Wind-Oriented Multirotor UAV With Adjustable Lift Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAVs face challenges in achieving high flight autonomy and energy efficiency, particularly during long-duration inspection tasks, due to their limited ability to harness wind energy and maintain stationary flight capacity.
Innovation Solution
The UAV is equipped with means to orient its nose against the prevailing wind and features adjustable supporting planes that can change wing loading during flight, optimizing lifting force and energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multirotor drones are used for inspection tasks requiring stationary flight, then stationary flight capacity is improved, but flight autonomy deteriorates due to high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the supporting planes adjustable during flight. The planes can change their configuration from a retracted state during takeoff to an extended state during flight to increase wing loading and improve aerodynamic efficiency. This dynamic adjustment allows the multirotor drone to transition from high-power vertical flight to more efficient aerodynamic flight, thereby extending flight autonomy while maintaining stationary flight capacity when needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If fixed wing drones are used to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but stationary flight capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multirotor drone that can perform multiple functions: it can hover stationary like a traditional multirotor, fly forward efficiently like a fixed-wing aircraft, and transition between these modes. The adjustable supporting planes enable the drone to switch between vertical takeoff/landing (stationary flight) and forward flight modes, making it universally capable of both stationary operation and energy-efficient travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment of supporting planes during flight allows the drone to optimize its aerodynamic characteristics. When forward flight is required, the planes extend to increase wing loading and improve lift-to-drag ratio, reducing energy consumption. When stationary flight is needed, the planes can be retracted, allowing the drone to return to its multirotor hover capability.
3Duration of action of moving object
If conventional helicopters are used for long-duration inspection tasks, then flight autonomy and stationary flight capacity are improved, but cost and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a smaller, lighter, and cheaper multirotor drone platform instead of conventional helicopters. The drone is designed with sufficient flight autonomy for inspection tasks through the addition of adjustable supporting planes, making it a cost-effective alternative to expensive helicopter operations. While individual drones may be less robust than helicopters, the overall system achieves comparable operational capability at lower cost and risk.
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
This configuration allows for substantial energy savings and increased flight autonomy, enabling UAVs to perform long-lasting inspection tasks or journeys without the need for frequent recharging or refueling.
Implementation Method 1
adjustable supporting planes that can change wing loading during flight, optimizing lifting force
Implementation Method 2
means allowing it to maintain its nose orientated against the prevailing wind, thus optimizing its capability to support itself on air
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An unmanned aircraft, preferably a multirotor drone, equipped with means of orientation against the wind, comprising a wind sensor (6), in order to maintain said aircraft, during take-off and flight, with its nose (5) oriented against the prevailing wind, independently of the direction of displacement of the aircraft. Said means combine with at least one adjustable supporting plane (7, 8, 9) constituted by fixed segments (10, 12) and mobile segments (11, 13), the mobile segments (11, 13) being able to adopt different degrees of deployment with regard to the fixed segments (10, 12). The combined action ofthe means of orientation against the wind (6) and ofthe at least one adjustable supporting plane (7, 8, 9) enables the natural supporting force provided by the wind to be optimised, this resulting in a saving of energy and therefore in an increase in the flight range.