Purdue researcher improves UAS flight in windy conditions with patented design

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Purdue University researcher Xiumin Diao has developed a patented design for drones that works in windy conditions, is more energy-efficient and can handle a larger payload.

​The inspiration behind this design comes from a unique source. 

“Our drone design was inspired by the wings and flight patterns of insects,” Diao, an assistant professor in Purdue’s School of Engineering Technology, says.

“We created a drone design with automatic folding arms that can make in-flight adjustments.”

According to Diao, the folding arms can move and change the center of gravity of the UAS during flight, providing the UAS with better stability in windy conditions. The movable-arm technology facilitates the use of the full range of rotor thrust, making the UAS more energy efficient as well.

“The drones on the market now have fixed arms and that greatly reduces their maximum payload capacity when the payload is offset their center of gravity,” Diao explains.

“Our design allows a larger payload because the movable arms can liberate part of rotor thrust to fight the weight on the overall device.”

Diao notes that the foldable arms can also more effectively navigate the air conditions in damaged areas and morph by moving the arms to go through narrow spaces, which is especially beneficial for search and rescue operations.

To patent his device, Diao worked with the Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization, and they are looking for more researchers and partners to license the technology.