Hybrid VTOL Drone Propeller Redundancy via Linear Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drones are limited by their traveling range and endurance, and lack redundancy in case of propeller failure, which restricts their mission capabilities.
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 ensuring the drone can remain airborne even if one propeller malfunctions, through strategic placement and arrangement of propellers to minimize aerodynamic obstruction and maximize stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple propellers are added to improve redundancy and reliability, then the drone can remain airborne even if one propeller fails, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drone is divided into multiple independent propeller units (at least three propellers) that can operate independently. Each propeller is mounted on separate linear supports, allowing individual failure without compromising the entire system. This segmentation enables redundancy while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple propellers are combined on a single fixed-wing platform with shared control systems and power distribution. The propellers work together as a unified propulsion system while maintaining individual operational capability. This merging achieves redundancy without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple propellers are added to improve redundancy, then the drone can continue flying if one fails, but the weight of the drone increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linear supports enabling propeller movement are made telescopic or adjustable, allowing the propellers to be repositioned dynamically. This dynamic capability allows optimization of weight distribution and aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining redundancy, as propellers can be adjusted to minimize drag and maximize thrust efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing operational parameters such as propeller speed, pitch, and positioning to optimize performance. By adjusting these parameters, the drone can compensate for the additional weight of multiple propellers through efficient thrust generation and aerodynamic optimization.
3Stability of the object's composition
If propellers are arranged in parallel columns on linear supports, then structural integrity and stability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linear supports serve multiple functions: they provide structural connection between forewings and main wings, enable propeller mounting, allow propeller movement adjustment, and contribute to aerodynamic stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The propellers are arranged in parallel columns along the longitudinal axis, utilizing the length dimension of the drone body. This spatial arrangement optimizes stability by distributing propulsion forces along the longitudinal axis while keeping the structure compact in other dimensions, thereby managing complexity through efficient use of available space.
4Productivity
If propellers are strategically placed to minimize aerodynamic obstruction, then flight efficiency and travel distance are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propellers are pre-positioned on the linear supports at optimized locations that minimize aerodynamic obstruction before flight. The linear supports are designed with predetermined mounting positions that account for aerodynamic efficiency, allowing quick installation without complex adjustments during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear supports are designed to automatically position the propellers in aerodynamically optimal locations through their telescopic or adjustable mechanism. The system self-adjusts propeller positioning based on flight conditions or pre-programmed configurations, reducing the need for manual intervention and complex control systems.
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 design enhances the drone's efficiency, durability, and travel distance, allowing for continuous flight times of up to 24 hours with a hybrid powertrain and improved redundancy, enabling longer missions without significant weight increase.
Implementation Method 1
A hybrid VTOL fixed-wing drone design featuring a canard body style with multiple propellers arranged in parallel columns on linear supports
Data Source
AI summary
A long-distance drone is disclosed having a canard body style with a main body, a left main wing, a right main wing, a left forewing, and a right forewing. The left forewing is attached to the main body forward of the left main wing, and the right forewing is attached to the main body forward of the right main wing. There is a left linear support connecting the left forewing to the left main wing, and a right linear support connecting the right forewing to the right main wing. A plurality of propellers are disposed on the left and the right linear supports.