Collapsible Multi-Rotor UAV With Pull Pin Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-rotor UAV designs are limited by their rigid structure and complex assembly processes, which increase deployment time and risk of hardware loss during transport, especially when using hinge mechanisms and detachable components.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible quad-rotor UAV design utilizing a pull pin mechanism and symmetric motor arm folding against the body frame, with neoprene washers for vibration damping, allowing for quick and secure deployment and compact transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If hinge mechanisms are used to create collapsible UAV design, then the size of the UAV is reduced, but the deployment time increases and hardware may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV is divided into modular components (motor arms, propellers, battery, electronics) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The motor arms are further segmented with integrated propeller mounts and motor assemblies, allowing for systematic breakdown and rapid reassembly without complex hinge mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The propellers are nested within or mounted directly to the motor arms in a compact configuration. The motor arms fold or detach to nest within the body frame structure during transport, while quickly deploying to their operational positions through simple attachment mechanisms rather than complex hinges.
2Volume of moving object
If detachable quick release components are used, then the transport size decreases, but assembly hardware may be lost and deployment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller mounting mechanism is merged with the motor arm structure, eliminating separate detachable components. The propellers are secured directly to the motor arms through integrated mounting features, reducing the number of separate hardware pieces that could be lost during transport or assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor arms and propeller mounts are designed with self-aligning or self-securing features that guide proper assembly without requiring external tools or multiple small hardware components. The design inherently prevents hardware loss through integrated retention mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If complex hinge mechanisms are used for collapsible design, then the UAV can be compacted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor arms are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, transitioning between deployed and compacted states through simple rotational or detachable movements rather than complex multi-axis hinges. This dynamic simplicity reduces overall device complexity while maintaining compactability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If more assembly hardware is used for detachable components, then the UAV can be disassembled for transport, but the risk of hardware loss and assembly delays increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor arms are pre-assembled with integrated propeller mounting features and motor attachments before field deployment. This preliminary assembly reduces the number of steps required during field setup, allowing operators to quickly attach the pre-assembled motor arms to the body frame without needing to assemble multiple small components in the field.
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 design significantly reduces deployment time and storage size, minimizing hardware loss and assembly delays while maintaining structural integrity and stability through the use of carbon fiber and a spring locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a spring locking mechanism
Implementation Method 2
neoprene washers for vibration damping
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-rotor UAV having a pull pin mechanism that engages and disengages the rotor arms from a deployed, in-flight position to a storage or transport configuration, thus making the UAV more portable and capable of carrying larger payloads with the flexibility of folding into a smaller configuration or profile for transport, such as in a backpack. The device includes a rotor arm utilization of a pull pin mechanism to lock and unlock the position of the arms, and a proprietary frame.