What exactly does each part of a drone do?
Drones are a household name, but do people really know what each part is called? Drones are used in countless fields in today’s modern world. In medicine, they can deliver medical materials almost in an instant. In war, they have been noted to drop bombs remotely. In entertainment, they can provide stunning lights and seamless recording. So what exactly are they made of?
Propellers
All propellers are designed to cut through the air to create a pressure difference between the top and the bottom. No working propellers are ever flat due to no elevation from that kind of design. The curved design allows upward thrust. In other words, the propellers help the drone start up and move upwards. More displaced air means more height. More height means more area for the drone to fly around.
Another factor in building propellers is pitch. In a propeller, more pitch means faster revolutions per minute (RPM). Therefore the drone can quickly gain height with higher pitch in the propellers. This kind of design is meant for speedier drones. Less pitch in the propellers allows it to float in the air without moving much. The stability is very useful for drones that take cinematic pictures of videos.
Drawing of two common types of propellers
Drone Frame
The frame of a drone is like the body of the drone which holds everything together. Without the drone frame, the drone can’t exist. Most drone frames are light and compact to overall weigh less. Most drone frames usually have at least three sections for each propeller. The most important factor in a drone frame is that the center of gravity is spread evenly.
Drone frames often are created with carbon fiber due to its strength and weight ratio. In addition, some drone frames even add light metals to strengthen the frame. Plastic is not strong enough and a frame completely composed of metal is much too heavy. Carbon fiber is the perfect middle ground.
Motors
Motors are attached directly to the propellers to make them spin. Motors are extremely significant to the design of the drone because they create the movement for the drone. Typically the number of motors is the same as the propellers. The power from the battery provides the energy for the motor. It converts the electrical energy directly into mechanical energy.
You may be wondering how exactly does the motor spin? Most electrical motors have a magnet inside of them. The magnet makes rotation from the electrical current, which is frequently stored in copper windings. The power of magnetism is what the drone receives is speed from. Magnets provide consistent spin and power to all motors, not just drone motors.
Basic example of an electrical motor
Battery
Batteries are the energy of the drone. All power comes from a simple, yet significant battery. Cheaper drones may use smaller batteries that are one time use. Commercial drones or more professional drones may use larger batteries that are able to be charged. It is important to note that drones cannot be heavy. They must be able to provide energy without being too heavy. If the battery is heavy, motors and propellers spend more energy to function.
Batteries almost always have the same concept even if they look completely different. The idea of a battery is to hold chemical energy and transfer it into electrical energy. It mostly contains steel with a variety of other metals. The small portion left is filled with plastic and paper. The + and - symbols on smaller batteries represent the positive and negative respectfully.
Drone flight controller
Many of you may be thinking: This is the controller that you use to control the drone. However, this is completely different. The drone flight controller is like the “brain” of the drone. The drone receives input from the environment around it. In an instant, the flight controller processes information and tells the motors where to move. Also it can provide information to the person controlling the drone remotely. Physically, it looks just like a circuit board.
Drone controller
Just as a video game controller controls a character, the drone controller controls a drone. There are a variety of designs that are used for a drone controller. Nevertheless, they all require two control sticks. Similar to a video game, there is a left/right button along with an up/down button. Some fancier controllers even have a screen to observe the surroundings in the drone’s perspective.
Drones are quite difficult to fly if inexperienced. Without practice, it can seem impossible due to the depth perception. It is quite useful to have a camera attached to see firsthand what the drone sees. Wind is especially a dangerous factor because it can easily toss and turn the drone. Drones are quite light so they are susceptible to even the slightest winds.
Simple drone controller with a power button
Camera (strongly recommended)
Cameras are not required, but they can be used to benefit both you and the drone. Commercial drones almost always have cameras to view surrounding areas and to take beautiful pictures of the scenery. Many cameras are built directly into the drone. On the other hand, cameras can be attached into a drone. Either way, they all have the same purpose: Observe in the drone’s POV.
Example of camera that can be attached
Landing kit (optional)
Typically for beginners, drone landing kits can help land drones for first time flyers. Many landing kits are unique and have a variety of options. Some have two legs that are attached to the bottom and allow stable landings. Other types of landing kits have four little prongs that dig into the ground to keep it still. After enough practice, landing kits won’t be needed for drone flyers.
Conclusion
Now we know what drones are made of, you may be thinking so what's the basic drone design? To answer your question, drones are all different. From the cheap drones as kid toys to the expensive commercial drones, they are all different materials and structures. Heavier cameras attached on the drone require stronger motors. Alternatively, an overall light drone can easily gain elevation, but is strongly susceptible to wind. All in all, drones are built differently every time, but serve the same purpose: fly.
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