Aerial Vehicle Return Path Control for Obstacle-Aware Auto Return
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Remote controlled aerial vehicles face challenges in quickly and safely returning to a predefined location due to mechanical issues or environmental constraints, requiring efficient flight path adjustments and automated return processes to minimize impact on surroundings.
Innovation Solution
A remote controlled aerial vehicle system with a programmable flight path and automated return functionality, utilizing a wireless communication link between the vehicle and controller, which includes a flight controller, gimbal, and camera, allowing for real-time adjustments and obstacle avoidance to ensure safe and efficient return to a predefined location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the aerial vehicle follows a direct return path to the predefined location, then the return speed is improved, but the risk of collision with obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning of the return path before the aerial vehicle begins its return journey. Obstacles are detected and mapped in advance, allowing the system to pre-calculate alternative routes that avoid detected obstacles while maintaining efficient return speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the return path for obstacles using sensors and adjusts the flight path in real-time based on detected conditions. This feedback mechanism allows the aerial vehicle to maintain high speed while dynamically avoiding obstacles that were not present during preliminary scanning
2Reliability
If the aerial vehicle performs extensive obstacle avoidance maneuvers, then the safety is improved, but the return time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system scans and maps the return path in advance to identify potential obstacles before the aerial vehicle needs to return. This preliminary reconnaissance allows for efficient route planning that minimizes avoidance maneuvers during the actual return
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the return path based on real-time obstacle detection, transitioning between direct high-speed flight and avoidance maneuvers only when necessary. This dynamic approach optimizes the balance between safety and return time by avoiding unnecessary deviations
3Reliability
If the aerial vehicle continuously monitors environmental conditions, then the reliability of return path selection is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs environmental monitoring at periodic intervals rather than continuously, scanning for obstacles and environmental changes at strategically timed moments. This periodic monitoring maintains sufficient situational awareness for safe return while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs comprehensive environmental scanning before the aerial vehicle initiates its return journey, capturing a snapshot of the environment in advance. This preliminary monitoring provides sufficient information for safe return without requiring continuous energy-intensive surveillance during the actual return flight
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a configuration to control automatic return of an aerial vehicle. The configuration stores a return location in a storage device of the aerial vehicle. The return location may correspond to a location where the aerial vehicle is to return. One or more sensors of the aerial vehicle are monitored during flight for detection of a predefined condition. When a predetermined condition is met a return path program may be loaded for execution to provide a return flight path for the aerial vehicle to automatically navigate to the return location.