VTOL Drone Linear Supports for Propeller Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drones are limited by their traveling range and endurance, and lack redundancy in propeller systems, making them inefficient and prone to failure when one propeller malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid VTOL fixed-wing drone design featuring a canard body style with multiple propellers arranged in parallel columns on linear supports, providing structural integrity and redundancy by connecting forewings to main wings with linear supports that counteract twisting forces and allow the drone to remain functional even if one propeller fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple propellers are arranged in parallel columns on linear supports, then redundancy is improved and the drone can remain functional when one propeller fails, but device complexity increases due to the additional structural components and propeller arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The drone's propeller system is segmented into multiple independent propellers (at least three) arranged in parallel columns on linear supports. Each propeller operates independently, and the linear supports are segmented to accommodate multiple propellers along their length. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality even when individual propellers fail, directly addressing the redundancy requirement while distributing complexity across modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-configuring redundant propellers in parallel columns before any failure occurs. The linear supports are designed to hold multiple propellers in advance, ensuring that if one propeller fails, the drone already has the structural framework and additional propellers in place to maintain flight. This proactive design approach builds resilience into the system architecture from the outset.
2Strength
If linear supports are used to connect forewings to main wings, then structural integrity is improved by counteracting twisting forces, but weight increases due to the additional support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The linear supports extend along the longitudinal axis of the drone, adding a dimensional element that spans between forewings and main wings. By arranging propellers in parallel columns along these linear supports, the design distributes structural loads across multiple dimensions and attachment points, enhancing structural integrity without requiring excessively thick or heavy individual support elements. The linear supports act as distributed reinforcement rather than concentrated load-bearing members.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the drone is designed for long-distance travel with extended endurance, then duration of action is improved, but device complexity increases due to larger fuel capacity and extended range systems
Solution Approach 1:
The linear supports serving as structural elements connecting forewings to main wings also serve as mounting structures for multiple propellers in parallel columns. This multi-functional design allows the same structural components to provide both structural integrity for long-distance flight and the redundancy framework, avoiding the need for separate systems and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while extending duration of action.
Data Source
AI summary
A long-distance drone having a main body, a left hind wing, a right hind wing, a left forewing, and a right forewing. There is a left linear support connecting the left forewing to the left hind wing, and a right linear support connecting the right forewing to the right hind wing. A plurality of propellers are disposed on the left and the right linear supports.