Transverse UAV Support Boom Layout for Longer VTOL Endurance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are limited by their range and efficiency, particularly in commercial applications, due to constraints in propulsion systems and aerodynamic design.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a hybrid propulsion system combining a combustion engine with electric motors and rotors, along with aerodynamic fairings and support booms, enabling vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities and improving flight endurance by optimizing rotor placement and energy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a multi-rotor configuration is used, then vertical takeoff and landing capability is achieved, but flight duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is segmented into multiple independent rotor assemblies distributed across the vehicle body, with each rotor controlled by its own motor. This allows selective operation of rotors to optimize energy consumption during different flight phases, extending overall flight duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle employs dynamic configuration where rotor positions and orientations can be adjusted during flight. The support booms and fairings enable dynamic repositioning of rotors to optimize aerodynamic efficiency and energy usage, directly addressing the limitation of fixed multi-rotor systems.
2Measurement precision
If rotor count is increased for better stability, then control precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each rotor assembly is designed as a universal module that can serve multiple functions: primary lift generation, thrust vectoring for attitude control, and redundancy for fault tolerance. This modular approach achieves high control precision without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes variable parameters including rotor speed, pitch angle, and operational status (active/inactive) to achieve precise control. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system maintains high control precision while managing complexity through intelligent parameter optimization rather than simply adding more components.
3Loss of energy
If support booms are extended for rotor placement, then aerodynamic efficiency improves, but structural strength requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support booms are constructed using composite materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio. This allows the booms to be extended outward from the vehicle body to optimal positions for aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining sufficient structural strength without excessive weight or material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The booms feature aerodynamic fairings with curved, streamlined surfaces that reduce drag and improve airflow. These curved surfaces optimize aerodynamic efficiency while distributing structural stresses more effectively, reducing the peak strength requirements compared to sharp-edged or flat structures.
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 range and endurance of UAVs, allowing them to perform missions significantly longer than comparable multi-rotor systems, with improved aerodynamic efficiency and reduced vibration, enabling extended flight durations and increased payload capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a combustion engine positioned within the internal cavity of the body
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of electric motors, each of the plurality of electric motors electrically coupled to the electrical bus; and a plurality of rotors, each of the plurality of rotors being operably coupled to a respective one of the plurality of electric motors
Implementation Method 3
enabling vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle capable of VTOL operation can include: a vehicle body defining longitudinal and transverse directions and opposing longitudinal sides; a first support boom coupled to the vehicle body at a first transverse axis and extending outwardly from the opposing longitudinal sides; a second support boom coupled to the vehicle body at a second transverse axis positioned rearward from the first transverse axis and extending outwardly from the opposing longitudinal sides; a plurality of electric motors coupled to a one of the first and second support booms, at least two electric motors of the plurality of electric motors positioned on each of the first and second support booms, a rotation axis of each of the at least two electric motors coupled to the second support boom offset in a transverse direction from a rotation axis of each of the at least two adjacent electric motors coupled to the first support boom; a plurality of rotors; and a propulsion system.