WO2014053298A1 - Aircraft with detachable wings - Google Patents

Aircraft with detachable wings Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2014053298A1
WO2014053298A1 PCT/EP2013/068994 EP2013068994W WO2014053298A1 WO 2014053298 A1 WO2014053298 A1 WO 2014053298A1 EP 2013068994 W EP2013068994 W EP 2013068994W WO 2014053298 A1 WO2014053298 A1 WO 2014053298A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
wing
central body
aircraft
servo
connection set
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2013/068994
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Antoine Beyeler
Adam Klaptocz
James F. Roberts
Loic Zimmermann
Jean-Christophe Zufferey
Original Assignee
Sensefly S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sensefly S.A. filed Critical Sensefly S.A.
Priority to EP13763040.6A priority Critical patent/EP2903892B1/en
Publication of WO2014053298A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014053298A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64CAEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS
    • B64C1/00Fuselages; Constructional features common to fuselages, wings, stabilising surfaces or the like
    • B64C1/26Attaching the wing or tail units or stabilising surfaces
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64CAEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS
    • B64C39/00Aircraft not otherwise provided for
    • B64C39/10All-wing aircraft
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64UUNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U30/00Means for producing lift; Empennages; Arrangements thereof
    • B64U30/10Wings
    • B64U30/12Variable or detachable wings, e.g. wings with adjustable sweep
    • B64U30/14Variable or detachable wings, e.g. wings with adjustable sweep detachable
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64UUNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U50/00Propulsion; Power supply
    • B64U50/10Propulsion
    • B64U50/13Propulsion using external fans or propellers
    • B64U50/14Propulsion using external fans or propellers ducted or shrouded
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64UUNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U70/00Launching, take-off or landing arrangements
    • B64U70/60Take-off or landing of UAVs from a runway using their own power
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64UUNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U10/00Type of UAV
    • B64U10/25Fixed-wing aircraft

