Aerial Ground-Work Machine With Posture Control and Release Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial vehicles for agricultural work face challenges in performing ground operations efficiently and safely, particularly in varying terrain conditions, with a risk of crashes and damage due to gusts or terrain changes.
Innovation Solution
A work machine comprising an aerial vehicle, a work apparatus, a connection mechanism, and a posture control unit that controls the work apparatus' posture through the aerial vehicle or connection mechanism, with features like a release mechanism, buffer mechanism, and thrust generation device to stabilize and adjust the work apparatus on the ground surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the aerial vehicle is connected to the work apparatus to perform ground operations, then the work capability is improved, but the risk of crash and damage increases due to gusts or terrain changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separable components: the aerial vehicle and the work apparatus are connected through a connection mechanism that can be disconnected. This segmentation allows the work apparatus to be detached from the aerial vehicle when crash risk is high, resolving the contradiction between maintaining work capability and reducing crash risk.
Solution Approach 2:
A connection mechanism acts as an intermediary between the aerial vehicle and the work apparatus. This intermediary component can be released to disconnect the two parts, providing a controlled interface that enables work operations while allowing separation to mitigate crash risks from gusts or terrain changes.
2Reliability
If the connection mechanism is rigid to maintain stable connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the impact damage from terrain variations increases
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer mechanism is incorporated into the connection mechanism to cushion impacts before they reach the aerial vehicle or work apparatus. This beforehand cushioning protects the connected components from damage due to terrain variations while maintaining connection stability.
3Productivity
If the work apparatus is pressed against the ground surface to improve work performance, then the work effectiveness is improved, but the thrust requirement and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The work apparatus is equipped with its own thrust generation device that independently generates thrust to press the apparatus against the ground surface. This self-service approach allows the work apparatus to maintain effective ground contact without requiring additional thrust from the aerial vehicle, thereby improving work effectiveness while avoiding increased energy consumption from the aerial vehicle.
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
Enhances the ability to perform agricultural tasks effectively and safely by controlling the work apparatus' posture and reducing the risk of crashes and damage, even in challenging terrain conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an aerial vehicle (2) configured to fly by generating thrust
Implementation Method 2
a buffer mechanism (33) configured to buffer an impact from the work apparatus (4)
Implementation Method 3
a thrust generation device (45) configured to press the work apparatus (4) against the ground surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A work machine 1 includes a work apparatus 4 configured to perform work on a ground surface; an aerial vehicle 2 configured to fly by generating thrust; a connection mechanism 3 configured to connect the work apparatus 4 and the aerial vehicle 2; and a posture control unit configured to control at least one of the aerial vehicle 2 or the connection mechanism 3 to control a posture of the work apparatus 4.