UAV Thrusting Motor for Horizontal Flight Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-propeller aerial vehicles face a trade-off between weight and flight duration, as increased weight to support components reduces flight time, and existing systems lack efficient horizontal propulsion methods.
Innovation Solution
The configuration of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with lifting motors and a thrusting motor oriented at approximately ninety degrees, which engages to aid horizontal propulsion and reduce power consumption by lowering the rotational speed of lifting motors when horizontal airspeed exceeds a threshold, and optionally includes a wing for vertical lift during horizontal flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the weight of the UAV is increased to support more components, then the functionality and control capability are improved, but the flight duration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV propulsion system is segmented into two functional parts: lifting motors/propellers for vertical flight and a thrusting motor/propeller for horizontal flight. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the need for oversized components that would increase weight while maintaining all necessary capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting motors and propellers serve dual purposes: they provide vertical lift during takeoff and landing, and they can also contribute to horizontal propulsion when needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated horizontal propulsion components, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining full operational capability.
2Speed
If the rotational speed of lifting motors is increased to improve horizontal propulsion, then the horizontal airspeed is improved, but the power consumption increases and flight duration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion function is segmented between lifting motors (vertical) and a dedicated thrusting motor (horizontal). The thrusting motor is engaged specifically when horizontal propulsion is needed, allowing the lifting motors to operate at lower speeds and consume less power while still achieving the required horizontal airspeed through the thrusting motor's contribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically engages and disengages the thrusting motor based on flight conditions. During horizontal flight phases requiring forward motion, the thrusting motor is engaged to provide additional thrust, allowing the lifting motors to reduce their rotational speed and power consumption while maintaining the required horizontal airspeed.
3Productivity
If a dedicated horizontal propulsion system is added to the UAV, then the horizontal flight efficiency is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting motors and propellers are designed to serve multiple functions: vertical lift generation and horizontal propulsion assistance. This multi-functionality allows the UAV to achieve improved horizontal flight efficiency without adding the full weight of a completely separate horizontal propulsion system, as the existing lifting components contribute to both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
A thrusting motor and propeller are added specifically oriented for horizontal thrust generation, while the lifting motors maintain their vertical orientation. This localized addition of horizontal propulsion capability allows the system to achieve improved horizontal flight efficiency with minimal weight increase, as only the necessary horizontal thrust components are added rather than redesigning the entire propulsion system.
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
This configuration extends flight duration by optimizing power usage and improving horizontal flight efficiency, allowing the UAV to maintain flight with reduced lifting motor speed and increased thrusting motor engagement.
Implementation Method 1
a thrusting motor and propeller positioned on a rear portion of the frame and oriented at approximately ninety degrees with respect to one or more of the lifting motors, lifting propellers, the frame of the UAV, and/or the motor arm of the UAV
Implementation Method 2
four lifting motors and propellers positioned on a frame of the UAV
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes a configuration of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that will facilitate extended flight duration. 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 also includes a thrusting motor and propeller assembly that is oriented at approximately ninety degrees to one or more of the lifting motors. When the UAV is moving horizontally, it may be determined if the horizontal airspeed of the UAV exceeds an airspeed threshold. If the horizontal airspeed exceeds the airspeed threshold, the thrusting motor may be engaged and the thrusting propeller will aid in the horizontal propulsion of the UAV.