Definitions

  • This invention relates in general to aircraft that have removable wings. More specifically, the invention relates to the connection set between the wings and the central body that enables transfer of forces and torques between the wings and control surfaces and the central body and servo-motors.
  • Aircraft with removable wings are well known in the state of the art. Aircraft use the airflow over their wings to create lift when flying forwards. Though there are many ways of controlling the direction of an aircraft, the most common is to use control surfaces (such as ailerons or elevons) on the trailing edge of a wing. These control surfaces are generally actuated using servo-motors.
  • Radio-controlled model aircraft are commonly used by hobbyists for entertainment, and are increasingly outfitted with cameras for aerial photography.
  • autonomous aircraft with onboard sensing and computation are increasingly being used for aerial photogrammetry, mapping and surveillance, with many more applications arising as the technology matures.
  • Some of these aircraft feature wings that can be mechanically attached and detached from the central body of the aircraft.
  • Aircraft generally implement removable wings for two purposes. First, removable wings enable easier storage and transportation of the aircraft by separating the aircraft into three individual pieces. Second, removable wings can facilitate repair of the aircraft. Collisions between the aircraft and the ground or other obstacles can often damage the wings. Aircraft with removable wings can be easily returned to service by replacing a damaged wing without having to repair the entire aircraft.
  • the torque coupling mechanism must then be engaged through a separate action, which generally takes the form of a screw, a clip or other mechanical connection mechanism within the central body that must be fastened in a separate motion after the wing is engaged.
  • This engagement and disengagement process has several disadvantages. First, mechanically fixing the torque coupling mechanism with a fastener within the central body can cause damage to the central body in the case of a crash that tears the wing off the aircraft. Second, separating the process into two or more actions is more time consuming and increases the time required to launch the aircraft into the air.
  • connection set between the wings and the central body of an aircraft that can be engaged and disengaged in a single motion and that is designed to not damage the central body in the case of a crash that damages a wing.
  • the current invention is directed at an aircraft that includes a connection set used to attach and transfer forces and torques between the aircraft's central body and a removable wing. More specifically, the connection set comprises two mechanisms: an attachment mechanism and a torque coupling mechanism.
  • the aircraft includes a central body, at least a wing and a connection set to attach the wing to the central body, said wing comprising a lifting surface and a control surface connected together by a hinge, said central body comprising at least a servo-motor to actuate the control surface of the wing, said connection set comprising:
  • a torque coupling mechanism comprising a first part which is the edge or a reinforcement of the edge of the wing, and a second part, mounted to the servo-motor of the central body, the first part and the second part being freely engaged together while the wing is attached to the central body.
  • the aircraft is comprised of a central body and two removable wings.
  • Each wing is made up of a lifting surface and a control surface, such as an aileron or elevon, attached together using a hinge.
  • the central body contains the battery, flight motor used for thrust, all electronics required for flight and, most importantly, the servo-motors used to actuate the control surfaces.
  • the wings are connected to the central body through a connection set comprised of two separate components. First, an attachment mechanism between the wing and the central body ensures the mechanical coupling and the transmission of the constraints between the wing and the central body.
  • a torque coupling mechanism between the servo-motor contained within the central body and the control surface on the wing is used to actuate the control surface by transferring the torque of the servo-motor to it.
  • the axis of the servo-motor is preferably aligned with the hinge of the control surface, so that the control surface is directly actuated by the servo-motor through the first and second parts of the torque coupling mechanism.
  • the connection set is specifically designed so that both the attachment and torque coupling mechanisms are engaged and disengaged in a single motion. In addition, the connection set is designed to disengage without damaging the central body in case of a crash that impacts the wing.
  • FIG. 1 a is a top view of a sample aircraft with wings detached
  • FIG. 1 b is a top view of the same aircraft with wings attached;
  • FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the connection set between the central body and a wing
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the torque-transfer connection set between the central body and the wing; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • FIGS. 1 a and 1 b illustrate an aircraft comprised of a central body (1) and two detachable wings (2a, 2b).
  • the wings (2a, 2b) are shown detached from the central body (1 ), clearly showing the attachment mechanism (3-6) and the torque coupling mechanism (7-8).
  • the wings (2a, 2b) are attached to the central body (1).
  • the first part of the connection set is the attachment mechanism (3-6).
