Self-Righting Aeronautical Vehicle Frame Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote-controlled helicopter models require manual reorientation after landing, limiting their operation to designated areas and restricting hobbyists due to the complexity of piloting and structural design, while automated inspection of enclosed structures is hindered by the inability to reliably inspect vertically oriented surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A self-righting aeronautical vehicle with a dome-shaped body and a frame assembly that includes vertically and horizontally oriented frames, a propulsion system, and a power supply, capable of automatically orienting itself upright from inverted or off-kilter positions, allowing for remote operation and inspection of interior surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual reorientation is required after landing, then the vehicle structure can be simpler, but the operational area is limited and operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle performs self-righting automatically after landing by utilizing its dome-shaped body geometry and center of gravity positioning. The vehicle rights itself through self-propelled motion without requiring manual intervention, thereby expanding operational areas beyond designated zones while maintaining relatively simple vehicle structure.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle is designed for vertical takeoff and landing, then runway requirements are eliminated, but the vehicle becomes prone to tipping and requires manual reorientation
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle employs an asymmetric dome-shaped body with a protrusion at the apex and a flattened bottom portion. This asymmetric geometry, combined with strategic weight distribution, creates inherent stability that prevents tipping during vertical landings. The vehicle maintains stability through its geometric design rather than complex active stabilization systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the frame is designed with high stability in upright position, then the vehicle can maintain operation, but it cannot self-right from inverted positions
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle achieves both upright stability and self-righting capability through dynamic geometric design. The dome-shaped body with specific curvature and the positioned protrusion create different stability characteristics depending on orientation. When inverted, the geometry naturally guides the vehicle toward upright positioning through self-propelled motion, while in the upright position, the flattened bottom provides stable resting contact.
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
Enables remote operation of helicopter models without manual reorientation and facilitates reliable automated inspection of enclosed structures by ensuring the vehicle can self-right and maintain stable operation, expanding operational areas and improving inspection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a self-righting substantially dome shaped vehicle body having an upper region comprising an upper airflow passageway at an upper region, a lower airflow passageway at a lower region, and a convex exterior surface extending between the upper region and the lower region
Implementation Method 2
the self-righting vehicle body defining an interior void, wherein the upper airflow passageway and the lower airflow passageway enable airflow into and from the interior void; at least one of an apex and a protrusion located generally centered within the upper region of the substantially dome shaped vehicle body
Data Source
AI summary
A self-righting aeronautical vehicle comprising a hollowed frame and a lift mechanism. The exterior of the frame and center of gravity are adapted to self-right the vehicle. The frame can include sealed, hollowed sections for use in bodies of water. The frame can be spherical in shape enabling inspection of internal surface of partially or fully enclosed structures. Inspection equipment can be integrated into the vehicle and acquired data can be stored or wirelessly communicated to a server. A controlled or other mass can be pivotally assembled to a pivot axle spanning across the interior of the frame. The pivot axis can rotate about a vertical axis (an axis perpendicular to the elongated axis). The propulsion mechanisms can be adapted for use as a terrestrial vehicle when enclosed in a sealed spherical shell.