Counter-Rotating UAV Engine Layout for Gyroscopic Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned flying apparatus engines face challenges in achieving balanced weight distribution, minimizing gyroscopic effects for improved controllability, and ensuring safe auto-rotation of propellers in case of engine failure.
Innovation Solution
A horizontally opposed engine design with two centrifugal clutches and crankshafts arranged in opposite directions, a one-way clutch for auto-rotation, and symmetrically positioned centrifugal clutches to cancel gyroscopic effects and maintain center of gravity, along with a shared camshaft system to reduce vibration and length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a single centrifugal clutch with large radius is provided, then the gyroscopic effect can be reduced, but the engine height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large centrifugal clutch into two smaller centrifugal clutches arranged side by side. This segmentation allows the gyroscopic effects to cancel each other out while keeping the overall engine height compact, as each smaller clutch has reduced moment of inertia compared to one large clutch
2Weight of moving object
If the output shaft is located in the center of the flying apparatus, then the weight balance is improved, but the engine structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric arrangement of the two centrifugal clutches relative to the output shaft, positioning them at different radial distances. This asymmetric design allows the center of gravity to be positioned at the center of the flying apparatus while maintaining a simplified engine structure without requiring complex balancing mechanisms
3Stability of the object's composition
If the first crankshaft and second crankshaft are arranged horizontally opposed, then the vibration is reduced, but the length of the engine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of crankshafts to a vertical arrangement, changing the spatial dimension. The first and second crankshafts are positioned one above the other vertically, allowing the pistons to move in opposite directions while canceling vibrations, but the engine length in the horizontal direction is significantly reduced
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
The solution enhances weight balance, reduces gyroscopic interference, allows safe auto-rotation of propellers, and results in a compact, lightweight engine with reduced vibration and length, improving the overall controllability and safety of the flying apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
the first centrifugal clutch and the second centrifugal clutch rotate in opposite directions to each other with a large momentum, the gyroscopic effect can be canceled and the attitude control of the flying apparatus becomes easy
Implementation Method 2
a one-way clutch arranged between (1) the first crankshaft and the second crankshaft and (2) the final drive shaft, and driven by both of the first crankshaft and the second crankshaft
Implementation Method 3
the first cylinder and the second cylinder are arranged horizontally and opposed to each other on an axis in the left-to-right direction and (b) pistons within the cylinders advance and retract in opposite directions to each other, the vibration of pistons is canceled
Data Source
AI summary
An engine device for an unmanned flying apparatus that provides good weight balance for the flying apparatus; cancels the gyroscopic effect; and has auto rotating propellers.The engine device includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder arranged horizontally and opposed to each other, and pistons within the cylinders advance and retract in opposite directions to each other; a first crankshaft and a second crankshaft arranged in the vertical direction, driven by the first cylinder and the second cylinder, respectively, and rotate in opposite directions; a first centrifugal clutch and a second centrifugal clutch rotate in opposite directions to each other; a final drive shaft transmitting rotational force to a gear mechanism comprising orthogonal transform gears, to rotate a propeller shaft; a one-way clutch arranged betweenthe first crankshaft, the second crankshaft andthe final drive shaft, and driven by both the first crankshaft and the second crankshaft.