  • the attachment mechanism (3-6) takes the form of two cylindrical bars (3, 4) fixed to each wing (2a, 2b) and two cylindrical receptacles (5, 6) for each wing (2a, 2b) within the central body (1).
  • the cylindrical bars (3, 4) must be aligned and then slid into the receptacles (5, 6) to attach the wing (2a, 2b) to the central body (1).
  • Using two bars instead of a single bar increases the stiffness of the attachment mechanism (3- 6) and prevents the wing (2a, 2b) from rotating around the attachment point.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of the central body (1), revealing the cylindrical receptacles (5, 6) of the attachment mechanism (3-6) within the central body (1).
  • the two cylindrical bars (3, 4), along with their associated cylindrical receptacles, can be made of different diameters. This has the advantage of preventing the wing (2a, 2b) from being mounted incorrectly on the central body (1 ).
  • Another extension to this embodiment is to use different lengths of cylindrical bars (3, 4) and associated cylindrical receptacles (5, 6), once again with the goal of preventing the wing (2a, 2b) from being mounted incorrectly to the central body (1).
  • An alternate embodiment of the attachment mechanism (3-6) can be bars and slots of any shape, including square and half-moon bars.
  • Using a single half-moon bar, for example, can be used to both hold the wing (2a, 2b) in place and align it with respect to the central body (1), as a half-moon bar is not free to rotate within a half-moon receptacle.
  • the attachment mechanism (3-6) may take the form of a clip on the wing (2a, 2b) and a slot in the central body (1 ) which mate together, matching magnets in the wing (2a, 2b) and central body (1 ), or any other fastening technology.
  • the wing comprises means of identification to cooperate with means to read the identification located in the central body.
  • hall-effect sensors mounted on the cylindrical receptacles (5, 6), along with magnets mounted within the cylindrical bars (3, 4) on the wings (2a, 2b), can be used to detect the presence of the wings (2a, 2b) within the central body (1). This information can be used by the aircraft's controller to prevent flight if the wings (2a, 2b) are not attached properly.
  • several magnets and several sensors can be mounted within the cylindrical bars and the central body (1), respectively. The presence of only one or several magnets can be used to detect different types or configurations of wings (2a, 2b).
  • identification and sensing may also be used to detect the presence and type of wing (2a, 2b) that is attached. Examples include reflective tape on the wing (2a, 2b) detected by infrared proximity sensors in the central body (1 ), metallic parts in the wing (2a, 2b) detected by capacitive sensors in the central body (1) or a hard surface on the wing (2a, 2b) detected by mechanical switches in the central body (1). These identification elements and sensors can be integrated either within the attachment mechanism (3-6) or the torque coupling mechanism (7-8).
  • the second part of the connection set is the coupling mechanism (7-8) that has two parts.
  • the first part (7) of the torque coupling mechanism (7-8) takes the form of a reinforcement of the edge such as a male connection piece (7) mounted to the edge of the control surface (9) of the wing (2a, 2b) and the second part takes the form of a female connection piece (8) attached directly to the servo-motor (10).
  • edge we understand the lateral edge of the wing that allows the transmission of the torsion force to the entire control surface.
  • FIG. 1 b illustrated the aircraft with its wings (2a, 2b) attached to the central body (1).
  • the attachment mechanism (3-6) is hidden within the central body (1), whereas the torque coupling mechanism (7-8) is seen in its engaged position.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the torque coupling mechanism between the servo-motor in the central body (1 ) and the control surface of the wing (2a, 2b).
  • a female connector (8) with two walls is connected to the servo-motor (10) and mates with the male connector (7) mounted on the control surface (9).
  • the male connector (7) fits tightly within the walls of the female connector (8).
  • the torque coupling mechanism (7-8) is that it automatically aligns the axis of the control surface (7) with that of the servomotor (10) during attachment of the wing (2a, 2b).
  • a second advantage is that there is no fixed fastening point between the two connectors (7-8), and thus they come apart easily without damaging the servo- motor (10) within the central body (1) in case of a crash that impacts on the wing (2a, 2b).
  • a failsafe mechanical extrusion on the female connector (8) slides into a slot in the male connector (7) during attachment.
  • This failsafe prevents the wing (2a, 2b) from being mounted upside-down, on the wrong side of the central body (1 ) or otherwise incorrectly.
  • a similar failsafe extrusion and slot is also present on the male (7) and female (8) connector, respectively.
  • magnets can be embedded within both the male (7) and female (8)
  • the first part (7) of the torque coupling mechanism (7-8) is the edge of the wing (2a, 2b) itself, which acts as the male connector that slides inside the second part of the torque coupling mechanism (7-8) which takes the form of a female connector.
  • connection set is the engagement and disengagement motion, which occurs in a single motion.
  • the wing (2a, 2b) is attached to the central body (1) by sliding the cylindrical bars into the cylindrical receptacles within the central body (1).
  • the male (7) and female (8) parts of the torque coupling mechanism are automatically aligned facing each other, and are engaged in the same motion as the attachment of the wing (2a, 2b).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
  • Transmission Devices (AREA)

