Telescoping Boom UAV with Multi-Axis Thrust Vectoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV package delivery systems face challenges in being quiet, safe for children and animals, capable of operating in inclement weather, and versatile enough to deliver to various structures, including residential and commercial buildings.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a cyclorotor and rotor assembly with pivotable wing surfaces and a telescoping boom, allowing for multi-axis thrust vectoring, reduced noise, and precise maneuvering, enabling diagonal and lateral payload deployment while maintaining orientation and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a UAV is designed for quiet operation to avoid being a public nuisance, then noise levels are reduced, but this may limit the power and thrust available for effective payload delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is divided into multiple independent rotor assemblies (typically three) distributed around the fuselage. Each rotor can be controlled independently, allowing the system to achieve quiet operation by distributing thrust across multiple smaller rotors rather than one large noisy rotor, while still generating sufficient total thrust for payload delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor assemblies are designed with dynamic pitch control capabilities, allowing each rotor blade's angle of attack to be adjusted in real-time. This enables precise thrust vectoring and control while operating at lower, quieter speeds, and allows the system to scale thrust output dynamically based on mission requirements without always operating at maximum noisy power
2Manufacturing precision
If the UAV hovers close to delivery locations for precise payload placement, then delivery precision is improved, but safety is compromised due to proximity to children and animals
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV employs a telescoping boom mechanism that extends the payload delivery reach horizontally and diagonally from the fuselage. This allows the main body of the UAV to hover at a safe distance from children and animals while the extended boom places the payload precisely at the target location, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the delivery system
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping boom acts as an intermediary structure between the UAV fuselage and the payload. It serves as a mechanical extension that decouples the hover position from the payload placement position, allowing the payload to be delivered to precise locations without requiring the UAV itself to be in close proximity to people or animals
3Device complexity
If the UAV uses traditional horizontal payload deployment, then simplicity is maintained, but versatility in delivering to various structures including diagonal and lateral access points is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The payload deployment system is made dynamically adjustable through the telescoping boom mechanism. The boom can extend to various lengths and angles, allowing the payload to be delivered horizontally, diagonally, or laterally depending on the mission requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables the UAV to access diverse delivery locations such as windows, balconies, and doorways of various buildings without requiring multiple specialized mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping boom mechanism provides multi-functional capability, serving as both a structural support for the payload and a positioning mechanism. A single boom design enables the UAV to perform multiple delivery functions (horizontal, diagonal, lateral deployment) and access various building types (residential, commercial, high-rise, low-rise), eliminating the need for multiple specialized deployment systems
4Adaptability or versatility
If the UAV extends a telescoping boom for lateral payload deployment, then delivery versatility is improved, but stability is worsened due to the extended moment arm creating imbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV employs thrust vectoring control where the rotor assemblies adjust their thrust directions and magnitudes to counterbalance the moment created by the extended telescoping boom. By dynamically adjusting the thrust vectors, the system compensates for the imbalance caused by the extended moment arm, maintaining hover stability even during lateral payload deployment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The flight control system dynamically adjusts the thrust output and orientation of each rotor assembly in real-time based on the boom extension state and payload position. This dynamic control allows the UAV to maintain stability throughout the range of motion of the telescoping boom, adapting to changing center of gravity and moment conditions as the boom extends or retracts
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
This configuration results in reduced noise, improved wind resistance, enhanced operational safety, and delivery versatility to a wide range of structures, including those with limited access, while maintaining safety from children and animals.
Implementation Method 1
multi-axis thrust vectoring
Implementation Method 2
pivotable wing surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aircraft using a multi-axis thrust vectoring system in combination with a telescoping boom assembly to deposit or retrieve packages vertically or laterally from a safe distance to or from various locations including but not limited to lawns, patios, porches, balconies, and windows. Other embodiments are described.