Tilted Airfoil Drone Fuselage for Energy Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drones are inefficient in terms of energy usage while hovering and flying, with limited effective flight time due to suboptimal aerodynamic designs, which restricts their operational efficiency and range.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates aerodynamic principles, using airfoil technology and varying the drone's profile between hovering and flying positions to minimize energy expenditure, with a single, double, or triple-hulled fuselage configuration and angled propeller support arms that optimize efficiency when tilted forward between 0 and 90 degrees, particularly between 5 and 15 degrees.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If traditional drone designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency during hovering and flying deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidaerodynamic design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drone employs dynamic profile adjustment by tilting the entire fuselage and attached components (support arms, motor mounts, propeller supports) forward between 5-15 degrees during forward flight. This dynamic repositioning optimizes the aerodynamic profile to reduce drag and improve energy efficiency, while returning to horizontal position during hovering to maintain stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of the drone by introducing a tilted flight attitude as the optimal configuration for forward motion. Instead of maintaining a fixed horizontal orientation, the drone operates at optimized angle parameters (5-15 degrees forward tilt) that fundamentally alter its aerodynamic characteristics and energy consumption profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of moving object

If battery capacity is increased to extend flight time, then duration of action improves, but weight of moving object increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight timeVSAvoiddrone weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the energy consumption parameters through aerodynamic optimization, reducing the power required for flight by improving the drag profile. This parameter change in energy efficiency allows extended flight time without proportionally increasing battery capacity and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the previously harmful aerodynamic drag of traditional drone configurations into a benefit by optimizing the profile to reduce drag. The tilted configuration and streamlined attached items transform what was energy-wasting resistance into energy-saving aerodynamics, extending flight time without additional weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Use of energy by moving object

If aerodynamic optimization is implemented, then energy efficiency improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidaerodynamic shape precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than requiring extremely precise static aerodynamic shapes, the invention uses dynamic tilting of the entire fuselage assembly to achieve aerodynamic optimization. This dynamic approach is more tolerant of manufacturing variations than static precision aerodynamics, as the optimized profile is achieved through orientation rather than exact geometric tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach results in a significant improvement in energy efficiency, allowing drones to hover with minimal battery power usage and fly more efficiently, potentially increasing effective flight time by 25% and enhancing performance in windy conditions.

Implementation Method 1

aerodynamic principles, using airfoil technology and varying the drone's profile between hovering and flying positions to minimize energy expenditure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic lift: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

airfoil technology and varying the drone's profile between hovering and flying positions to minimize energy expenditure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic drag reduction: Drag

Implementation Method 3

using propellers to lift an object off the ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPropeller thrust: Jet

Data Source

PatentUS11760481B2Aerodynamic drone using airfoil-designed fuselages and associated parts

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 PERISCOPE AVIATION LLC

AI summary

This invention is directed toward an aerodynamically designed drone with a unique angle of propulsion. The drone uses airfoil design to move more efficiently through the air, and the aerodynamic design is optimized when the drone is tilted forward at various degrees of “tilt” to provide the most aerodynamic profile to the oncoming air. The invention contemplates single hull, double hull and triple hull designs, and is applicable to heaving lifting drones, drones use for photography and remote sensing, and racing drones.