UAV Tail Boom Quick-Release Coupling for Vibration-Safe Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical connection systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are complex, require additional tools for assembly/disassembly, and are prone to structural element uncoupling due to vibrations, leading to increased weight, manufacturing complexity, and risk of lost components during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release fastening system utilizing docking chucks with bayonet mounts and center wing section fixing pins, allowing for tool-free assembly/disassembly and providing sufficient rigidity, suitable for both dismountable and integral tail assembly designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a classic screw connection is used to fix the tail assembly with the center wing section, then the mechanical connection is reliable, but the assembly/disassembly complexity increases and requires additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate modular components: a tail assembly with integrated docking chucks and a center wing section with corresponding docking chucks. This segmentation allows the tail assembly to be quickly detached and reattached without complex tool-based fastening systems, resolving the contradiction between reliability and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking chucks are designed with self-aligning and self-latching features that automatically engage when the tail assembly is positioned on the center wing section. The system serves itself by using the geometric configuration of the docking chucks to ensure proper alignment and secure connection without requiring external tools or complex assembly procedures.
2Reliability
If screws and inserts are used for mechanical connection, then the connection is secure, but small removable elements may be lost during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The docking chucks integrate multiple functions into single components: alignment features, locking mechanisms, and structural connection elements are merged into the chuck assemblies themselves. This eliminates separate small components like screws and inserts that could be lost, while maintaining secure connection through the integrated design of the docking chucks.
3Ease of operation
If a quick release system with docking chucks and bayonet mounts is used, then assembly/disassembly is simplified and tool-free, but structural rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The docking chucks employ asymmetric geometric configurations with specific angular orientations for the bayonet mounts. This asymmetric design provides mechanical advantage through lever arms and engagement surfaces that maintain structural rigidity while enabling tool-free assembly and disassembly through simple rotational motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking chucks incorporate curved and rounded geometric features that facilitate smooth engagement and disengagement while distributing mechanical loads across multiple contact points. The curved surfaces of the bayonet mounts and docking interfaces enhance both the ease of operation and the structural strength by reducing stress concentrations.
4Reliability
If multiple structural members and threaded joints are used for connection, then the connection is robust, but manufacturing complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The docking chucks are designed as universal connection components that perform multiple functions: structural support, alignment, locking, and electrical connection integration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate structural members and threaded joints, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining robust connection through the integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
The UAV structural elements' quick-release fastening system, which includes at least two tail booms coupling with a center wing section/fuselage of a UAV and a tail assembly by at least two quick-release coupling elements from the center wing's section side and at least two coupling elements from tail assembly's side, the UAV wiring elements. The docking chucks are used as the quick-release coupling elements. Coupling and fixing the tail booms with a tail assembly realized by the tail assembly docking chucks and a bayonet mount. Coupling and fixing the tail booms with a center wing section/fuselage of a UAV is realized by the center wing section docking chucks and the center wing section fixing pins or by the center wing section docking chucks and bayonet mount. The system is generally used in a UAV design with integral or dismountable tail assembly.