Modular Aerial Aquatic Platform With Power Sharing and Ballast Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerial vehicles are limited in their ability to effectively operate both in the air and in water, lacking a vehicle capable of seamless transition and functionality in both environments.
Innovation Solution
A system of connectable aerial vehicles with rotors, power sources, and modular components, including power-sharing circuitry, ballast systems, and connectors, allowing them to form a floating platform that can operate in both air and water, supporting objects and navigating through various orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If aerial vehicles are designed for single-vehicle operation, then individual control is improved, but ability to form floating platform deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent aerial vehicle units, each capable of autonomous flight and control. These modular units can operate independently for individual tasks or connect together through standardized interfaces to form a collective floating platform, providing flexibility in operational configuration based on mission requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple aerial vehicles are equipped with connection mechanisms that enable them to physically link together and share power resources. When connected, the vehicles form a stable floating platform that combines the capabilities of individual units, allowing them to support heavier loads or perform coordinated rescue operations while maintaining individual control systems for autonomous decision-making.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power source is integrated in each aerial vehicle, then operational independence is improved, but power management complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages individual battery charging and discharge for each vehicle, enables power sharing between connected vehicles, and provides centralized power distribution when vehicles form a platform. The system automatically switches between independent and shared power modes based on operational context, reducing overall complexity while maintaining operational independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system incorporates real-time monitoring of battery status, power consumption, and connection states across all vehicles. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of power distribution, charging priorities, and load balancing, simplifying power management by allowing the system to self-regulate based on current operational conditions rather than requiring manual intervention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables vehicles to transition seamlessly between air and water, providing enhanced operational capabilities such as supporting objects and navigating in both environments, improving efficiency and versatility in marine activities like rescue operations and research.
Implementation Method 1
The vehicle 100 includes a ballast 109 and a pump 162. The pump 162 is configured to pump water into or out of the vehicle 100 to adjust a buoyancy of the vehicle 100.
Implementation Method 2
The connectors 110 are configured to automatically connect adjacent vehicles 100 together. In another example, the connectors 110 include magnets that provide for a magnetic force to connect the vehicles 100.
Implementation Method 3
The rotors 102 are configured to propel the vehicle 100 in water 1001. In one example, the rotors 102 are configured to propel the vehicle 100 in water 1001 by operating in the water 1001.
Data Source
AI summary
A system of connectable aerial vehicles. The system includes a plurality of aerial vehicles that each include a platform, one or more rotors operatively connected to the platform, and a power source that supplies power to the one or more rotors. The plurality of aerial vehicles are configured to operate in air, and operate in water while connected to form a floating platform. The floating platform is configured to support an object with at least a portion of each of the plurality of aerial vehicles configured to form a segment of the floating platform.