Winged Drone Platform with Tilting Propellers for Efficient Cruise Flight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-rotor drones are inefficient in flight, leading to limited range and increased size and weight due to the need for larger energy storage units, as they rely on propellers to provide both lift and forward thrust, which is inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A winged drone platform with tilting propeller assemblies that transition between takeoff and cruise flight positions, allowing the propellers to provide upward thrust during takeoff and forward thrust during cruise, while the wings generate lift, reducing the reliance on propellers for both functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If propellers provide both lift and forward thrust in existing drones, then the drone can achieve vertical takeoff and forward flight, but the energy storage unit size and weight must be increased to compensate for inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical takeoff capabilityVSAvoidenergy storage unit size and weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the thrust generation function into two distinct systems: tilting propeller assemblies for vertical thrust and forward thrust, and fixed wings for lift generation during cruise flight. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its optimal function, improving overall efficiency and reducing energy storage requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The propeller assemblies are designed to dynamically tilt between vertical and forward orientations, transitioning the drone from vertical takeoff mode to cruise flight mode. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same propeller system to serve multiple functions across different flight phases, eliminating the need for oversized energy storage units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If propellers provide both lift and forward thrust, then the drone can perform all flight maneuvers, but the flight efficiency is poor and range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight maneuver capabilityVSAvoidflight efficiency and range

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The tilting propeller assemblies serve multiple functions: providing vertical lift during takeoff, generating forward thrust during cruise, and enabling transition between flight modes. The fixed wings provide lift during cruise flight. This multi-functional design maintains flight versatility while dramatically improving efficiency and range

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the orientation parameter of the propeller assemblies from fixed vertical to tiltable, allowing dynamic adjustment between 0 degrees (vertical) and 90 degrees (forward) relative to the drone body. This parameter change enables efficient thrust vectoring across different flight phases, improving both versatility and productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of moving object

If larger energy storage units are used to compensate for inefficiency, then the drone can achieve longer flight duration, but the size and weight of the drone increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight durationVSAvoiddrone size

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the lift generation function from the propeller system and assigns it to dedicated fixed wings during cruise flight. This separation allows the propeller system to be optimized for thrust only, improving efficiency and reducing the energy storage capacity needed, thereby reducing drone size and weight while maintaining flight duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 enhances the drone's range and reduces the size and weight of energy storage units, improving performance by optimizing thrust generation and aerodynamic efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of wings coupled to the drone body, each wing including a front facing leading edge and a rear facing trailing edge and configured to generate lift when the drone travels in a first travel direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLift generation: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of tilting propeller assemblies, each tilting propeller assembly supported by at least one of the plurality of wings, including a propeller and a propeller powerplant connected to the propeller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThrust generation: Jet

Data Source

PatentUS10967967B2Systems and methods for winged drone platform

Publication Date: 2021.04.06 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Various techniques are provided for a winged drone platform. In one example, a drone can be provided. The drone can include a drone body, a plurality of wings, a plurality of tiling propeller assemblies, and a drone controller. The wings can be coupled to the drone body and configured to generate lift when the drone travels in a first travel direction. The tilting propeller assemblies can each be supported by one of the wings, can include a propeller and a propeller powerplant connected to the propeller, and can be configured to move between at least a first position and a second position. The drone controller can provide instructions to the tilting propeller assemblies to move between at least the first position and the second position. Additional systems and related methods are also provided.