Abstract

This invention relates to a connection set that is used to attach and transfer force and torque between a wing (2a, 2b), comprising a lifting surface and a control surface (9) connected together by a hinge, and the central body (1 ) of an aircraft, which contains a servo-motor (10) used for actuating said control surface (9). The wing (2a, 2b) is connected to the central body (1 ) using a connection set comprised of two components. First, an attachment mechanism (3, 4, 5, 6) is used to align the wings (2a, 2b) relative to the central body (1 ) and to transfer the aerodynamic forces acting on the wing (2a, 2b) to the central body (1 ), preventing the wing (2a, 2b) from bending at its connection point. Second, a torque coupling mechanism (7, 8) is used to actuate the control surfaces that are present on the wings using servomotors (10) that are embedded within the central body (1 ). The connection set is engaged and disengaged using a single motion and does not require additional connection of electrical cables or mechanical fixations.

Description

AIRCRAFT WITH DETACHABLE WINGS
INTRODUCTION
This invention relates in general to aircraft that have removable wings. More specifically, the invention relates to the connection set between the wings and the central body that enables transfer of forces and torques between the wings and control surfaces and the central body and servo-motors.
BACKGROUND ART
Aircraft with removable wings are well known in the state of the art. Aircraft use the airflow over their wings to create lift when flying forwards. Though there are many ways of controlling the direction of an aircraft, the most common is to use control surfaces (such as ailerons or elevons) on the trailing edge of a wing. These control surfaces are generally actuated using servo-motors.
Radio-controlled model aircraft are commonly used by hobbyists for entertainment, and are increasingly outfitted with cameras for aerial photography. In the professional market, autonomous aircraft with onboard sensing and computation are increasingly being used for aerial photogrammetry, mapping and surveillance, with many more applications arising as the technology matures. Some of these aircraft feature wings that can be mechanically attached and detached from the central body of the aircraft.
Aircraft generally implement removable wings for two purposes. First, removable wings enable easier storage and transportation of the aircraft by separating the aircraft into three individual pieces. Second, removable wings can facilitate repair of the aircraft. Collisions between the aircraft and the ground or other obstacles can often damage the wings. Aircraft with removable wings can be easily returned to service by replacing a damaged wing without having to repair the entire aircraft.
Current designs of aircraft with removable wings have the servo-motor controlling their control surfaces embedded directly within the wing. This servo-motor must be connected to the central body that contains the rest of the flight electronics, generally through a cable. This configuration has several disadvantages. First, the cable must be connected and disconnected every time the wings are attached and detached. This complicates the wing attachment and detachment process, and continued use can wear down and damage the connector. Second, in case of a crash in which the wing is damaged and torn off the central body, the cable may be torn out of the central body, requiring repair of both the wing and the central body. Third, including the servo-motor within the wing significantly increases the cost of the wing and thus its replacement cost in case of damage.
It is therefore desirable to place expensive components such as the servo-motors within the central body to simplify the attachment and detachment process, reduce the wear on connectors and to reduce the replacement cost of the wings in case of damage. Separating the servo-motors from the control surfaces that they actuate, however, requires a special torque coupling mechanism between the two components that can be easily attached and detached yet still accurately transfer torque between them. Some model aircraft (in particular model gliders) are built with their servo-motors embedded within the central body. The servo-motors are generally attached to the control surfaces through complex torque coupling mechanisms. In current implementations a wing is attached to a central body by first engaging an attachment mechanism for the wing. The torque coupling mechanism must then be engaged through a separate action, which generally takes the form of a screw, a clip or other mechanical connection mechanism within the central body that must be fastened in a separate motion after the wing is engaged. This engagement and disengagement process has several disadvantages. First, mechanically fixing the torque coupling mechanism with a fastener within the central body can cause damage to the central body in the case of a crash that tears the wing off the aircraft. Second, separating the process into two or more actions is more time consuming and increases the time required to launch the aircraft into the air.
It is thus desirable to create a connection set between the wings and the central body of an aircraft that can be engaged and disengaged in a single motion and that is designed to not damage the central body in the case of a crash that damages a wing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The current invention is directed at an aircraft that includes a connection set used to attach and transfer forces and torques between the aircraft's central body and a removable wing. More specifically, the connection set comprises two mechanisms: an attachment mechanism and a torque coupling mechanism.
