Sonotube Deployable Multicopter with Pivoting Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patrol/surveillance aircraft systems either hover or require forward flight but not both, limiting their ability to maintain high altitudes for effective networking and search capabilities, and they lack the capability to deploy remote sensors that can efficiently transition between compact and expanded configurations for hovering and navigation.
Innovation Solution
A compact, highly maneuverable sonotube deployable multicopter (SDM) system that can be packaged in a protective shell and deployed from an aircraft, automatically transitioning from a compact to an expanded configuration to enable hovering and navigation, equipped with a central pivot device and extension arms to support rotors, and a release mechanism for parachute and SDM deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the multicopter is packaged in a compact configuration within a protective shell for deployment from aircraft, then the device complexity and ease of deployment are improved, but the volume and maneuverability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The multicopter structure is divided into modular extension arms that can be independently folded and deployed. Each arm contains rotor mounts and can be stowed separately within the protective shell, then extended outward during operation, allowing compact storage while maintaining full operational configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension arms and rotors are designed to nest within the protective shell during transport, with smaller components fitting inside larger structures. The arms fold concentrically around the central body, and rotors are positioned to fit within the arm structures, maximizing compactness while preserving full deployment capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the multicopter uses extension arms that can pivot from compact to expanded configuration, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension arms incorporate pivot joints that allow dynamic reconfiguration between compact and expanded states. The arms can rotate relative to the central body and to each other, enabling the structure to adapt between transport and operational configurations while maintaining structural integrity through controlled mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The multicopter includes automated control systems that manage the extension arm deployment sequence. Sensors and actuators work together to automatically transition the structure from compact to expanded configuration without manual intervention, reducing the operational burden while maintaining mechanical complexity for automated control.
3Reliability
If the multicopter is designed for hovering capability at high altitudes, then the surveillance effectiveness is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multicopter is designed with multiple rotor configurations that can perform both hovering and forward flight functions. The same rotor system that enables stable hovering for surveillance can also provide forward thrust for repositioning, eliminating the need for separate propulsion systems and reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining surveillance reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts rotor speed and pitch parameters to optimize energy efficiency at different altitudes and mission phases. During hovering, rotors operate at optimized speeds for vertical lift, while during transitions or forward flight, parameters are adjusted to minimize energy consumption while maintaining surveillance effectiveness.
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 persistent video or infrared feedback, precise location monitoring, and forward flight capabilities, allowing integration of non-streamlined sensors or payloads, and provides a low-cost, agile flight platform for maritime and land-based targets, with the ability to hover and track targets efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of rotors are configured to generate propulsion for the SDM
Implementation Method 2
The central pivot device supports the plurality of extension arms radially extending from the central pivot device. Pivotal movement of a first arm-support structure of the central pivot device relative to a second arm-support structure of the central pivot device rotates a first pair of the plurality of extension arms in unison relative to a second pair of the plurality of extension arms
Implementation Method 3
The pivotal movement is biased to rotate the plurality of extension arms from a compact configuration to an expanded configuration while the SDM is airborne
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial system (UAS) including a sonotube deployable multicopter (SDM) having a plurality of rotors for propulsion, a plurality of extension arms, and a central pivot device. Each extension arm supports at least one of the plurality of rotors. The central pivot device supports the plurality of extension arms radially extending from the central pivot device. Pivotal movement of a first arm-support structure of the central pivot device relative to a second arm-support structure of the central pivot device rotates a first pair of the plurality of extension arms in unison relative to a second pair of the plurality of extension arms. The pivotal movement is biased to rotate the plurality of extension arms from a compact configuration to an expanded configuration while the UAS is airborne. The SDM configured to be held inside a sonoshell in the compact configuration.