Remotely Controlled Vertical Take-off Device With Interchangeable Propulsion Arms

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RPAS devices are inflexible and require multiple configurations to adapt to varying weather conditions and payload requirements, necessitating multiple devices to be carried for optimal performance, which is logistically inconvenient and impairs performance due to suboptimal engine, propeller, and arm combinations.

Innovation Solution

A multirotor RPAS with interchangeable propulsion arms of different features, controlled by a microcontroller programmed to adapt to various combinations, allowing easy adjustment for changing conditions and payloads, using connectors and safety mechanisms for secure attachment and identification of installed arms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the RPAS is designed with a fixed configuration of propulsion arms, engine power, and propellers for optimal performance under specific conditions, then the device achieves high stability and efficiency under those conditions, but it cannot adapt to varying weather conditions or payload requirements without carrying multiple differently-configured devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying weather conditions and payload requirementsVSAvoidlogistical complexity of carrying multiple devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The propulsion system is segmented into modular propulsion arms that can be independently replaced. Each propulsion arm contains an engine and propeller as an integrated module, allowing selective replacement of individual arms rather than the entire propulsion system. This segmentation enables rapid reconfiguration of the RPAS to match different operational conditions while maintaining a single base device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The RPAS base unit is designed with universal mounting interfaces and a control system that can accommodate multiple types of propulsion arms. The control unit is programmed to recognize and adapt to different propulsion arm configurations, allowing a single RPAS to perform multiple functions across varying weather conditions and payload requirements by simply changing the propulsion arms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the RPAS uses high rotational speed engines with short arms for stability against wind, then the device achieves high wind stability, but energy consumption increases and flight autonomy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability against windVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The RPAS transitions from a static propulsion configuration to a dynamic one where propulsion arms can be changed based on conditions. The system adapts its rotational speed and arm length configuration in response to varying wind conditions and payload, optimizing the balance between stability and energy consumption for each specific operational scenario rather than being fixed at high consumption settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the RPAS is designed to handle great payload variation by adjusting engine, propeller, and arms combination, then the device can accommodate different payloads, but the required combination would not be optimal and would impair device performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to payload variationVSAvoiddevice performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple propulsion arm configurations are prepared in advance, each optimized for specific payload ranges and operational conditions. The control system includes pre-programmed settings for different arm combinations, allowing the operator to select the optimal pre-configured arms for the anticipated payload before flight, ensuring optimal performance rather than attempting real-time optimization during flight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3275784B1Remotely controlled vertical take-off device
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 ARBOREA INTELLBIRD SL
  • EP3275784B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3275784B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3275784B1 patent drawingFigure 6~10

AI summary

The invention relates to a remotely controlled vertical take-off device comprising at least one control unit (1) to which driving arms (3) are joined, wherein the at least one control unit accommodates the supply and control means of the driving arms, while the driving arms (3) comprise a structural element having one or a number of motors mounted on same, on which propellers (4) are mounted, wherein the driving arms (3) can be removed and replaced by another combination of driving arms having different functional or constructive characteristics to the previous driving arms, and the control means act according to the functional or constructive characteristics of the driving arms. As a result of the means according to the invention, the devices can be provided with an increased multi-functionality and versatility, given that, with a single device and different combinations of driving arms, the device can be used in different environmental conditions and with different types of cargo.