Aerial System Ground Effect Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Small aerial vehicles face high energetic consumption and short flight endurance due to increased viscous losses at low Reynolds numbers, limiting their capability for long-range missions and tasks requiring extended operational time.

Innovation Solution

The aerial system utilizes an aerodynamic interaction with a surface, such as a ceiling, to reduce power consumption by leveraging the pressure difference created by airflow, enhancing lift and reducing power requirements, while maintaining a safe distance to prevent collisions using protection means like damping materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If small aerial vehicles operate at low Reynolds numbers, then they achieve compact size and maneuverability, but they suffer from increased viscous losses and high energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle sizeVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful aerodynamic interaction (aerodynamic drag) that occurs when the propulsion unit operates near a surface into a beneficial effect. By positioning the propulsion unit within a specific distance from the surface, the airflow interaction creates a low-pressure region that generates additional lift, reducing the power consumption by a factor of three while maintaining compact vehicle size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the propulsion unit operates closer to the surface to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the risk of collision with the surface increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcollision risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces protection means as an intermediary element between the propulsion unit and the surface. This protection means extends upward beyond the propulsion unit to prevent direct contact with the surface, allowing the system to operate at the optimal close distance for aerodynamic efficiency while eliminating the collision risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protection means made of damping material provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing impact energy if contact with the surface occurs. This allows the propulsion unit to operate at the aerodynamically optimal distance from the surface without risking damage from accidental collisions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Force

If the propulsion unit increases rotational speed to maintain lift, then lift force is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelift forceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent exploits the aerodynamic interaction with the surface to generate additional lift force. The proximity to the surface creates a pressure difference that amplifies the lift generated by the propulsion unit, allowing the same lift force to be achieved with significantly reduced rotational speed and power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

This approach significantly reduces power consumption by a factor of three, allowing small aerial vehicles to operate for longer periods with minimal increase in current or rotational speed, thereby extending flight time and enabling more complex tasks like surveillance and inspection.

Implementation Method 1

The uplifting thrust force is induced by the pressure difference across the upstream and the downstream of the propulsion unit. The pressure at the downstream of the propulsion unit is higher than the pressure at the upstream of the propulsion unit.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The aerodynamic interaction between the system and a surface proximate to the flight level provides an uplifting thrust force. The aerodynamic interaction is inversely proportional to the distance between the propulsion unit and the ceiling surface.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic interaction: Ground Effect

Implementation Method 3

The damping material dampens the collision between the protective means and the surface thereby reduces the bouncing of the system.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS10884432B2Aerial system and a method of controlling an aerial system

Publication Date: 2021.01.05 CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

AI summary

An aerial system includes an energy source arranged to power a propulsion unit to operate the system at a flight level, wherein the propulsion unit is in communications with a control device arranged to detect an aerodynamic interaction between the system and a surface proximate to the flight level and control the propulsion unit by use of the detected aerodynamic interaction.