (flight vs. storage).
Solution Approach 2:
The folded propeller configuration allows blades to be positioned within or near the central hub structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes the overall footprint during storage while maintaining full blade functionality during flight.
2Area of stationary object
If manual folding mechanism is used, then storage space is reduced, but reliability decreases due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller assembly is designed to self-fold and self-unfold through spring-loaded mechanisms that automatically position blades in the correct configuration. The system serves itself without requiring human intervention, eliminating errors associated with manual operation while maintaining reliable mechanical setup.
Solution Approach 2:
Spring mechanisms are pre-loaded to automatically perform the folding and unfolding actions. The springs are positioned and configured in advance to engage at specific blade orientations, ensuring reliable automatic transition between storage and flight configurations without manual intervention.
3Productivity
If propeller blades are made large for sufficient thrust, then flight capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge joints enable the large propeller blades to be dynamically repositioned from an extended flight configuration to a folded storage configuration. This dynamic capability allows the system to accommodate large blade dimensions for thrust performance while improving handling ease through compact folding during storage or transport.
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 propeller assembly minimizes storage space by automatically folding when not in use and extending for flight, reducing the need for manual handling and minimizing mechanical errors.
Implementation Method 1
A self-folding propeller assembly with spring-loaded hinges and centrifugal force mechanisms that allow propeller blades to automatically transition between a folded state for storage and an extended flight state without human intervention.
Implementation Method 2
A self-folding propeller assembly with spring-loaded hinges and centrifugal force mechanisms that allow propeller blades to automatically transition between a folded state for storage and an extended flight state without human intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle including a propeller blade and a central hub. The propeller blade includes a hole, and a connector located at a root of the propeller blade, the connector including a projection and a shoulder. The central hub includes an opening configured to receive the projection; a portion of a face, wherein the shoulder engages with the portion of the face in a first rotational position of the propeller blade and holes. The holes of the propeller blade and the central hub are concentric so that the propeller blade is movably connected to the central hub via the holes.