Tri-Wing UAV Frame for Horizontal Flight Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-propeller aerial vehicles face challenges in providing efficient vertical lift and structural support while maintaining propeller protection during horizontal flight, which affects their stability and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A UAV configuration featuring a perimeter frame with integrated wings and side rails, coupled with a central frame and lightweight materials, provides vertical lift, structural integrity, and a protective barrier around propellers, while thrusting motors aid in horizontal propulsion, reducing lifting motor power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multi-propeller aerial vehicles use a body configuration to support multiple propellers, then structural support and propeller separation are achieved, but vertical lift efficiency and stability during horizontal flight deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into separate functional modules: a central body configuration for support and control, and distinct wing structures for lift generation. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and flight stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a purely vertical multi-propeller configuration to a three-dimensional structure incorporating horizontal wing extensions. This dimensional change enables the vehicle to generate lift through both vertical propeller thrust and horizontal wing aerodynamics, improving stability during horizontal flight.
2Power
If multiple propellers are used for vertical lift, then lifting capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wings are positioned and configured in advance to generate aerodynamic lift during horizontal flight. This preliminary structural arrangement reduces the power demand on lifting motors by sharing the lift generation task between the wings and propellers, thereby decreasing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by introducing aerodynamic lift generation through wings. This alternative lift mechanism reduces the workload and power consumption of the propeller-based lifting system, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining lifting capability.
3Power
If propellers are exposed for maximum thrust, then lifting efficiency is improved, but protection from external objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle structure is segmented into a protective perimeter frame that surrounds the propellers without interfering with their rotational path. This separate protective structure allows propellers to remain exposed for maximum thrust while being shielded from external objects by the frame.
Solution Approach 2:
A perimeter frame acts as an intermediary protective barrier between external objects and the propellers. This intermediate structure absorbs or deflects potential impacts before they reach the propellers, maintaining both lifting efficiency and propeller protection.
4Reliability
If a perimeter frame is added for propeller protection, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The perimeter frame is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the vehicle, acts as a protective barrier around the propellers, and contributes to the overall aerodynamic configuration. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by consolidating multiple requirements into a single structural element.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective perimeter frame is merged with the wing structures and body configuration into an integrated structural system. This combination eliminates the need for separate protective components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining propeller protection and structural integrity.
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
Enhances the efficiency and stability of horizontal flight by distributing lift vectors effectively, reducing power consumption, and protecting propellers from external objects.
Implementation Method 1
the front of the frame may be shaped as a wing to provide vertical lift to the UAV when the UAV is moving in a direction that includes a horizontal component. Likewise, the rear of the frame may include one or more wings that also provide lift to the UAV when the UAV is moving in a direction that includes a horizontal component
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes a configuration of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that includes a substantially polygonal perimeter frame and a central frame. The perimeter frame includes a front wing, a lower rear wing, and an upper rear wing. The wings provide lift to the UAV when the UAV is moving in a direction that includes a horizontal component. The UAV may have any number of lifting motors. For example, the UAV may include four lifting motors (also known as a quad-copter), eight lifting motors (octo-copter), etc. Likewise, to improve the efficiency of horizontal flight, the UAV may also include one or more thrusting motors and corresponding thrusting propellers. When the UAV is moving horizontally, the thrusting motor(s) may be engaged and the thrusting propeller(s) will aid in the horizontal propulsion of the UAV.