Abstract:
A control system of a flight vehicle automatically varies the relationship between the center of gravity and the center of pressure of the flight vehicle. The control system automatically adjusts a center of pressure of the flight vehicle depending on a varying payload or payload type that is removably couplable to the flight vehicle. The control system automatically limits translational movement of the one or more wings of the flight vehicle in response to coupling of a payload to a fuselage of the flight vehicle.
Abstract:
A propeller assembly (200) comprising a propeller hub (201) which can be driven about an axis and at least two propeller blades (203) each mounted to the hub at a point distal from the axis by pivoting means (203, 211, 212) alloying the propeller blades to pivot generally parallel to the said axis between at least two positions relative to the hub, a first, folded position in which the propeller blade is not aligned with the axis and the point and a second, deployed position in which the propeller blade is aligned with the axis and the point, in which the pivoting means (203, 211, 212) is configured to allow the propeller blades to pivot freely relative to the hub when in the first position and, on driving the hub about the axis, to allow the propeller blades to pivot relative to the hub until the or each propeller blade is aligned with the axis and the point, the pivoting means being adapted to hold the or each propeller blade in the second position for as long as the bub is driven. An air vehicle (700) comprising at least one such propeller assembly (701) is also described..
Abstract:
Multiple motors may drive (rotate) a single shaft coupled to a propeller. The motors may be selected such that a first motor is capable of rotating the drive shaft in an event of a failure of a second motor coupled to the drive shaft. A one-way clutch bearing, or similar device, may interface between a motor and the drive shaft to enable free rotation of the drive shaft in an event of the motor becoming inoperable, such as the motor freezing or locking in a position due to failure caused by overheating or caused by other conditions or events. Use of the second motor may secure a position of the drive shaft which may support the propeller in radial eccentric loading.
Abstract:
A propeller alignment device (102) is described. The propeller alignment device (102) can include a second retainer attached to a propeller (112) and a motor (104). The propeller alignment device (102) can also include a first retainer (114) that does not rotate, but that is aligned with the second retainer (116). The first retainer (114) can include two or more magnets (120A,120B) oppositely orientated relative to each other. The second retainer (116) can also include two or more magnets (118A,118B) oppositely orientated relative to each other. As the second retainer (116) rotates relative to the first retainer (114), the magnets may altematingly align with each other. In the absence of a current applied to the motor (104), the magnets may magnetically bias the second retainer (116) into a predetermined orientation relative to the first retainer (114). The predetermined orientation can be predetermined to correspond to an alignment of the propeller (112) that is desirable (e.g., that minimizes aerodynamic drag on the propeller).
Abstract:
An amphibious vertical takeoff and landing unmanned device comprises a modular and expandable waterproof body (802), a chassis (804), an outer body shell (806), a propulsion system, a propeller protection system, a surface skidding material platform, a landing system, control surfaces, a ballast, an onboard air compressor, an onboard electrolysis system, a waterproof through-body wire or antenna feed-through, a single or multiple-axis tilt-motor device (1025), a tilt fuselage device, a tilt wing device (1015), a battery, a power distribution board, a Global Positioning System module, a lost model alert, a cooling device (1041), a detachable impact absorbing skin or shell, vision aiding and orientative lights, hatches, quick connect payloads, a lap counter for racing, a flat or inclined launch platform or footing, claws, an apparatus for externally attaching and internally housing a cargo, a charging station, a partial vacuum device, a manually or automatically deployable parachute (1130), and an onboard or ground station electricity generator. A video capture, realtime broadcast, and video downlink system for an amphibious VTOL unmanned device and a collision avoidance, flight stabilization, and multi-rotor control system for an amphibious VTOL unmanned device are also provided.
Abstract:
A propeller includes a hub coaxially surrounding a longitudinal axis. A ring shroud coaxially surrounds the longitudinal axis and is spaced radially from the hub. The ring shroud includes an inner ring surface and a radially spaced, oppositely facing outer ring surface. At least one propeller blade is fixedly attached to both the hub and the inner ring surface and extends radially therebetween for mutual rotation therewith. At least one extending blade has a first extending blade end radially spaced from a second extending blade end. The first extending blade end is fixedly attached to the outer ring surface. The second extending blade end is cantilevered from the first extending blade end and is radially spaced from the ring shroud.
Abstract:
This disclosure describes a configuration of an unmanned aerial vehicle ("UAV") (100) that will facilitate extended flight duration. The UAV may have any number of lifting motors (102). For example, the UAV may include four lifting motors (also known as a quad-copter), eight lifting motors (also known as an octo-copter), etc. Likewise, to improve the efficiency of horizontal flight, the UAV also includes a pivot assembly (109) that may rotate about an axis (624) from a lifting position to a thrusting position. The pivot assembly may include two or more offset motors (610) that generate a differential force that will cause the pivot assembly to rotate between the lifting position and the thrusting position without the need for any additional motors or gears.
Abstract:
A flight control apparatus for fixed-wing aircraft includes a first port wing (115) and first starboard wing (120), a first port swash plate (145) coupled between a first port rotor 155) and first port electric motor (135), the first port electric 5 motor (135) coupled to the first port wing (115), and a first starboard swash plate (150) coupled between a first starboard rotor (130) and first starboard electric motor (140), the first starboard electric motor (140) coupled to the first starboard wing (120).
Abstract:
[PROBLEMS] An aircraft that can be transported in a small space and has high performance. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] An aircraft in which a kite wing (300) is attached to an aircraft body (100) via struts (210, 220) and a propeller (500) is rotatably supported by a shaft. A propeller guard section (120) for guarding the outer circumference of the propeller (500) is provided at the aircraft body (100). The struts (210, 220) can be fixed to the propeller guard section (120).