Wing Deployment Mechanism Using Spherical Rolling Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wing folding mechanisms for unmanned aerial vehicles result in asymmetrical wing positioning during flight, leading to unstable flight dynamics and reduced maneuverability, with complex designs and inefficient volume usage.
Innovation Solution
A wing folding mechanism utilizing spherical rolling elements and a linear energy storage system allows wings to fold symmetrically along a horizontal plane, storing potential energy during folding and releasing it for balanced deployment, enabling symmetrical angular movement and stable inertia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If wings are folded along the vehicle body in prior art mechanisms, then the wings can be compacted for storage, but the wings achieve asymmetrical positioning in flight leading to unstable flight dynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second degree of freedom by allowing the upper wing to move vertically in addition to rotation, transforming the folding mechanism from a single-plane rotation to a two-dimensional movement. This enables the upper wing to compensate for positional differences and achieve symmetrical positioning during flight, resolving the stability issue while maintaining compact folding capability
2Stability of the object's composition
If wing height is decreased or vehicle body is widened to achieve symmetrical positioning, then flight stability improves, but the efficiency of wings in comparison to volume ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic movement mechanisms where the upper wing can vertically shift and rotate independently. This dynamic capability allows the system to achieve symmetrical positioning without permanent structural modifications like increasing vehicle body width or decreasing wing height, thereby maintaining high wing efficiency to volume ratio while improving flight stability
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex designs are used to achieve better balancing ability and maneuver capability, then flight control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the kinetic energy and momentum of the wings themselves during the folding and deployment process. The spherical rolling elements and energy storage elements work passively with the natural motion of the wings, eliminating the need for complex active control systems. The system self-regulates to achieve symmetrical positioning and balanced maneuver capability without adding significant complexity
4Manufacturing precision
If spherical rolling elements and energy storage elements are added to achieve symmetrical deployment, then manufacturing precision and cost-effectiveness improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive components such as spherical rolling elements (balls) and basic energy storage elements (springs) rather than complex mechanical systems. These simple components achieve the required manufacturing precision for symmetrical deployment while keeping the overall system relatively simple and cost-effective to manufacture
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 mechanism ensures stable and symmetrical wing deployment, maintaining balanced flight dynamics with a simple and cost-effective design, reducing production complexity and enhancing maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
a linear energy storage element located around alignment element that applies force to upper wing which stored as energy during folding of the wings
Implementation Method 2
When the wings are released (left the casing) the energy stored by the linear energy storage element urges the upper wing to achieve vertical movement
Implementation Method 3
In order to spherical rolling elements slots inside the spherical rolling elements to climb, rolling friction force between the spherical rolling element slots and the spherical rolling elements should be greater than the sliding frictional forces
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
Invention relates to a wing folding mechanism for a pair of wings comprising a lower wing (5) and a co-operative upper wing (6) extending opposite to each other in a deployment position and approach each other when rotated from respective remote ends to a resting position. According to the invention, a spherical rolling element slots (10) is adapted to receive a number of uniform spherical rolling elements provided at a corresponding lower wing root (20) and a upper wing root (21) so that allowing lower wing (5) and upper wing (6) extending symmetrical to each other; plurality of spherical rolling elements (3) are disposed at the spherical rolling element slot (10); an alignment element(2) is positioned in coaxially with a wing pin hole (18) and linear energy storage element (4) arranged in a such manner that release the stored energy accrued during the folding of the wings and disposed around the alignment element (2) to exert a pressing force to the upper wing (6).