Hybrid VTOL Drone Propeller Spatial Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drones are limited by travel range and endurance, and lack redundancy in case of propeller failure.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid VTOL fixed-wing drone design with parallel propellers and linear supports that minimize aerodynamic interference, allowing for redundancy and improved stability, featuring a spatial arrangement of propellers to maintain balance in case of malfunction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple propellers are used to improve redundancy and reliability, then the drone can continue functioning if one propeller fails, but the aerodynamic interference between propellers increases and stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions propellers in three-dimensional space with specific spatial relationships - placing them at different heights (z-dimension) and angles. The first propeller is positioned above the second propeller, and they are angled relative to each other, creating a立体 arrangement that reduces aerodynamic interference while maintaining redundancy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of propellers - the first and second propellers have different orientations and positions relative to the central axis. The first propeller is angled at a first angle and the second at a second angle, creating an asymmetric configuration that minimizes aerodynamic interference between the propeller downwashes
2Device complexity
If propellers are positioned closer together to reduce device complexity, then the overall structure is simpler, but aerodynamic interference increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension (z-axis) to separate propellers that would otherwise be horizontally close. By positioning the first propeller above the second propeller and angling them differently, the design achieves spatial separation that reduces aerodynamic interference while keeping the horizontal footprint compact
3Productivity
If a push propeller is added at the rear end to improve thrust and travel distance, then the hybrid powertrain efficiency increases, but the device complexity and aerodynamic interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The push propeller at the rear end serves multiple functions: it provides additional thrust for long-distance travel, contributes to vertical takeoff and landing capability, and helps with forward propulsion. This multi-functional design justifies the added complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated propeller system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the push propeller function with the overall hybrid VTOL system, integrating it with the lift propellers and fixed-wing structure. The push propeller works in conjunction with the other propellers and the fixed-wing aerodynamics to achieve efficient long-distance travel, merging multiple propulsion modes into a unified system
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
Enhances efficiency, durability, and travel distance, enabling continuous flight times of up to 24 hours with a hybrid powertrain and maintaining functionality even if one propeller fails.
Implementation Method 1
a first propeller disposed on an upper side of the left linear support and facing downwardly, a second propeller disposed on an upper side of the right linear support and facing downwardly, and a third propeller disposed on a rear end of the main body and facing rearwardly
Implementation Method 2
connecting a left main wing to a left canard forewing with a left linear support. Also, the method can include connecting a right main wing to a right canard forewing with a right linear support. In some further examples, the left and right linear supports can counteract against a twisting force applied to the main body of the drone during flight
Data Source
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AI summary
A long-distance drone is disclosed having a canard wing configuration with a cabin (270) attached to a left main wing (213) and a right main wing (214). There is a left forewing (211) and a right forewing (212) connected together to form a single-piece forewing. There is a left linear support (220) connecting the left forewing (211) to the left main wing (213), and a right linear support (221) connecting the right forewing (212) to the right main wing (214). A plurality of propellers is disposed on the left and the right linear supports (220, 221).