UAV Protective Frame with Segmented Propeller Guards
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-copter designs face issues such as exposed propellers posing safety risks, structural vulnerabilities, limited electronic mounting space leading to interference, inadequate landing gear strength, and sensitivity to weather conditions, compromising safety and performance.
Innovation Solution
A uni-body frame design with enclosed propellers, distributed motor mounts, and enhanced structural support, along with protective covers and vibration-dampening features, provides a robust and interference-resistant structure capable of withstanding environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If propellers are left exposed for free rotation, then flight maneuverability is maintained, but safety risks increase and property damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The protective frame is divided into multiple circular guards, each enclosing a specific propeller. These segmented protective elements allow each propeller to rotate freely within its own enclosure while collectively providing comprehensive safety coverage for all rotating blades.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective frame acts as an intermediary structure between the exposed propellers and the external environment. It mediates the conflict by providing physical barriers that prevent direct contact between rotating propellers and people or property, while still allowing the propellers to perform their flight function.
2Strength
If arms are reinforced to carry vehicle weight and inertial forces, then structural strength improves, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective frame is designed with varying wall thicknesses and structural densities at different locations. Areas experiencing higher stress concentrations receive reinforced structures, while less critical areas use lighter materials, optimizing the strength-to-weight ratio throughout the frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective frame utilizes composite material construction combining lightweight materials with high strength-to-weight ratios. This allows the frame to provide necessary structural support and protection while minimizing additional weight that would affect flight performance.
3Volume of moving object
If electronics are mounted close together in the center, then vehicle compactness is maintained, but RF interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective frame creates three-dimensional spaced enclosures that separate electronic components along the vertical and radial dimensions. By utilizing the third dimension (height) and radial spacing within the circular structures, electronics can be positioned closer in horizontal plane while maintaining adequate separation to prevent RF interference.
4Weight of moving object
If landing gears are made thin and tubular to reduce deadweight, then weight decreases, but structural strength and reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The protective frame structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides propeller protection, structural support for the vehicle body, and reinforcement for landing gear attachment points. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heavy landing gear structures, as the frame itself contributes to landing support capability.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes a configuration of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that includes a frame that provides structural support for the UAV, protection from foreign objects that may come into contact with the UAV, and protection from precipitation so that the UAV can be used in a wide range of weather conditions. The UAV may have any number of lifting motors. For example, the UAV may include four lifting motors (also known as a quad-copter).