According to the invention, the aircraft includes a central body, at least a wing and a connection set to attach the wing to the central body, said wing comprising a lifting surface and a control surface connected together by a hinge, said central body comprising at least a servo-motor to actuate the control surface of the wing, said connection set comprising:
an attachment mechanism between the wing and the central body; and
a torque coupling mechanism, comprising a first part which is the edge or a reinforcement of the edge of the wing, and a second part, mounted to the servo-motor of the central body, the first part and the second part being freely engaged together while the wing is attached to the central body.
In one embodiment the aircraft is comprised of a central body and two removable wings. Each wing is made up of a lifting surface and a control surface, such as an aileron or elevon, attached together using a hinge. The central body contains the battery, flight motor used for thrust, all electronics required for flight and, most importantly, the servo-motors used to actuate the control surfaces. The wings are connected to the central body through a connection set comprised of two separate components. First, an attachment mechanism between the wing and the central body ensures the mechanical coupling and the transmission of the constraints between the wing and the central body. Second, a torque coupling mechanism between the servo-motor contained within the central body and the control surface on the wing is used to actuate the control surface by transferring the torque of the servo-motor to it. The axis of the servo-motor is preferably aligned with the hinge of the control surface, so that the control surface is directly actuated by the servo-motor through the first and second parts of the torque coupling mechanism. The connection set is specifically designed so that both the attachment and torque coupling mechanisms are engaged and disengaged in a single motion. In addition, the connection set is designed to disengage without damaging the central body in case of a crash that impacts the wing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood, and other aspects and features of the invention will become apparent through the following description of the preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Preferred embodiments will now be described, in terms of example only, with reference to the following figures, wherein:
FIG. 1 a is a top view of a sample aircraft with wings detached;
FIG. 1 b is a top view of the same aircraft with wings attached;
FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the connection set between the central body and a wing;
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the torque-transfer connection set between the central body and the wing; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIGS. 1 a and 1 b illustrate an aircraft comprised of a central body (1) and two detachable wings (2a, 2b). In FIG. 1 a the wings (2a, 2b) are shown detached from the central body (1 ), clearly showing the attachment mechanism (3-6) and the torque coupling mechanism (7-8). In FIG. 1 b the wings (2a, 2b) are attached to the central body (1).
The first part of the connection set is the attachment mechanism (3-6). In this embodiment, the attachment mechanism (3-6) takes the form of two cylindrical bars (3, 4) fixed to each wing (2a, 2b) and two cylindrical receptacles (5, 6) for each wing (2a, 2b) within the central body (1). The cylindrical bars (3, 4) must be aligned and then slid into the receptacles (5, 6) to attach the wing (2a, 2b) to the central body (1). Using two bars instead of a single bar increases the stiffness of the attachment mechanism (3- 6) and prevents the wing (2a, 2b) from rotating around the attachment point. The length, thickness and material strength is selected to ensure that the connection between wing (2a, 2b) and central body (1) is stiff enough to withstand the aerodynamic forces acting on the wing (2a, 2b) during flight. An added advantage of such an attachment mechanism (3-6) is that it auto-aligns the wing (2a, 2b) with respect to the central body (1 ). FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of the central body (1), revealing the cylindrical receptacles (5, 6) of the attachment mechanism (3-6) within the central body (1).
As an extension to this embodiment, the two cylindrical bars (3, 4), along with their associated cylindrical receptacles, can be made of different diameters. This has the advantage of preventing the wing (2a, 2b) from being mounted incorrectly on the central body (1 ). Another extension to this embodiment is to use different lengths of cylindrical bars (3, 4) and associated cylindrical receptacles (5, 6), once again with the goal of preventing the wing (2a, 2b) from being mounted incorrectly to the central body (1).
An alternate embodiment of the attachment mechanism (3-6) can be bars and slots of any shape, including square and half-moon bars. Using a single half-moon bar, for example, can be used to both hold the wing (2a, 2b) in place and align it with respect to the central body (1), as a half-moon bar is not free to rotate within a half-moon receptacle.
