Spherical VTOL UAV with Reversible Propellers and Wheeled Exoskeleton

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face limitations in vertical take-off and landing, stability, safety, and endurance, particularly in urban or indoor environments, where they often require complex control systems and are prone to damage during operations like search and rescue missions.

Innovation Solution

A spherical unmanned aerial system with a reversible propeller and wheeled mechanism that allows for hover, forward flight, ground mobility, and self-uprighting capabilities, enabling efficient navigation and operation in various environments without the need for complex landing maneuvers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional fixed-wing UAVs are used for forward flight, then speed and efficiency are improved, but vertical take-off and landing capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforward flight speedVSAvoidvertical take-off and landing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spherical UAV integrates both fixed-wing forward flight capability and vertical take-off/landing capability into a single platform. The vehicle can operate as a rotary-wing UAV for vertical operations and as a fixed-wing UAV for efficient forward flight, eliminating the need to choose between the two operational modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If rotary-wing UAVs are used for vertical take-off and landing, then adaptability is improved, but forward flight speed and stability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical take-off and landing capabilityVSAvoidforward flight speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The UAV employs dynamic reconfiguration of its propulsion system, transitioning between rotary-wing and fixed-wing modes based on operational requirements. The propellers can change orientation and configuration to optimize performance for either vertical operations or high-speed forward flight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If open-tip propellers are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but safety and durability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropeller construction simplicityVSAvoidsafety and damage resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs shrouded propellers with flexible blade designs that can withstand impact and deformation. The shrouds protect the propellers from damage while the flexible blade construction allows the propellers to bend and recover from impacts without breaking, maintaining both safety and manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If complex control systems are added to improve stability, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight stabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spherical UAV design inherently provides stability through its geometric symmetry and center-of-gravity positioning. The spherical shape and strategic placement of propulsion elements create natural stabilizing forces that reduce the need for complex active control systems, achieving stability through passive design features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system effectively combines hover, forward flight, and ground mobility, ensuring operational reliability and safety by reversing propeller direction for self-righting and using slipstream-generated ground mobility, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing operational flexibility in diverse settings.

Implementation Method 1

a propeller assembly that rotates about a vertical axis and that is enclosed by a frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPropeller thrust generation: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

the vehicle rights itself by reversing the direction of the propeller(s) that are otherwise used for flight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReversed propeller force generation: Reaction (physics)

Implementation Method 3

using slipstream-generated ground mobility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSlipstream ground mobility: Drag

Data Source

PatentUS11591083B2Spherical VTOL aerial vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 BOARD OF REGENTS FOR OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

AI summary

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an unmanned flying robotic object that contains a wheeled mechanism that encircles its spherical exoskeleton. This feature allows the flying spherical vehicle to readily transform into a ground maneuverable vehicle. A robotic motor with differential speed capability is used to operate each wheel to provide effective ground maneuverability. There are examples provided herein of wheel configurations suitable for use with an embodiment. One is the straight- (or parallel) wheel design, and another is tilted-wheel design as are illustrated and discussed hereinafter. One embodiment of an unmanned flying robotic object taught herein is foldable.