Quick-Release UAV Wing Locking Structure for Reliable Fast Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detachable wing structures for composite wing UAVs are complex and difficult to disassemble and assemble, compromising transportation flexibility and convenience.

Innovation Solution

A quick-release wing structure featuring a lock cylinder assembly and lock head, allowing for rapid installation and removal of wings by extending the lock head into a clamping hole to engage a lock plate, and disengaging by moving the lock plate from a locking slot.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex locking structures are used to ensure connection strength, then the reliability of wing attachment is improved, but the ease of operation for disassembly and assembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoiddisassembly and assembly convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking structure is divided into separate functional components: a lock head with locking slot for engagement, a lock plate with elastic element for automatic locking, and a clamping hole for guidance. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity and reliability of the connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lock plate incorporates an elastic element that automatically engages the lock head's locking slot when the wing is inserted, providing self-locking functionality. The elastic element's deformation and recovery provide automatic locking and unlocking actions, eliminating the need for complex manual locking operations while ensuring reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Duration of action of moving object

If long wings are used to ensure long-term and long-distance cruise, then the duration of action of the aircraft is improved, but the ease of operation for transportation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecruise durationVSAvoidtransportation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The aircraft is divided into separable modules with detachable wings connected through the quick-release locking mechanism. This allows the wings to be removed for transportation, improving flexibility and ease of operation, while the aircraft maintains its full-wing configuration for extended cruise operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wing attachment system transitions from a fixed permanent connection to a dynamic detachable connection. The quick-release mechanism enables the wings to be easily attached and detached, allowing the aircraft configuration to adapt between transportation mode (wings removed) and cruise mode (wings attached), thus resolving the contradiction between cruise duration and transportation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If simple locking structures are used to improve ease of operation, then the ease of operation for disassembly and assembly is improved, but the reliability of connection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisassembly and assembly convenienceVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic element in the lock plate provides automatic locking force when the wing is inserted, ensuring reliable connection without requiring complex manual locking operations. The self-locking mechanism maintains strong connection through the elastic element's continuous pressure on the lock head, while keeping the operation simple and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking slot in the lock head and the corresponding engagement features on the lock plate are designed with asymmetric geometries that provide strong mechanical engagement in the locked position. This asymmetric design ensures reliable connection strength while maintaining simple insertion and removal operations, as the asymmetric features guide the components into proper alignment during insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP4253227B1Quick-release wing structure and an unmanned aerial vehicle using the same
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 SHANGHAI AUTOFLIGHT CO LTD
  • EP4253227B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4253227B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4253227B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A quick-release wing structure includes a lock cylinder assembly and a lock head. The lock cylinder assembly is installed in the fuselage. The lock cylinder assembly includes a shell and a lock plate. An installation slot is opened inside the shell. The side wall of the installation slot is provided with a clamping hole connected with the installation slot. The lock plate is sliding and arranged in the installation slot. The lock head is installed in the wing. A locking slot is set on the periphery of the lock head. The lock head can pass through the clamping hole and drive the lock plate to move. When the locking slot is facing the lock plate, the lock head is clamped onto the locking slot and fixed. The UAV includes the quick-release wing structure described above.