In yet another alternate embodiment, the attachment mechanism (3-6) may take the form of a clip on the wing (2a, 2b) and a slot in the central body (1 ) which mate together, matching magnets in the wing (2a, 2b) and central body (1 ), or any other fastening technology.
The wing comprises means of identification to cooperate with means to read the identification located in the central body. As an example, hall-effect sensors mounted on the cylindrical receptacles (5, 6), along with magnets mounted within the cylindrical bars (3, 4) on the wings (2a, 2b), can be used to detect the presence of the wings (2a, 2b) within the central body (1). This information can be used by the aircraft's controller to prevent flight if the wings (2a, 2b) are not attached properly. In an alternate embodiment, several magnets and several sensors can be mounted within the cylindrical bars and the central body (1), respectively. The presence of only one or several magnets can be used to detect different types or configurations of wings (2a, 2b). Other types of identification and sensing may also be used to detect the presence and type of wing (2a, 2b) that is attached. Examples include reflective tape on the wing (2a, 2b) detected by infrared proximity sensors in the central body (1 ), metallic parts in the wing (2a, 2b) detected by capacitive sensors in the central body (1) or a hard surface on the wing (2a, 2b) detected by mechanical switches in the central body (1). These identification elements and sensors can be integrated either within the attachment mechanism (3-6) or the torque coupling mechanism (7-8).
The second part of the connection set is the coupling mechanism (7-8) that has two parts. In this embodiment the first part (7) of the torque coupling mechanism (7-8) takes the form of a reinforcement of the edge such as a male connection piece (7) mounted to the edge of the control surface (9) of the wing (2a, 2b) and the second part takes the form of a female connection piece (8) attached directly to the servo-motor (10). By "edge", we understand the lateral edge of the wing that allows the transmission of the torsion force to the entire control surface. FIG. 1 b illustrated the aircraft with its wings (2a, 2b) attached to the central body (1). The attachment mechanism (3-6) is hidden within the central body (1), whereas the torque coupling mechanism (7-8) is seen in its engaged position. The axis of the servomotor (10) is aligned with the hinge (11 ) of the control surface (9) when the torque coupling mechanism is engaged, so that the angle of the control surface is in a one-to-one relationship with the rotation angle of the servo-motor through the first and second parts of the torque coupling mechanism. It is to be noted that the first part (7) can be the lateral edge of the control surface (9) as long as the stiffness of the control surface allows the transmission of the torque from the servo-motor (10). FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the torque coupling mechanism between the servo-motor in the central body (1 ) and the control surface of the wing (2a, 2b). A female connector (8) with two walls is connected to the servo-motor (10) and mates with the male connector (7) mounted on the control surface (9). The male connector (7) fits tightly within the walls of the female connector (8). When the servo-motor (10) is rotated the torque is transferred directly to the control surface (11 ) through the walls of the female connector (8) that press against the male connector (7). One advantage of this torque coupling mechanism (7-8) is that it automatically aligns the axis of the control surface (7) with that of the servomotor (10) during attachment of the wing (2a, 2b). A second advantage is that there is no fixed fastening point between the two connectors (7-8), and thus they come apart easily without damaging the servo- motor (10) within the central body (1) in case of a crash that impacts on the wing (2a, 2b).
In this embodiment a failsafe mechanical extrusion on the female connector (8) slides into a slot in the male connector (7) during attachment. This failsafe prevents the wing (2a, 2b) from being mounted upside-down, on the wrong side of the central body (1 ) or otherwise incorrectly. A similar failsafe extrusion and slot is also present on the male (7) and female (8) connector, respectively.
In an alternate embodiment, magnets can be embedded within both the male (7) and female (8)
connection pieces to mate the servo-motor (10) to the control surface (10). Magnets also have the advantage of coming apart without damaging the servo-motor (10) in case of a crash that causes the wing (2a, 2b) to be torn off.
In an alternate embodiment, the first part (7) of the torque coupling mechanism (7-8) is the edge of the wing (2a, 2b) itself, which acts as the male connector that slides inside the second part of the torque coupling mechanism (7-8) which takes the form of a female connector.
One main feature of this connection set is the engagement and disengagement motion, which occurs in a single motion. The wing (2a, 2b) is attached to the central body (1) by sliding the cylindrical bars into the cylindrical receptacles within the central body (1). As the wings (2a, 2b) are inserted, the male (7) and female (8) parts of the torque coupling mechanism are automatically aligned facing each other, and are engaged in the same motion as the attachment of the wing (2a, 2b).
It should be noted that this is the preferred embodiment of the invention and has been made by way of illustration, not limitation. All modifications, alterations and changes coming within the spirit and scope of the present invention are herein meant to be included.

