UAV Protective Cage with Active Gimbal Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with protective outer cages face limitations in maneuverability, access for sensors and tools, and gimbal lock issues, which hinder their ability to provide effective collision protection while maintaining flight performance and operational efficiency, especially in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a gimbal system with at least two rotational couplings and an outer frame actuation system featuring an outer air propulsion system and an electrical rotary actuator, allowing the outer frame to be actively oriented relative to the inner frame, with a clutch for decoupling and torque sensing, enabling enhanced collision resistance and access for sensors and tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective outer cage is added to the UAV, then collision protection is improved, but maneuverability and access for sensors/tools deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The outer cage is made dynamically adjustable through the gimbal system with at least two rotational couplings, allowing it to change orientation relative to the inner frame. The outer frame actuation system enables the cage to rotate and reposition, transforming it from a static obstacle into a dynamic structure that can clear sensors and tools from its path while maintaining protective coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation parameters of the outer frame are changed actively through the gimbal system and outer frame actuation system. By modifying the angular position and orientation of the outer cage relative to the inner frame, the system achieves both protection and accessibility - the cage can orient itself to protect vulnerable components while leaving access paths clear for sensors and manipulators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a gimbal system with multiple rotational couplings is used, then outer frame orientation control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gimbal system with multiple rotational couplings serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides collision protection by positioning the outer cage between obstacles and the inner frame, enables active orientation control of the outer frame, and creates access paths for sensors and tools. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating several requirements into a single integrated mechanism.
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 enhances the UAV's collision resistance, maneuverability, and access for sensors and tools, allowing for efficient operation in confined spaces with improved flight performance and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an outer frame actuation system configured to actively orient the outer frame around at least one axis with respect to the inner frame
Implementation Method 2
an electrical rotary actuator, allowing the outer frame to be actively oriented relative to the inner frame
Data Source
AI summary
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) including an inner frame, an inner flight propulsion system mounted on the inner frame, an outer frame, a gimbal system comprising at least two rotational couplings coupling the inner propulsion system to the outer frame, a control system, a power source, and an outer frame actuation system configured to actively orient the outer frame with respect to the inner frame.