Hybrid VTOL Drone Propeller Redundancy via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drones face limitations in traveling range and endurance, and lack redundancy to continue functioning if one propeller fails during flight.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid VTOL fixed-wing drone design featuring a canard configuration with two parallel linear supports connecting forewings to main wings, and propellers arranged in two parallel columns to enhance efficiency, durability, and redundancy, allowing the drone to maintain flight even if one propeller malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple propellers are used to provide redundancy, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drone is divided into two independent groups of propellers (first group and second group), where each group can independently support flight operations. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality even when one group fails, providing redundancy without requiring a completely redundant duplicate system throughout the entire aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial redundancy by having two groups of propellers where one group is sufficient for flight but two groups provide backup capability. This is excessive action in the sense that full redundancy (complete duplicate systems) is not implemented, but partial redundancy achieves the reliability goal with reduced complexity compared to full redundancy.
2Reliability
If propellers are arranged in parallel columns, then reliability is improved through redundancy, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propellers are arranged in a spatial configuration along the longitudinal axis of the fuselage, distributing them in two groups at different positions. This dimensional arrangement allows the propellers to work in parallel without creating excessive aerodynamic interference, as they are positioned to minimize drag while maintaining redundancy.
3Reliability
If multiple groups of propellers are implemented, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two groups of propellers share common structural supports and mounting mechanisms on the fuselage, merging certain structural elements to reduce overall weight. By combining structural functions rather than creating completely separate redundant systems, the weight increase is minimized while maintaining reliability through the dual-group configuration.
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 improves the drone's efficiency, durability, and travel distance while ensuring redundancy, enabling it to continue operating if a propeller fails by distributing the weight and aerodynamic load effectively, minimizing drag, and maintaining balance through strategic propeller arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
five propellers arranged in a specific spatial configuration... each propeller contributing to vertical lift and forward thrust
Implementation Method 2
each propeller contributing to vertical lift and forward thrust
Implementation Method 3
canard configuration with two parallel linear supports connecting forewings to main wings
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A long-distance drone 100 is disclosed having a canard body style with a main body 110, a left main wing 113, a right main wing 114, a left forewing 111, and a right forewing 112. The left forewing 111 is attached to the main body 110 forward of the left main wing 113, and the right forewing 112 is attached to the main body 110 forward of the right main wing 114. There is a left linear support 120 connecting the left forewing 111 to the left main wing 113, and a right linear support 121 connecting the right forewing 112 to the right main wing 114. A plurality of propellers 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136 are disposed on the left and the right linear supports 120, 121.