Claims

Claims
1. An aircraft including a central body (1 ), at least a wing (2a, 2b) and a connection set to attach the wing to the central body, said wing comprising a lifting surface and a control surface (9) connected together by a hinge, said central body comprising at least a servo-motor (10) to actuate the control surface of the wing, said connection set comprising:
an attachment mechanism (3, 4, 5, 6) between the wing (2a, 2b) and the central body (1 ); and a torque coupling mechanism (7, 8), comprising a first part which is the edge or a reinforcement (7) of the edge of the wing, and a second part (8), mounted to the servo-motor of the central body so that the tilt angle of the control surface is in a one-to-one relationship with the rotation angle of the servo-motor, the first part and the second part being freely engaged together while the wing is attached to the central body.
2. An aircraft according to claim 1 wherein:
the axis of the servo-motor is aligned with the hinge of the control surface when the torque coupling mechanism is engaged, so that the control surface is directly actuated by the servo-motor through the first and second parts of the torque coupling mechanism.
3. An aircraft according to claim 1 or 2 wherein:
both attachment and torque coupling mechanisms of said connection set are engaged and
disengaged in a single motion.
4. An aircraft according to any of the claims 1 to 3 wherein:
the attachment mechanism provides an alignment for the first and second parts of the torque coupling mechanism.
5. An aircraft according to any of the claims 1 to 4 wherein:
the first and second parts of the torque coupling mechanism is automatically disengaged in case of a force applied on the wing.
6. An aircraft according to any of the claims 1 to 5 wherein:
said first part of the connection set is mechanically incompatible with a second part of another connection set connecting a second wing of the aircraft.
7. An aircraft according to any of the claims 1 to 6 wherein:
said connection set comprises a means of identification and said central body comprises means to read the identification of the attachment mechanism.
8. An aircraft according to claim 7 further comprising of:
said identification means allow to distinguish different types of wings as well as their presence and correct engagement.
PCT/EP2013/068994 2012-10-03 2013-09-13 Aircraft with detachable wings WO2014053298A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP13763040.6A EP2903892B1 (en) 2012-10-03 2013-09-13 Aircraft with detachable wings

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12187089.3A EP2716543A1 (en) 2012-10-03 2012-10-03 Connection set for aircraft with detachable wings
EP12187089.3 2012-10-03
US201261709343P 2012-10-04 2012-10-04
US61/709,343 2012-10-04

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2014053298A1 true WO2014053298A1 (en) 2014-04-10

Family

ID=47080223

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2013/068994 WO2014053298A1 (en) 2012-10-03 2013-09-13 Aircraft with detachable wings

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (2) EP2716543A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2014053298A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3498592A1 (en) 2017-12-13 2019-06-19 FLARIS Spolka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia A junction of metal/composite structures of an airplane
US10798867B2 (en) 2017-05-09 2020-10-13 Cnh Industrial America Llc Agricultural system
RU2798618C1 (en) * 2022-12-28 2023-06-23 Публичное акционерное общество "Объединенная авиастроительная корпорация" (ПАО "ОАК") Aircraft with high transportability

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104691743A (en) * 2015-03-17 2015-06-10 中国空气动力研究与发展中心高速空气动力研究所 Embedded control surface for flying wing configuration course control
KR101776949B1 (en) 2016-03-16 2017-09-08 주식회사 에이디이 Wing coupling device of drones
CN105857570B (en) * 2016-03-28 2019-01-11 北京迈凯飞工程技术有限公司 Lockable mechanism and unmanned plane
CN108657414B (en) * 2018-05-15 2020-12-11 北京航空航天大学 Device and method for connecting central wing, outer wing and tail boom of unmanned aerial vehicle
GB2575483A (en) 2018-07-12 2020-01-15 Airbus Operations Ltd Wing assembly mount
KR102644729B1 (en) * 2021-07-01 2024-03-12 주식회사 공간정보 unmaned air vehicle for multi-using

