Systems, methods, and devices for propelling self-propelled movable objects are provided. In one aspect, a rotor assembly for a self-propelled movable object comprises: a hub comprising a first fastening feature; a drive shaft comprising a second fastening feature and directly coupled to the hub by a mating connection of the first and second fastening features, wherein the drive shaft is configured to cause rotation of the hub such that the mating connection of the first and second fastening features is tightened by the rotation; and a plurality of rotor blades coupled to the hub and configured to rotate therewith to generate a propulsive force.

Methods and systems for utilizing a mobile computing device (e.g., such as a mobile phone) for use in controlling a model vehicle are described. Consistent with some embodiments, a mobile computing device provides various user controls for generating signals that are communicated to a radio transmitter device coupled with the mobile computing device, and ultimately broadcast to a receiver residing at a model vehicle. With some embodiments, the mobile computing device may be integrated with a controller housing which provides separate user controls, such that a combination of user controls present on the mobile computing device and the controller housing can be used to control a model vehicle.

An Adjustable Offset Mount (AOM) device for engines of a model airplane which includes shim-less components with concave and convex components which are used to easily and accurately correct horizontal and vertical thrust angles.

A quick release propeller for model airplanes is disclosed including two or more blades mounted to a hub. For each blade, the hub includes a slot and a shoulder. Each blade includes a base portion having pins which slide into the slot in the hub. The slots are curved which prevents the blades from being removed unless they are rotated at predefined threshold angle with respect to the hub.

A monitoring terminal includes a transceiver, a receiver, and a processor. The transceiver provides a two-way communication with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) via a first communication link and is configured to receive feedback data and a feedback data indication from the UAV and transmit control data to the UAV. The receiver is configured to receive the control data and a control data indication from a controlling terminal via a second communication link. The second communication link does not interfere with the first communication link. The processor is configured to determine whether the feedback data and the control data are being simultaneously transmitted via the first communication link based on the feedback data indication and the control data indication.

A motor assembly that includes a motor having a motor casing, a rotatable shaft extending from said motor casing to a shaft length and a hub coupled to said rotatable shaft, the hub having a circumferential skid surface disposed immediately proximal to the motor casing and having a channel configured to seat a propeller, when a propeller is present, wherein a bending moment applied to the shaft through the hub results in the circumferential skid surface contacting said motor casing.

Locking device, propeller, and aerial vehicle are provided. An exemplary propeller includes a blade; and a locking part, configured for locking the blade to a driving shaft. The locking part includes a fastening portion and a pressing portion. The pressing portion includes a pressing end, an abutting end including an accommodating hole, and an abutting part configured within the accommodating hole for abutting against the fastening portion. The fastening portion is accommodable within the accommodating hole of the pressing portion. The pressing portion of the locking part is slidably connected with the blade. A portion of the driving shaft protrudes into the accommodating hole of the pressing portion. The fastening portion is abutted against the abutting part of the pressing portion and engaged with the driving shaft to lock the driving shaft on the blade.

A motor assembly that includes a motor having a motor casing, a rotatable shaft extending from said motor casing to a shaft length and a hub coupled to said rotatable shaft, the hub having a circumferential skid surface disposed immediately proximal to the motor casing and having a channel configured to seat a propeller, when a propeller is present, wherein a bending moment applied to the shaft through the hub results in the circumferential skid surface contacting said motor casing.

A vehicle control system may include a vehicle frame, a mount secured to the vehicle frame and configured for rigidly securing a smartphone therein such that motions experienced by the vehicle frame are correspondingly experienced by the smartphone, and system electronics arranged on the frame and in communication with the smartphone and vehicle controllers, the system electronics configured to receive signals from the smartphone and control directional devices of the vehicle based on the signals via the vehicle controllers. A system for preparing signals for transmission to the vehicle to control navigation may also be provided.

A wireless transmitter includes a pair of control sticks, circuitry coupled to control sticks, and an antenna coupled to the circuitry. The circuitry is configured to process signals produced by the control sticks to provide control inputs for the speed, direction, and other flight characteristics of the model aircraft being controlled by the transmitter. The transmitter is configured for multiple operational modes in which the pair of control sticks engage or disengage functionality, such as return-to-center functionality, vertical or horizontal position limiting functionality, or position select functionality.