VTOL Decoupling Mechanism for Obstacle Contact Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
VTOL aerial vehicles face instability and control challenges when encountering obstacles, limiting their ability to take off from uneven ground and maintain stable orientation during contact with external objects, which can lead to crashes or loss of lift.
Innovation Solution
A decoupling mechanism comprising a beam and ring system that provides multiple rotation axes, allowing the outer frame to rotate independently from the inner frame, thereby maintaining the inner frame's stable orientation and preventing external disturbances from affecting the propulsion system, while enabling take-off from any orientation and movement over obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid connection between outer frame and inner frame is used, then structural strength is improved, but stability during obstacle contact deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into an outer frame and an inner frame that are mechanically decoupled through a gimbal system. This segmentation allows each frame to respond independently to external forces, with the outer frame absorbing impact disturbances while the inner frame maintains stable orientation for the propulsion system.
Solution Approach 2:
The gimbal system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the outer frame and inner frame. It provides mechanical decoupling that allows the outer frame to rotate independently in response to obstacle contacts, while transmitting minimal disturbance to the inner frame, thus protecting the propulsion system from large perturbations.
2Strength
If the inner frame is mechanically coupled to the outer frame, then structural rigidity is improved, but adaptability to different orientations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gimbal system introduces dynamic degrees of freedom between the outer and inner frames. This allows the inner frame to maintain a stable orientation relative to the ground while the outer frame adapts to various contact orientations with obstacles, enabling take-off and operation from any orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the frame structure and decoupling them through the gimbal, the system achieves both structural rigidity within each frame and adaptability at the interface, allowing the vehicle to operate from uneven ground and various orientations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a control system is used to counter disturbances, then orientation stability is improved, but response speed to large disturbances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gimbal system provides preliminary mechanical action by passively redirecting disturbance forces before they reach the inner frame. This mechanical decoupling acts immediately upon contact, preventing large disturbances from reaching the control system and propulsion system, thus enabling faster response than electronic control alone.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the outer frame is constrained to prevent rotation, then propulsion system stability is improved, but ability to roll on obstacles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupled frame structure allows the outer frame to rotate freely and roll on obstacles while the inner frame remains constrained and stable through the gimbal mechanism. This segmentation enables simultaneous rotation of the outer frame for obstacle interaction and stability of the inner frame for propulsion.
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 decoupling mechanism enhances stability and control, allowing VTOLs to maintain lift and orientation during contact with obstacles, enabling safe take-off from uneven surfaces and improved performance by reducing gimbal lock sensitivity and increasing payload capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a gimbal system or decoupling mechanism; the gimbal system connecting the inner frame to the outer and inner frames, i.e. the outer frame with at least two rotation axis allowing rotation freedom between the outer frame to rotate independently from the inner frame
Implementation Method 2
the propulsion system being able to generate a lift force; the inner frame contains the propulsion system and control system that keep the aerial vehicle aloft by generating an upward force
Implementation Method 3
The rotation axes are configured to decouple mechanically the outer frame from the inner frame with the gimbal system, so that the outer frame can rotate passively around the inner frame
Implementation Method 4
the control system being able to control the orientation of the inner frame; the control system is still able to make the aerial vehicle move sideways, up or down while the outer frame remains in constant contact with obstacles
Data Source
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AI summary
A VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aerial flying vehicle comprising an inner frame, a gimbal system and an outer frame, the inner frame comprising a propulsion system and a control system, the propulsion system being able to generate a lift force. The VTOL also includes a decoupling mechanism having either a linear or non-linear beam having provisions for providing at least two rotation degrees of freedom of the inner frame with respect to the outer frame. The beam may optionally include sliders at ends thereof that provide an additional rotation freedom to the inner frame.