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1884909A (en) * 1930-09-04 1932-10-25 Strobell Charles William Ornithopter
US2601962A (en) * 1946-01-29 1952-07-01 Douglas Aircraft Co Inc Aircraft balancing means
US4591114A (en) * 1985-02-07 1986-05-27 Alvin Block Automatic interlock connector arrangement for radio-controlled model airplanes
US20070102588A1 (en) * 2005-10-25 2007-05-10 John Durant Servo Mounting System for Direct Drive of an Aircraft Control Surface
US20070267541A1 (en) * 2006-02-28 2007-11-22 Honorato Ruiz Francisco J Pivoting coupling system for a large dihedral empennage to the tail fuselage of an aircraft
US20080217470A1 (en) * 2007-03-07 2008-09-11 Jie Zhao Modularized airplane structures and methods

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1884909A (en) * 1930-09-04 1932-10-25 Strobell Charles William Ornithopter
US2601962A (en) * 1946-01-29 1952-07-01 Douglas Aircraft Co Inc Aircraft balancing means
US4591114A (en) * 1985-02-07 1986-05-27 Alvin Block Automatic interlock connector arrangement for radio-controlled model airplanes
US20070102588A1 (en) * 2005-10-25 2007-05-10 John Durant Servo Mounting System for Direct Drive of an Aircraft Control Surface
US20070267541A1 (en) * 2006-02-28 2007-11-22 Honorato Ruiz Francisco J Pivoting coupling system for a large dihedral empennage to the tail fuselage of an aircraft
US20080217470A1 (en) * 2007-03-07 2008-09-11 Jie Zhao Modularized airplane structures and methods

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10798867B2 (en) 2017-05-09 2020-10-13 Cnh Industrial America Llc Agricultural system
EP3498592A1 (en) 2017-12-13 2019-06-19 FLARIS Spolka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia A junction of metal/composite structures of an airplane
RU2798618C1 (en) * 2022-12-28 2023-06-23 Публичное акционерное общество "Объединенная авиастроительная корпорация" (ПАО "ОАК") Aircraft with high transportability

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2903892A1 (en) 2015-08-12
EP2716543A1 (en) 2014-04-09
EP2903892B1 (en) 2018-05-02

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2903892B1 (en) Aircraft with detachable wings
EP3601042B1 (en) Multi-architecture modular unmanned aerial system
US20160244160A1 (en) Convertible unmanned aerial vehicle
US8951086B2 (en) Modular miniature unmanned aircraft with vectored-thrust control
US9211946B2 (en) Wing fold system with latch pins through multiple mating lugs
US9630710B2 (en) Unmanned aerial vehicle
US20190232504A1 (en) Modular transport robot and transport robot system
US20150014482A1 (en) Unmanned aerial vehicle (uav) with inter-connecting wing sections
US11905005B2 (en) Unmanned vehicles capable of environmental interaction
US10737774B2 (en) Unmanned aerial vehicle propeller assembly
US11148781B2 (en) Airframe attachments
US9682329B1 (en) Electric power paper airplane conversion kit/unit
US20210276691A1 (en) Locking mechanism, propeller, motor, propulsion system assembly, and aircraft
US11767109B2 (en) Modular unmanned air vehicles
EP2257464A2 (en) Modularized airplane structures and methods
US20170029105A1 (en) Coupling mechanism for aircraft
US20210047039A1 (en) System, method and device for attaching a tool or a payload to an unmanned aerial vehicle
CN110316038B (en) Unmanned carrying vehicle
WO2014025617A1 (en) Modular miniature unmanned aircraft with vectored-thrust control
EP2727828B1 (en) Wing fold system with latch pins through multiple mating lugs
WO2006028494A3 (en) Force feedback refueling system for unmanned aircraft
US20060144995A1 (en) Remotely controlled model airplane having deflectable centrally biased control surface
CN112829920A (en) Locking structure of unmanned aerial vehicle dismouting structure
US10604248B2 (en) Rotating apparatus
CN110587627A (en) Airport service robot and robot management system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 13763040

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2013763040

Country of ref document: EP