VTOL Drone Propeller Redundancy via Segmented Linear Supports

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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 prone to failure when one propeller malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid VTOL fixed-wing drone design featuring a canard configuration with multiple propellers arranged in parallel columns on linear supports, allowing for improved stability, durability, and redundancy by spatially arranging propellers to ensure continued functionality even if one propeller fails.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple propellers are arranged in parallel columns on linear supports, then redundancy and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveredundancyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The propeller system is segmented into multiple independent propellers (at least three) arranged in parallel columns, where each propeller can operate independently. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality even when individual propellers fail, achieving redundancy without requiring a complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The propellers are arranged in a three-dimensional spatial configuration with parallel columns and specific spacing relationships. The distance between centers of adjacent propellers in a column is less than twice the radius of the propeller's range of motion, creating a compact yet redundant spatial arrangement that improves reliability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If propellers are arranged with overlapping ranges of motion, then space utilization is improved, but risk of interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The propellers are positioned such that their ranges of motion partially overlap, with the distance between centers of adjacent propellers in a column being less than twice the radius. This partial overlap optimizes space utilization while the specific geometric arrangement prevents harmful interference by ensuring blades do not collide during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Stability of the object's composition

If linear supports connect forewings to main wings, then structural stability is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Linear supports serve as intermediary structural elements connecting the forewings to the main wings. These supports provide necessary structural stability and positioning for the propellers while being designed as slender, efficient load-bearing elements that minimize weight addition to the overall aircraft structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11332239B2Fixed-wing VTOL aerial vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 SHANGHAI AUTOFLIGHT CO LTD

AI summary

A long-distance drone is disclosed having a canard wing configuration with a cabin attached to a left main wing and a right main wing. There is a left forewing and a right forewing connected together to form a single-piece forewing. 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 is disposed on the left and the right linear supports.