UAV Protective Frame with Segmented Arms and Pushing Motors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-propeller aerial vehicles require a body configuration that effectively supports and protects their propellers, control components, and power supply, while also improving efficiency and reducing power consumption during horizontal flight.
Innovation Solution
A protective frame configuration for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that encompasses lifting motors and propellers, includes a hub with motor arms and support arms forming a protective barrier, and optionally features permeable materials and lightweight materials like carbon fiber or titanium for structural support and reduced weight, with channels for wiring and easy disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective frame is added around the propellers, then safety and protection from foreign objects is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective frame is divided into multiple modular components including motor arms, support arms, and perimeter protective barriers. Each component can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall complexity while maintaining protective functionality. The frame structure is segmented into functional zones that separately support motors, protect propellers, and provide structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for mounting motors and electronics, acts as a protective barrier around propellers, defines the aerodynamic envelope of the vehicle, and provides mounting surfaces for additional components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective structures.
2Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials like carbon fiber or titanium are used for the frame, then weight is reduced improving flight efficiency, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame utilizes composite material construction, specifically carbon fiber reinforced polymers and titanium alloys, to achieve high strength-to-weight ratios. These materials provide the necessary structural integrity while minimizing weight. The composite nature allows for integrated molding of complex geometries that would be difficult to achieve with traditional materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame design incorporates variable wall thicknesses and cross-sectional geometries optimized for different stress conditions. Critical load-bearing areas use thicker sections and reinforced structures, while non-critical areas use thinner walls to reduce weight. This parametric optimization balances structural requirements with weight reduction goals.
3Ease of repair
If the frame includes channels for wiring and modular components, then ease of assembly and repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with segmented modular components that can be independently removed and replaced. Motor arms, support arms, and protective barriers are separate assemblies that can be detached without disassembling the entire structure. This modularity simplifies repair and maintenance while the integrated channel system provides organized routing for electrical wiring throughout the modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates integrated wiring channels that act as intermediary pathways for electrical connections between modular components. These channels provide structured routing that simplifies wire management and makes electrical connections accessible during assembly and repair, reducing the complexity of electrical system integration.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes a configuration of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that includes a frame that provides both structural support for the UAV and protection for foreign objects that may come into contact with the UAV. 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 pushing motor and propeller assemblies that are oriented at approximately ninety degrees to one or more of the lifting motors. When the UAV is moving horizontally, the pushing motor(s) may be engaged and the pushing propeller(s) will aid in the horizontal propulsion of the UAV.